That’s an interesting idea. Instead of treating the supplier as an enemy bring them on to your side with an offer of “if this part fails less than 1% of the ti

That’s an interesting idea. Instead of treating the supplier as an enemy bring them on to your side with an offer of “if this part fails less than 1% of the time we’ll pay you $X more per part” Right now the only incentive they have is to give you a part that just barely won’t break for the absolute cheapest amount. As a side benefit this would weed out the bad suppliers and the good ones will seek you out.