| Product samples | Touch technology, panel size and resolution, brightness, viewing angle, interface, enclosure, and operating system compatibility. | A sample matching the proposed bill of materials; specification sheet; drawings; and a record of any deviations from the requested design. | Test the sample against your written requirements. Check touch accuracy, multi-touch performance, display uniformity, ports, mounting, and operation with your intended host system. |
| Sample testing | Functional checks, repeated touch operation, image quality, thermal behavior, and performance after handling or transport. | Test plan and results for the sample, including test conditions and any failures or corrective actions. | Agree on acceptance criteria before testing. A sample approval should identify the exact hardware and software configuration being approved. |
| Pricing | Unit price by order quantity, sample charges, tooling or customization fees, packaging, and shipping terms. | A written quotation with currency, quoted quantity, validity period, payment terms, Incoterms® rule and named place, and itemized one-time charges. | Compare like-for-like specifications and delivery terms. Confirm whether the quotation includes the touch panel, controller, cables, power supply, and required certifications. |
| Production capacity | Available assembly capacity, current workload, order quantity, production schedule, and peak-season constraints. | A capacity statement for the specific product family, proposed production plan, and a shipment schedule tied to order quantity and component availability. | Ask how capacity is calculated and which steps are performed in-house. Treat broad monthly capacity claims as unverified unless supported by a site audit or production records. |
| Lead time | Sample lead time, time to approve a production sample, mass-production lead time, and shipping transit time. | A schedule that separates material procurement, assembly, testing, packing, and transport. | Check whether the quoted production lead time starts after deposit, final specifications, sample approval, or another defined milestone. |
| Quality control | Incoming inspection, in-process checks, final inspection, traceability, and handling of defects. | Inspection procedures, sample inspection reports, defect records where available, and a written process for corrective action and replacement or repair. | Look for documented inspection criteria and batch traceability. Confirm that the factory can test the complete assembled monitor, not only individual components. |
| Certifications and compliance | Requirements for the destination market and the exact finished-product configuration. | Applicable test reports or certificates, model numbers covered, issuing laboratory, and details of any component substitutions. | Verify documents with the issuing body or laboratory where appropriate. Do not assume a component certificate automatically covers the finished monitor. |
| Communication | Response time, clarity, technical knowledge, ownership of action items, and ability to communicate schedule changes. | Written answers to technical questions, meeting notes, a named project contact, and a sample issue or production status report. | Use the same questions with every candidate. Strong communication is specific, consistent, and supported by documents rather than unsupported assurances. |
| After-sales support | Warranty scope, repair process, spare parts availability, troubleshooting support, and responsibility for shipping costs. | Written warranty terms, return or repair instructions, spare-parts policy, and a defined process for reporting product issues. | Confirm warranty duration, exclusions, response process, and remedies in the purchase agreement before placing an order. |
| Factory verification | Whether the supplier manufactures the product, coordinates subcontractors, or acts as a trading company. | Business and facility information, a live factory tour or independent audit, and an explanation of outsourced production steps. | Verify the facility and production scope. Record any subcontractors that handle assembly, testing, or other critical processes. |