What is MESH Sourcing?

MESH Works
What is MESH Sourcing?

Sourcing is an information overload. The steps of the buyer processes are also meticulous and exhaustive: Buyers must be able to identify the exact pieces they need from multiple suppliers, be able to compare and contrast the products and locations of different suppliers, stay on top of their RFQs to each supplier, and be able to manage the various forms of communication to these suppliers. Finally, if these previous steps were successful, they must be able to communicate and manage the purchasing agreement. To accomplish these tasks on a large scale, efficiently, and successfully would be monotonous and tiresome. MESH has created a solution for all buyers to streamline the procurement process to solve this sourcing problem.

Sourcing-Dashboard.pngMESH Sourcing

Our database is an end-to-end database for manufacturers with access to 2600+ metal casting, forging, metal extrusions, and machining suppliers across the globe. The MESH Sourcing database is user-friendly and buyer-to-supplier relationship-focused. MESH ensures that every buyer who uses their database has as much information about their supplier as possible. MESH accomplishes this by completing Sourcing Audits for each of its suppliers.

Qualified quality auditor or sourcing engineer of a manufacturing facility conducts a Sourcing Audit. It is a smaller and shorter version of the Quality Systems Audit focused on evaluating the effectiveness and presence of controls and processes at the audited facilities. A MESH Sourcing Audit is the smaller version of a Quality Systems Audit. Experienced MESH quality engineers in individual countries and regions also conduct Quality System Audits. A MESH Sourcing Audit includes 45 questions answered by MESH Quality Engineers based on evidence they see in person at a manufacturing facility. Each question gets a subjective rating from 1 to 5 stars based on the strength of the evidence seen. As of May 2023, over 1700 of our suppliers have been visited and assessed by a MESH auditor. 

Why are Sourcing Audits necessary?

Other procurement directories also provide audits for suppliers, but these locations often aggregate a lot of good information about suppliers. The biggest disadvantage of these sites is that suppliers manage this information and can often understate or overstate their capabilities. Many buyers over the years have found that suppliers stated capabilities and, in some cases, even pictures and videos are not authentic. Buyers only find out when they visit or, in some cases, after being awarded the business. This causes stress within quality, sourcing, and sales organizations leading to delays and cost overruns. MESH creates relationships between suppliers and buyers to ensure clarity and satisfaction in manufacturing.

Sourcing Mobile.pngStart Sourcing with MESH

If you want to purchase metal castings, forgings, metal extrusions, or machining, save yourself the hassle and. Join the age of digital procurement with MESH.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. What is MESH Sourcing?

Ans. MESH Sourcing is a cloud-based global sourcing platform that provides buyers with access to over 2,600 audited suppliers in metal casting, forging, extrusion, and machining. It centralizes supplier data, capabilities, certifications, audit scores, and communication. This setup makes sourcing faster, more precise, and much more clear.

Q 2. How is MESH Sourcing different from procurement directories?

Ans. Unlike traditional directories where suppliers upload their own data, MESH conducts independent on-site sourcing audits through qualified auditors. This ensures buyers see real, verified information, not inflated claims or outdated profiles. This greatly reduces the risk of choosing an unqualified supplier.

Q 3. What is included in a MESH Sourcing Audit?

Ans. A MESH Sourcing Audit includes 45 evidence-based questions covering:

  • Manufacturing processes and workflow.

  • Equipment and plant layout.

  • Quality systems and certification validity.

  • Engineering capabilities, such as APQP, CAD tools, and sample readiness.

  • Logistics experience and export readiness.

  • Support processes like calibration, traceability, and incoming inspection.

Each parameter gets a 1 to 5 star rating based on in-person verification.

Q 4. Why are sourcing audits important for buyers?

Ans. Audits help buyers select suppliers that:

  • Can produce the required part

  • Have consistent quality systems

  • Maintain proper documentation and certifications

  • Have actual production capacity

  • Will not cause delays, rework, or failed launches

This avoids costly surprises after a project is awarded.

Q 5. How many suppliers in the database have been audited?

Ans. As of May 2023, MESH engineers have visited and audited more than 1,700 suppliers. This makes MESH one of the most trusted supplier databases in the world.

Q 6. What manufacturing categories does MESH cover?

Ans. Buyers can source globally in:

- Metal casting (aluminum, iron, steel, sand, die casting, gravity casting)

- Forging (open-die, closed-die, ring forgings)

- Metal extrusions

- CNC machining and fabrication

- Value-added processes (heat treatment, finishing, assembly, packaging)

Q 7. Can I manage RFQs inside MESH?

Ans. Yes. MESH has a built-in RFQ system that lets buyers:

  • Send RFQs to several qualified suppliers

  • Track quotes and changes

  • Compare pricing and capabilities side by side

  • Keep a complete sourcing history

Q 8. Does MESH help reduce sourcing time?

Ans. Absolutely. Buyers who use spreadsheets, emails, WhatsApp groups, and casual research often spend weeks collecting supplier information. With MESH Sourcing Platform, matching supplier capabilities, reviewing audits, and distributing RFQs can be completed in minutes.

Q 9. Is MESH suitable for small and medium manufacturers?

Ans. Yes. MESH is used by:

  • Small factories that need reliable suppliers.

  • Mid-sized manufacturers that are expanding sourcing regions.

  • Large Tier 1 companies that manage global supplier portfolios.

  • OEM teams that want real visibility and quality verification.

Since MESH already audits suppliers, even small teams can source like large procurement organizations.

Q 10. How do I get started with MESH Sourcing?

Ans. You can request a demo or schedule a discovery call. A MESH representative will guide you through:

  • Supplier search

  • Audit interpretation

  • RFQ workflow

  • Best practices for global sourcing

Start sourcing with confidence, digitally and efficiently, with MESH.

Sourcing
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