A specification change for electroless nickel plating might not seem like a big deal, but when our team caught it during a routine order review, we quickly realized it would affect multiple parts across our customer’s entire product line. The change required different test coupons (small sample pieces used to verify plating quality) and new materials for each order, which would directly impact future costs and production timelines.
We immediately flagged the issue and reached out to the customer, who appreciated our attention to detail. They admitted they fully expected to receive incorrect parts from other suppliers who likely wouldn’t have noticed. The issue was significant enough to warrant an in-person engineering meeting, where we discovered that the specification itself contained contradictions that needed correction.
This wasn’t a lucky catch. At Coastal Machine & Supply, our custom machining services are backed by a systematic pre-production check process that reviews every detail before parts go into production. It’s a process we’ve built into every job we handle, from first-time prototypes to high-volume runs.
As a Louisiana manufacturer specializing in complex machining solutions, we know that catching these details early can mean the difference between a smooth production run and costly rework.
How ProShop Powers Our Pre-Production Process
Our pre-production check process begins in ProShop, our ERP system that houses a comprehensive checklist for every order. It’s designed to build trust by ensuring every detail is verified before we begin.
Each order goes through a documented process that includes:
- Matching drawing revisions between customer POs and our system files
- Confirming that all documents from the original quote packet are uploaded and accessible
- Ensuring part numbers match exactly across all documentation
Each step requires an individual sign-off with a timestamp. Team members put their names on every approval, creating clear accountability. When anyone pulls up a work order, they can instantly see whether all pre-production steps were completed.
This level of verification helps prevent mid-project surprises, such as mismatched specifications or missing details. It also helps our machinists, who never have to question whether they’re working from the right revision or whether special requirements have been communicated. Everything is clear, documented, and confirmed before the first cut.
Going Above and Beyond for New Customers
For new customers, we take an additional step with an in-person review of the contract before the first work order is released. Our leadership team—including directors of Sales, Quality, and Manufacturing—meets to review every requirement on the purchase order:
- Invoicing instructions and payment terms
- Shipping instructions and delivery timeframes
- Correct delivery addresses
- Special specifications and quality clauses
- Packaging requirements
- Any unique customer preferences or needs
This extra layer of review helps us ensure we fully understand expectations from the start, and shows that we take customer success seriously.
We also offer facility tours to first-time customers. These visits allow us to guide them through the production process of their parts and show them their actual orders in ProShop, from quote to delivery. We also explain why sending 3D models (not just PDFs) leads to better results.
The response is always positive. Customers appreciate the transparency, structure, and personal investment in getting it right.
Consistency Across Every Order
This systematic check process ensures consistency throughout the lifecycle of your part.
Whether it’s your first order or your fiftieth, we follow the same proven checklist, maintaining our high standards across every job. For repeat parts, we review the NCR (non-conformance report) history before production begins. ProShop’s direct links from the checklist to relevant NCR records allow us to implement corrective actions and prevent recurring issues quickly. Every job benefits from lessons learned on previous runs.
That electroless nickel plating spec issue wasn’t a one-off success story. Our ProShop check process reduces risk by identifying problems early, preventing costly surprises during production, and ensuring clear communication throughout the entire manufacturing process.
In precision manufacturing, trust is earned through consistency and reliability. By building comprehensive checks into every order, demonstrating transparency in our processes, and continuously improving based on experience, we deliver lasting value through our custom machining services.
Are you looking for a machining partner who catches the details others miss? Request a quote for our custom machining services and let’s start the conversation.
4832 N.E. Evangeline Thruway
Carencro, LA 70520
(337)-886-1141
Coastal Machine & Supply delivers reliable, high-precision components for mission-critical industries, including oil and gas, space, aerospace, and defense. As an AS9100-certified machine shop and ITAR-registered manufacturer, customers trust us for secure precision machining solutions. From advanced equipment and digital manufacturing processes to skilled engineers and machinists, Coastal provides CNC machining solutions for complex parts built to perform in demanding environments.