Mercedes-Benz Cars digitizes material sampling together with the OEM overarching internet platform material.one. The concept was developed by PP/VD and MP/RI. The Internet platform serves as a central link between all stakeholders: suppliers, sub-suppliers, laboratories and Mercedes-Benz.
Summary of the new concept:
The entire process of material sampling is becoming new, digital and simpler. Mercedes-Benz, together with material.one, offers you functions that make this simplification possible. Using the new process you will become more flexible when processing the material sampling and you can achieve your goal of material release faster. Highlights of the new features include:
- Transfering the CAD model to material.one including the attached information from the PDM system. This allows you to quickly get an overview of the process.
- Predefined, digital inspection plans for your part number make it easy to read and interpret the required standards.
- Subcontractors can be integrated into the sampling process easily by delegating parts of the inspection plan via material.one.
- If required, you can select a test laboratory on the platform.
- You can start planning your material sampling process and collecting data right after the assignment.
- Your data is automatically compared with the values from the test specifications so that you have a transparent result at all times.
These new functions significantly simplify and accelerate the process of data collection. By doing this work in advance you can finish mechanical sampling in PIA in a relaxed manner.
The initial roll-out with selected suppliers has already taken place. Now the ramp-up phase begins.
Two webinars will take place on 25.01.2024.
Webinar 10 am in German:
https://webcast.meetyoo.de/reg/B7h41uO9QWzz
Webinar 2 pm in English:
https://webcast.meetyoo.de/reg/c26pCEvIRe9b
Be part of it! Join us in shaping the future of material sampling.
General FAQs
What time does the webinar take place?
At 10 a.m. in German and at 2 p.m. in English.
What requirements do I have to meet to participate in the webinar?
You will need to log in with your email address and your company and a password.
Will the webinar be recorded?
Both webinars will be recorded and published on the Supplier Portal at a later date.
Who can I contact if I have any questions?
Immediately after registering for the webinar, a chat room will be available for you to ask your questions.
For additional information, please contact PP/VDW Team WEB or Team Analytics
and at material.one
Who informs my sub-suppliers and laboratories?
You can forward the registration links of the webinars to your partners.
Can I view the platform (non-binding) in peace and in detail?
Yes, they can register on a DEMO version extra https://demo.material.one
What are the technical requirements for use?
The application is system-independent. All you need is an up-to-date browser. No system installation is required on your computer.
Who is behind material.one?
For more information, please visit the homepage of
Are there any training courses for the platform?
In the Help Center of material.one you will find online training clips and contact persons. You can find the Help Center via the question mark button at the bottom right.
Is the system safe?
Authentication and authorization processes ensure that only authorized users have access to the data. Data changes can be tracked. Sensitive data is encrypted. The platform was subjected to a Mercedes-Benz Security Check.
Who is already using the platform? What experiences are there?
Mercedes-Benz has been using the platform for interior emissions for over 10 years. 40 laboratories are connected.
If you want to start now
First steps
First you have to register your company and different production sites at material.one. Follow the link: Getting started for Mercedes-Benz Tier 1 suppliers | material.one Help-Center
The first registration requires the DUNS numbers of your different production sites. You can find them under the following link: https://www.dnb.com/de-de/upik/
At the end of your registration, your administrator of the supplier portal has the task of assigning you the roles for material sampling in Alice (APP see portal).
This is an extra safety check. If you have the required roles as a user, you can use the platform optimally for our components. The necessary steps for your administrator are also described in the first link.
Detailled FAQs concerning material sampling
When do we start?
Beginning 1st of February 2024, the material sampling process will be gradually switched to the new process.
Does material.one also support very complex components?
Yes, especially for complex components, the system will optimally support you.
What effect does this have on PIA?
In the new process in PIA, you must upload your findings (report) generated in material.one in the respective sample cards for material sampling. Please sign the findings in the system digitally and do not use scanned documents for this.
PIA is informed by the system about the current status of your material sampling.
For all other sampling scopes, use the PIA system as usual.
What support does Mercedes-Benz provide if I use the platform?
The goal for Mercedes-Benz is to provide the best possible support for the material sampling process. The new process is intended to offer benefits to all parties involved. Mercedes-Benz bears, for example, the costs for displaying the 3D models, the automatically generated test plan and the standard digitization. In addition, the descriptive documents are digitized.
What if I can't find my lab or sub-supplier on the platform?
You can invite your partners to use the platform. Sub-suppliers are free of charge for all Mercedes-Benz material sampling processes, laboratories are subject to a charge.
Can I also submit data where the automated evaluation results in yellow or red?
Yes in principle, in accordance with the SDR procedure set by Mercedes-Benz.
Is it possible to hand in documents later?
Documents can be submitted on the plattform until the final submission of material sampling to Mercedes-Benz.
How is the legal liability of the data collected on material.one ensured?
With your final release of the data to Mercedes-Benz, the system generates a pdf document that you upload to the folders for file upload of the triggered sample plannings in PIA. This sets the data record as legally binding and the data can no longer be changed on the platform.
I also have to submit material samplong for powertrain plants. Does this work according to the same scheme?
In the medium term, it is planned to implement the system for all processes.
Is it ensured that the data is stored in accordance with EU law?
The GDPR is adhered to.