Avoid recalls -
Effective testing strategies for manufacturers of lithium-ion cells and modules

While lithium-ion batteries are generally safe, they are also among the top 10 most historically expensive product recalls, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, which cost Samsung $17 billion. Thorough testing of lithium-ion cells may be an indicator of product quality, but not of the manufacturing process, the consistency of product quality, or the effectiveness of the manufacturer's quality systems.

Therefore, we have compiled a comprehensive audit guideline and checklist for organizations using lithium-ion batteries, emphasizing the importance of safety, reliability and sustainability in procurement. It includes criteria for evaluating manufacturers of lithium-ion cells or modules and focuses on key areas such as regulatory compliance, quality assurance and supply chain management. The Supplier Audit Checklist operationalizes these areas into measurable parameters and enables systematic and consistent supplier evaluations.

The implementation of this policy and checklist aims to improve the integrity of the supply chain, ensure product quality and promote ethical and sustainable practices. In addition, this approach is expected to strengthen supplier relationships, promote best practices and drive continuous improvement in the area of lithium-ion manufacturing. Ultimately, this robust audit framework is expected to strengthen risk management, operational resilience and overall business performance in the dynamic market environment. The checklist covers all critical quality characteristics (CTQs), critical process parameters (CTPs), measurement methods and tolerances, shelf life of materials and inventory information, and common defects for each step of the production process.