sample evaluation<\/a>. Differences get documented as deviations or fixed. Run the new unit through the same burn-in discipline before you approve. The fastest qualifier is a factory experienced in receiving transferred programs: the questions it asks in week one tell you how the next eight weeks will go.<\/p>\nThe bridge order<\/h2>\n Before the old factory’s production ends, place a bridge order<\/strong> sized to cover the transition window \u2014 the weeks of qualification, tooling move and first production at the new source. Rule of thumb: bridge stock covering 10\u201316 weeks of demand, adjusted for your season. The bridge order also serves as the old factory’s final quality reference; a clean last shipment is the cheapest way to end a relationship with the door open, which matters more than it sounds \u2014 the industry is smaller than it looks.<\/p>\nThe certification catch<\/h2>\n The detail that surprises buyers most: factory-held certificates belong to the factory<\/strong>. CE declarations, CB reports and FCC grants name the holder \u2014 when you switch factories, market certifications that were factory-held must be re-issued under the new factory, typically built on a difference-tested CB report. This is exactly why we recommend keeping certificates factory-held and<\/em> insisting on a model-specific CB report \u2014 see power adapter certification by country<\/a> for which schemes move easily and which need local re-registration (INMETRO, BIS and SII are the heavy ones, especially where an importer holds the certificate). Plan certification into the switch timeline rather than discovering it after the bridge stock runs out.<\/p>\nSwitch timeline table<\/h2>\n \n\n\nPhase<\/th>\n Typical duration<\/th>\n Runs in parallel with<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\nData handover + new supplier selection<\/td>\n 1\u20132 weeks<\/td>\n Current production continues<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nNew supplier samples vs golden sample<\/td>\n 2\u20133 weeks<\/td>\n Bridge order placed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nTooling move + first shots<\/td>\n 1\u20132 weeks (if moulded)<\/td>\n Certification transfer file prep<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nQualification + burn-in at new factory<\/td>\n 1\u20132 weeks<\/td>\n Bridge stock ships as needed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFirst production at new source<\/td>\n 5\u20136 weeks after approval<\/td>\n Old factory winds down<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nA clean switch typically runs 8\u201312 weeks end to end, almost entirely overlapped with continuing supply.<\/em><\/p>\nFrequently asked questions<\/h2>\nWhen should I switch suppliers?<\/h3>\n When the data, tooling and golden sample are already in your hands<\/strong> \u2014 not before. If you are switching because you must (quality collapse, commercial breach), the bridge order and the agreement clauses are what protect you.<\/p>\nCan the old factory refuse to release the tooling?<\/h3>\n Not if the agreement says otherwise \u2014 but without an agreement, possession becomes leverage.<\/strong> This is the single strongest reason the tooling clause exists before you need it. See our OEM agreement guide<\/a>.<\/p>\nDo I need to recertify after switching factories?<\/h3>\n Factory-held certificates do not move with you \u2014 the new factory needs its own per-model reports<\/strong>, built on difference testing of the existing CB report. Market schemes with importer-held certificates (INMETRO, SII) need the importer engaged in the move.<\/p>\nHow do I keep two factories building the same adapter identical?<\/h3>\n One specification, one golden-sample standard, one test procedure \u2014 enforced on both.<\/strong> Run periodic cross-comparison of units from both lines; drift between sources is gradual and invisible without a common reference.<\/p>\nWhat if the new factory’s samples differ from the golden sample?<\/h3>\n Document the deviation and demand a revised sample<\/strong> \u2014 the golden sample exists precisely so this conversation is objective. Approving “close enough” is how the second source becomes a different product.<\/p>\nHow big should the bridge order be?<\/h3>\n Cover 10\u201316 weeks of demand<\/strong> \u2014 enough to ride qualification and first production without a gap, not so much that you are financing inventory twice.<\/p>\nShould I tell the old factory I am leaving?<\/h3>\n Yes, professionally and on your schedule:<\/strong> a clean wind-down with a final bridge order keeps the data handover cooperative and leaves a reference in an industry where paths recross.<\/p>\nIs dual sourcing worth the overhead?<\/h3>\n For critical programs, yes:<\/strong> a 70\/30 split keeps both lines warm, prices honest, and your supply immune to one factory’s bad quarter. The overhead is real but smaller than one unmanaged supply disruption.<\/p>\n