Documentation: Approved Vendor List (AVL) or Approved Manufacturer List (AML)

Why do I need an AVL/AML?

The Approved Vendor list or Approved Manufacturer List documentation provides you with alternate parts that can be purchased in lieu of the prime part. During the design phase, I have asked the engineers to design in alternate parts for a variety of reasons but primarily for having second or third choices if your first choice is unavailable for procurement! These alternates are added to the AVL so that when it comes time to purchase the parts for the next prototype build, they are available to the buyer to select from as needed. The AVL simply consists of your internal P/N (you can add the name and description if you choose), and the manufacturer name, P/N and description. In the case of the resistor example, you would have one internal P/N but many manufacturer P/Ns that are all equivalent to use. By having this information organized and available, it will help in your outsourcing efforts, as your contract manufacturer or outsource partner will require this documentation. The contract manufacturer may even be able to save you some money by having you add their preferred source to your AVL at a reduced cost (before you add any parts to the AVL that is provided by a distributor or contract manufacturer, make sure that engineering has approved the part for use).

Sole-sourced or single-sourced parts (especially electronic parts) are the bane of purchasing as there are no alternate parts to choose from and you are at the mercy of the supplier. In many cases, there are no other choices to this scenario so you need to make sure that your supply of parts is stable. Return to Documentation