CommercialSales - Customer & Contract Management
When to Activate This Skill
- "Process this RFQ"
- "Review contract terms for [customer]"
- "What are the customer requirements?"
- "Handle customer complaint from [customer]"
- "What's our customer satisfaction status?"
- "Manage CSRs for [customer]"
- "Process customer order"
- "Customer communication template"
Workflow Routing
| Workflow | Trigger | File |
|----------|---------|------|
| RfqProcess | "RFQ", "enquiry", "new quote request" | Workflows/RfqProcess.md |
| ContractReview | "contract review", "terms review" | Workflows/ContractReview.md |
| CustomerRequirements | "customer requirements", "CSR" | Workflows/CustomerRequirements.md |
| ComplaintEscalation | "customer complaint", "escalate issue" | Workflows/ComplaintEscalation.md |
IATF 16949 Compliance Overview
This skill addresses key IATF 16949 clauses for commercial operations:
| IATF Clause | Requirement | Coverage | |-------------|-------------|----------| | 8.2.1.1 | Customer Communication (supplemental) | Communication protocols | | 8.2.2.1 | Determination of Requirements (supplemental) | Requirements capture | | 8.2.3.1.1 | Review of Requirements (supplemental) | Contract review | | 8.2.3.1.2 | Customer-Designated Special Characteristics | SC identification | | 8.2.3.1.3 | Organization Manufacturing Feasibility | Feasibility assessment | | 8.7.1.6 | Customer Notification | Nonconformance notification | | 9.1.2.1 | Customer Satisfaction (supplemental) | Satisfaction monitoring | | 10.2.5 | Warranty Management | Warranty analysis | | 10.2.6 | Customer Complaints & Field Failure | Complaint handling |
Reference: ~/projects/work/docs/compliance/IATF16949_Compliance_Plan.md
RFQ Processing
Enquiry Receipt and Registration
Sources of Enquiries:
- Email (direct customer contact)
- Customer portals (Covisint, SupplyOn, etc.)
- Phone enquiries (documented immediately)
- RFI (Request for Information) - preliminary
Registration Requirements: | Field | Description | Example | |-------|-------------|---------| | Enquiry ID | Unique identifier | ENQ-2026-0042 | | Customer | Customer name | Jaguar Land Rover | | Part Description | Brief description | Suspension link bracket | | Drawing Number | If provided | JLR-12345-A | | Quantity | Annual volume | 5,000 pcs/year | | Target Price | Customer target (if stated) | £15.00/part | | Target SOP | Required start date | Q3 2027 | | Response Due | Quote deadline | 15-Feb-2026 |
Multi-Functional Review
Before quoting, involve all relevant functions:
| Function | Review Focus | Sign-off | |----------|--------------|----------| | Manufacturing Engineering | Technical feasibility, process capability | ☐ | | Production | Capacity, equipment availability | ☐ | | Quality | Quality requirements, special characteristics | ☐ | | Supply Chain | Material availability, lead times | ☐ | | Commercial | Pricing, terms, margin | ☐ |
Feasibility Assessment
IATF 8.2.3.1.3 Requirement: Manufacturing feasibility must be assessed before commitment.
Feasibility Responses: | Response | Meaning | Action | |----------|---------|--------| | Feasible | Can meet all requirements | Proceed to quote | | Conditionally Feasible | Can meet with noted exceptions | Document exceptions, customer agreement required | | Not Feasible | Cannot meet requirements | Decline or propose alternatives |
Feasibility Checklist:
- [ ] Dimensional capability (tolerances within equipment capability)
- [ ] Material availability (standard stock or special order)
- [ ] Capacity availability (equipment time, headcount)
- [ ] Tooling requirements (standard or special)
- [ ] Surface finish requirements (achievable with process)
- [ ] Special processes (heat treat, plating - supplier capability)
- [ ] Quality requirements (Cpk targets achievable)
- [ ] Timing requirements (lead time realistic)
Quotation Preparation
Quote Components:
- Material Cost - Weight × £/kg × waste factor (1.3-1.5)
- Labor Cost - Cycle time × hourly rate × quantity
- Setup Cost - Setup time × rate ÷ batch quantity
- Overhead - Applied per company formula
- Margin - Typically 25-40% depending on risk
- Tooling - If customer-funded, separate line item
For detailed costing, use: load QuoteEstimator skill
Quote Validity: Standard 30 days unless otherwise stated
Contract Review (IATF 8.2.3)
Contract Review Checklist
IATF 8.2.3.1.1 requires review of:
| Category | Review Items | Reviewer | |----------|--------------|----------| | Technical | Drawings current, tolerances achievable, GD&T understood | Engineering | | Quality | Cpk targets, special characteristics, PPAP level | Quality | | Capacity | Volume achievable, equipment available, lead time OK | Production | | Timing | SOP date realistic, PPAP timeline achievable | PMO | | Commercial | Price acceptable, payment terms, liability | Commercial | | Packaging | Pack spec available, customer-specific requirements | Logistics | | Regulatory | REACH, RoHS, IMDS requirements | Quality |
Terms and Conditions Review
Standard Terms to Verify:
| Term | MNMUK Position | Risk if Unfavorable | |------|----------------|---------------------| | Payment terms | Net 30-60 preferred | Cash flow impact | | Liability cap | Limited to order value | Unlimited exposure | | Warranty period | 12-24 months | Extended liability | | Tooling ownership | Customer-owned if funded | Asset retention | | IP/Confidentiality | Reasonable scope | Business restriction | | Termination | Reasonable notice | Stranded inventory | | Price adjustments | Annual review clause | Material cost exposure | | Quality chargebacks | Capped, root cause based | Unreasonable deductions |
Special Characteristics Agreement
IATF 8.2.3.1.2 Requirement: Customer-designated special characteristics must be agreed.
Special Characteristic Types: | Symbol | Type | Definition | Control Requirement | |--------|------|------------|---------------------| | CC | Critical | Safety/regulatory impact | Cpk ≥1.67, 100% or SPC | | SC | Significant | Fit/function impact | Cpk ≥1.33, SPC recommended | | S | Safety | Safety-related | Enhanced controls |
Agreement Process:
- Identify all CC/SC from customer drawing
- Confirm capability to meet enhanced requirements
- Document in Control Plan and PFMEA
- Obtain customer sign-off on classification
Contract Award Acceptance
Decision Authority: | Contract Value | Approval Authority | |----------------|-------------------| | <£10,000 annual | Commercial Manager | | £10,000 - £50,000 | AGM | | >£50,000 | General Manager |
Customer Requirements Management
Sources of Customer Requirements
| Source | Content | Where Documented | |--------|---------|------------------| | Engineering Drawings | Dimensions, tolerances, GD&T | Drawing register | | Specifications | Material, performance, test | Spec register | | Purchase Orders | Quantity, delivery, price | ERP system | | Quality Agreements | Quality expectations, targets | QA file | | CSR Documents | Customer-specific requirements | CSR register | | Industry Standards | ISO, ASTM, SAE requirements | Referenced in specs |
Customer-Specific Requirements (CSRs)
Common CSR Categories:
| Category | Examples | |----------|----------| | APQP/Timing | Phase gate requirements, milestone dates | | PPAP | Submission level, additional elements | | Quality Targets | PPM targets, Cpk requirements | | Labeling | Label format, barcode requirements | | Packaging | Specific containers, dunnage, quantities | | Shipping | Carrier requirements, ASN, routing | | Systems | EDI, portal, supplier scorecards | | Traceability | Lot traceability, serialization | | Documentation | Retention periods, format requirements |
CSR Register
Maintain a register of all customer-specific requirements:
# Customer-Specific Requirements Register
**Customer:** [Name]
**Last Updated:** [Date]
| # | Requirement | Source | Responsibility | Compliance Status |
|---|-------------|--------|----------------|-------------------|
| 1 | PPAP Level 3 required | Quality Manual | Quality | Compliant |
| 2 | ASN via EDI 856 | Logistics Manual | Supply Chain | Compliant |
| 3 | 2D barcode on label | Pack Spec | Logistics | Compliant |
| 4 | Cpk ≥1.67 for CC | SQM | Quality | Compliant |
Requirements Flowdown
Requirements must flow through the product realization process:
Customer Requirements
↓
Contract Review → Feasibility confirmed
↓
APQP Planning → Requirements in timing plan
↓
PFMEA → Failure modes address requirements
↓
Control Plan → Controls ensure requirements met
↓
Work Instructions → Operators know requirements
↓
Inspection → Verification requirements met
↓
PPAP → Evidence of compliance submitted
Customer Order Management
Order Receipt
Order Channels:
- EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
- Customer portal download
- Email/fax (manual entry)
- Phone (immediate documentation required)
Order Review Checklist
| Check | Verification | Action if Issue | |-------|--------------|-----------------| | Part number correct | Match to master data | Query customer | | Revision current | Match to latest drawing | Clarify before proceed | | Quantity feasible | Check capacity/inventory | Propose alternative | | Delivery date achievable | Check lead time | Negotiate if needed | | Price matches quote | Compare to contract | Resolve before confirm | | Packaging specified | Check pack spec | Confirm with customer | | Special requirements | Check for deviations | Document and agree |
Order Acknowledgment
Response Time: Within 24 hours
Acknowledgment Content:
- Customer order number
- MNMUK order/reference number
- Part number and revision
- Quantity confirmed
- Delivery date confirmed
- Price confirmed
- Any deviations noted
Lead Time Guidelines
| Scenario | Typical Lead Time | |----------|-------------------| | Stock item | 2-3 days | | Made to order (materials available) | 1-2 weeks | | Made to order (materials required) | 3-4 weeks | | New part (tooling/setup required) | 6-12 weeks | | Complex/new development | 12-24 weeks |
Order Changes
Change Management:
- Log change request with timestamp
- Assess feasibility within 24 hours
- Calculate cost impact (if any)
- Obtain internal approval
- Confirm change to customer
- Update system records
Customer Communication (IATF 8.2.1.1)
Communication Types
| Type | Trigger | Responsibility | Timeline | |------|---------|----------------|----------| | Proactive | Status updates, scorecards | Commercial | Scheduled | | Reactive | Customer queries | Commercial | Within 24 hrs | | Issue Notification | Quality/delivery problem | Quality/Logistics | Immediate | | PPAP Submission | Part approval required | Quality | Per timing |
Customer Notification Requirements
IATF 8.7.1.6 - Nonconformance Notification:
Customers must be notified when:
- Nonconforming product has been shipped
- Product does not meet specification
- Suspect product may have been delivered
Notification Content:
- Part number and description
- Quantity affected
- Date range of shipments
- Nature of nonconformance
- Containment actions taken
- Investigation status
- Contact for questions
Communication Templates
Quality Issue Notification:
Subject: Quality Notification - [Part Number] - [Brief Description]
Dear [Customer Contact],
We are writing to inform you of a quality issue affecting [Part Number].
**Issue Summary:**
- Part Number: [P/N]
- Description: [Issue description]
- Quantity Potentially Affected: [Qty]
- Shipment Dates: [Date range]
**Containment Actions:**
- [Action 1]
- [Action 2]
**Next Steps:**
- [Investigation timeline]
- [Expected resolution]
We apologize for any inconvenience and will provide updates as our investigation progresses.
Please contact [Name] at [Phone/Email] with any questions.
Regards,
[Name]
Quality Manager
Multimatic Niche Manufacturing UK
Customer Satisfaction Monitoring (IATF 9.1.2.1)
Satisfaction Indicators
| Indicator | Metric | Target | Frequency | |-----------|--------|--------|-----------| | Delivered Part Quality | Customer PPM | <50 PPM | Monthly | | Customer Disruptions | Line stops, holds | 0 | Per event | | Delivery Performance | On-Time Delivery | >98% | Weekly | | Premium Freight | Incidents | 0 | Monthly | | Customer Complaints | Count | Reducing trend | Monthly | | Customer Scorecard | Rating | Green/Preferred | Quarterly |
Customer Scorecard Review
Monthly Actions:
- Download scorecards from customer portals
- Review metrics vs. targets
- Identify any Red/Yellow items
- Initiate corrective actions for issues
- Report to management review
Scorecard Response: | Rating | Status | Action Required | |--------|--------|-----------------| | Green/Preferred | Meeting expectations | Maintain performance | | Yellow/Conditional | Marginal performance | Improvement plan | | Red/New Business Hold | Poor performance | Immediate escalation |
Customer Feedback Channels
| Channel | Type | Response Requirement | |---------|------|----------------------| | Customer portal | Formal | Per portal SLA | | Email complaint | Semi-formal | 24-hour acknowledgment | | Phone call | Informal | Document and follow up | | Site visit feedback | Formal | Action log required | | Survey response | Formal | Management review |
Customer Complaint Handling
Complaint vs. Technical Issue
| Type | Ownership | Process | |------|-----------|---------| | Customer Complaint | Commercial (escalation owner) | This skill | | Technical Investigation | Quality (8D owner) | EightD skill |
Commercial manages the customer relationship; Quality manages the technical investigation.
Complaint Escalation Process
Step 1: Receipt and Acknowledgment
- Log complaint immediately
- Acknowledge to customer within 4 hours
- Assign internal owner
Step 2: Initial Assessment
- Classify severity (Critical/Major/Minor)
- Determine if 8D required
- Identify containment needs
Step 3: Customer Communication Plan | Severity | Update Frequency | Escalation Level | |----------|------------------|------------------| | Critical | Daily | GM + Customer leadership | | Major | Every 2-3 days | Commercial Manager | | Minor | Weekly | Commercial team |
Step 4: Resolution Tracking
- Monitor 8D progress (if applicable)
- Communicate milestones to customer
- Confirm customer satisfaction with resolution
Step 5: Closure
- Obtain customer acceptance
- Document lessons learned
- Update PFMEA/Control Plan if needed
- Close complaint record
Complaint Metrics
| Metric | Calculation | Target | |--------|-------------|--------| | Response Time | Time to acknowledge | <4 hours | | Resolution Time | Time to close | <30 days (standard) | | Repeat Complaints | Same issue recurrence | 0 | | Customer Satisfaction | Closure rating | ≥4/5 |
Warranty Management (IATF 10.2.5)
Warranty Analysis Requirements
When warranty returns occur:
- Log return with all available data
- Conduct failure analysis (including NTF)
- Link to 8D if actionable cause found
- Track warranty costs
- Report trends to management
NTF (No Trouble Found) Analysis
IATF Requirement: Analyze warranty returns even when no defect found.
| NTF Category | Possible Cause | Action | |--------------|----------------|--------| | Application error | Customer installation | Improve installation instructions | | Misdiagnosis | Field diagnosis error | Training for service techs | | Intermittent | Condition-dependent failure | Enhanced testing | | Specification gap | Works but doesn't meet expectation | Specification review |
Integration with Related Skills
QuoteEstimator
For technical costing during RFQ:
- Cycle time estimation
- Material cost calculation
- Machine rate application
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Quoteestimator/SKILL.md
Apqpppap
For program management post-award:
- APQP phase gates
- PPAP submission
- Customer approval
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Apqpppap/SKILL.md
EightD
For technical problem solving on complaints:
- Root cause analysis
- Corrective action
- Verification
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Eightd/SKILL.md
SupplyChain
For supplier-related customer issues:
- Material nonconformance
- Supplier development
- Sub-tier management
Load: read ~/.claude/skills/Supplychain/SKILL.md
Key Documents Reference
| Document | Purpose | Location | |----------|---------|----------| | PMOP-004 | Customer Requirements Management | QMS | | SCP-007 | Customer Order Management | QMS | | QP-008 | Customer Complaints (8D) | QMS | | F-COM-001 | Customer Enquiry Log | Forms | | F-COM-002 | Quotation Template | Forms | | F-COM-003 | Contract Review Checklist | Forms | | F-COM-004 | CSR Register | Forms |
Examples
Example 1: Process new RFQ
User: "We received an RFQ from JLR for a suspension bracket"
→ Loads RfqProcess workflow
→ Walks through registration, feasibility, quotation
→ Generates quote package
Example 2: Contract review
User: "Review the contract terms for the new BMW order"
→ Loads ContractReview workflow
→ Checks technical, quality, commercial requirements
→ Identifies risks and required clarifications
Example 3: Customer complaint
User: "Customer complaint from Ford about dimensional issue"
→ Loads ComplaintEscalation workflow
→ Registers complaint, classifies severity
→ Links to 8D for technical investigation
→ Sets up communication cadence
Example 4: CSR management
User: "What are JLR's customer-specific requirements?"
→ Loads CustomerRequirements workflow
→ Returns CSR register for JLR
→ Highlights any compliance gaps
Supplementary Resources
For detailed guidance:
read ~/.claude/skills/Commercialsales/CLAUDE.md
For templates:
ls ~/.claude/skills/Commercialsales/templates/
For contract review checklist:
read ~/.claude/skills/Commercialsales/reference/contract-review.md
For customer portal guides:
read ~/.claude/skills/Commercialsales/reference/customer-portals.md