Supplier Requirements Manual - AK Steel

6Chapter 6: Product/Process Changes & Deviation RequirementsProduct / Process ChangesAK Steel must be notified promptly of any product and/or process changes by the Supplier inorder to evaluate the impact on AK Steel operating efficiencies, cost, downtime, quality andsafety.In particular, improvements/modifications that occur due to the following:Modifications that may have occurred since the original contract agreement with AK Steel forproducts/services received or will be received by AK Steel.Equipment/assemblies/products/services/parts/subassemblies/raw material Suppliers / Sub-Contracting of previously manufactured products ( i.e. workrolls) previously supplied to AKSteel and although currently performing as required, have subsequently undergoneimprovements/modifications which should be communicated to AK Steel for evaluation ofthe potential impact at AK Steel.Therefore, AK Steel requires you as a Supplier to notify your appropriate AK Steel Buyer andyour AK Steel plant/operating department contact(s) of these modifications/improvements, if anyhave or will occur.Deviation RequirementsAK Steel requires strict adherence to a formal deviation procedure when the following situationsarise:• AK Steel production schedules require shipment of new/revised materials prior to trialapproval process or• Supplier discovers any type of non-conformance in product which is urgently needed to meetthe AK Steel production schedule.In either situation, the Supplier MUST obtain prior approval from AK Steel before makingshipments. An approved deviation is required before shipment of any product. The acceptanceof a deviation will be dependent on the nature and extent of the non-conformance and will beauthorized in writing to the Supplier. In the case where a deviation is required, the Supplier willnotify AK Steel Purchasing of the situation with detail. Purchasing will document the deviationand submit to the affected manufacturing site (Operations) for approval. When approval isreceived, AK Steel Purchasing will notify the Supplier that the deviation has been granted.The Supplier must include a copy of the approval with the shipment of product to themanufacturing site. Failure to follow this procedure may result in a product rejection and reflecton the Supplier's quality performance.AK Steel Supplier Requirements Page 29 of 55Revised 01/13