What is an SCR (Supplier Change Request)?
Supplier Change Request (SCR): Complete Guide for Manufacturers & Quality Teams
🧩 What Is a Supplier Change Request (SCR)?
A Supplier Change Request (SCR) is a formal notification or proposal from a supplier to the customer (usually an OEM or Tier 1) requesting approval to modify a product, material, process, or manufacturing location.
It ensures that any change initiated by the supplier is reviewed, validated, and approved before implementation, in compliance with standards like IATF 16949 and ISO 9001.
🎯 When Is an SCR Required?
Suppliers must submit an SCR when making changes to:
- 📦 Materials (e.g., resin grade, metal alloy)
- 🏭 Manufacturing site or location
- ⚙️ Production processes or equipment
- 🧾 Design or technical specifications
- 👷♂️ Sub-suppliers or outsourcing
- 🕒 Production tooling or cycle time
- 🔢 Software or firmware updates (for electronics)
📉 Why the SCR Process Is Critical
Implementing a supplier change without approval can lead to:
- 🚫 Non-conformance or part failure
- ❌ PPAP rejection
- 📉 Warranty claims or recalls
- 📜 Non-compliance with IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, or customer-specific requirements
💡 Many OEMs require approval of the SCR before a PPAP submission or any shipment using the proposed change.
🔄 SCR vs ECR vs PCN
| Term | Originator | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SCR | Supplier | Request to change something that affects the customer |
| ECR | Internal team | Propose change for internal design or product |
| PCN (Process Change Notification) | Supplier or OEM | Inform customer of an approved or implemented change |
🧾 What to Include in a Supplier Change Request
A complete SCR should include:
- ✅ Supplier name & contact
- 🆔 SCR Number and Date
- 📦 Affected part number(s)
- 📜 Description of proposed change
- 🎯 Reason for the change (cost, obsolescence, improvement)
- 🔍 Risk and impact assessment (e.g., FMEA update)
- 🧪 Test results or validation evidence
- 📅 Proposed timeline for implementation
- 📝 New PPAP level proposal (if required)
- 🧾 Supporting documents (drawings, specs, process flow)
🔧 How to Handle SCRs Effectively (For OEMs & Tier 1)
- Define your SCR procedure (in your QMS or quality manual)
- Review the SCR internally with:
- Engineering
- Quality
- Purchasing / SQA
- Request additional documentation (e.g., FMEA, updated control plan)
- Require a new PPAP submission if change impacts form, fit, or function
- Document approval/rejection in writing
- Audit supplier change effectiveness after implementation
🔍 SCR and IATF 16949: Key Reference
IATF 16949 clause 8.5.6.1.1 requires suppliers to notify customers of any proposed process changes, material changes, or manufacturing relocations before implementation.
📣 Conclusion
The Supplier Change Request (SCR) is more than a formality—it’s a quality gate that protects your products, brand, and customers from unexpected risk. Whether you’re a supplier or OEM, managing the SCR process efficiently ensures compliance, traceability, and robust change control.
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What is a Supplier Change Request (SCR)? Learn when to submit an SCR, what to include, and how to handle it according to IATF 16949. Download free templates.