Material Specifications - TX

The Material Specifications Taxonomy provides standardized definitions and classifications for different types of specifications associated with sourcing, declaring, and setting requirements for materials. This taxonomy is essential for establishing consistency in data exchanges between manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers, particularly for attributes related to commerce, logistics, regulatory, and sustainability standards. The taxonomy defines three key specification types: Sourced Specifications, Declared Specifications, and Specification Requirements. These categories ensure that all types of specifications, from commercial and logistical to regulatory and sustainability attributes, are systematically organized for clear communication and compliance across the supply chain.

Sourced Specifications (SS)

Definition: Sourced Specifications refer to the material specifications provided directly by the supplier. These specifications cover details about the material’s properties, as delivered to the buyer, and may include commercial, logistical, regulatory, and sustainability-related attributes. Sourced Specifications provide foundational data on material characteristics and compliance as declared by the supplier.

Purpose: Sourced Specifications support the buyer’s understanding of a material’s baseline attributes and compliance with initial requirements for sourcing.

Declared Specifications (DS)

Definition: Declared Specifications are the finalized specifications communicated by the seller. For companies sourcing materials from multiple suppliers, Declared Specifications represent an aggregated or standardized value that aligns with the company’s own quality and compliance standards. These specifications ensure consistency in attributes such as regulatory compliance, sustainability performance, and commercial or logistical information when presented to customers or third-party stakeholders.

Purpose: Declared Specifications allow the company to provide a unified description of a material’s attributes for external communications, meeting regulatory, commercial, and sustainability standards in the market.

Specification Requirements (SR)

Definition: Specification Requirements are the internal standards or minimum thresholds a company sets for sourcing materials. These requirements guide suppliers in meeting the company’s baseline criteria across commercial, logistical, regulatory, and sustainability attributes. Specification Requirements ensure that materials sourced align with internal goals, quality expectations, and compliance needs.

Purpose: Specification Requirements serve as procurement guidelines, ensuring that materials sourced from suppliers meet internal standards for sustainability, regulatory compliance, and commercial or logistical attributes.

Item Types and Specification Relationships

In the Material Specifications Taxonomy, it is essential to distinguish between Production Materials and Purchased Items, as they have different roles and associated specifications within the supply chain.

Production Material refers to the standardized item used within the company’s Bill of Materials (BOM). This item aligns with the company’s Declared Specifications and Specification Requirements, representing a consistent material definition for internal production purposes.

Purchased Item refers to the items procured from external suppliers, often with multiple sources to enhance supply chain resilience. Each Purchased Item carries its own Sourced Specifications as provided by the supplier, which may vary depending on supplier-specific attributes.

By distinguishing these item types, the taxonomy provides a clear structure for managing and exchanging material specifications, ensuring that internal production materials remain aligned with standardized requirements, while sourced items are evaluated based on supplier-specific data. This approach enhances transparency and consistency across the supply chain, supporting both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.