An OEM supplier scorecard is the rating your customer keeps on your quality and delivery performance. It is not just paperwork: a strong scorecard protects your current business and wins the next program award, while a declining scorecard can put both at risk. Here is how to read one and what moves the numbers.
The Metrics on Almost Every Scorecard
- Quality (PPM): defective parts per million shipped. Lower is better, and most OEMs target single-digit or zero PPM
- Delivery: on-time and in-full performance against the release
- Responsiveness: how fast and how professionally you respond to concerns and requests
- Warranty and field issues: problems found after the vehicle is sold
- Controlled shipping and escalation history: whether you have been placed on containment
How the Major OEMs Score Suppliers
Each OEM uses its own system, but the drivers are similar: defects, delivery, and responsiveness. GM, Ford, Stellantis, Toyota, and Honda all track quality performance and use it to rank suppliers and award new business. A repeat defect or a slow response shows up quickly and can move a supplier from preferred to watch status.
What Drives a Scorecard Down Fast
- A repeat of the same defect the OEM already flagged
- A slow or absent response in the first hours of a concern
- Being placed on controlled shipping (CSL1 or CSL2)
- Missed or short deliveries that stop the line
- Poor communication during an active issue
How to Protect and Recover Your Scorecard
- 1Respond fast: get eyes on the parts and the plant the same day
- 2Contain completely and prove it with clean inspection data
- 3Complete a thorough 8D and close it professionally
- 4Communicate proactively so the plant hears from you before it escalates
- 5Maintain an on-site presence during high-risk periods
Key takeaway: the scorecard is scored on speed, containment, and communication. A quality liaison on-site protects all three, which is why suppliers use one to defend a rating and recover a slipping one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover a damaged scorecard?
It depends on the OEM and the severity, but recovery is driven by sustained clean performance and clear communication. A strong on-site response to the next few concerns is usually what turns a rating around.
Can a good scorecard win new business?
Yes. OEMs award new programs to suppliers they trust. A strong scorecard, especially strong responsiveness, is one of the clearest signals that a supplier is low risk.