Confidentiality and NDA
The drawing and the sample are the product itself. This page explains how we receive them and who can see them.
For an industrial component project, the drawing and the sample are the customer's product. This page explains how we receive them, who can see them, how long we keep them and how they are destroyed.
1. What is covered
- 2D and 3D drawings, STEP files, assembly relations and tolerance callouts;
- Physical samples, failed parts and teardown references;
- BOMs, material grades, supplier information and cost structure;
- Process documents, validation reports, tool drawings and fixture designs;
- Quotations, commercial terms and project schedules.
2. How we handle files internally
| Stage | Handling |
|---|---|
| Receipt | Only through the designated contact's mailbox or a controlled link; drawings sent through social messaging apps are not accepted |
| Numbering | Each project gets an internal number; files sit under that folder with version and receipt date |
| Access | Role-based: structure, process, tooling and quality see only the parts they work on; supplier lists are visible to the project owner only |
| Retention | Retained as agreed after project close (commonly 12–24 months for traceability and spares), then destroyed with written confirmation |
| Destruction | Electronic files deleted and bins emptied; paper shredded. A destruction confirmation can be issued on request |
3. NDA process
- The customer supplies their template, or we use our bilingual template;
- Both sides agree scope, term and exceptions (public information, independent development, legally required disclosure);
- Signature and filing, usually 1–3 working days;
- A project number is opened and all files are filed against it.
For cross-border projects we recommend agreeing governing law and dispute resolution as well; where language versions differ, the contract governs.
4. One extra layer under the advisory model
- Suppliers we recommend or introduce receive only the information needed for their operation — never the complete drawing set or BOM;
- Back-to-back confidentiality terms are signed with those suppliers, no weaker than our obligations to the customer;
- Process routes and supplier lists we produce are advisory deliverables: usable within the project, not for resale or publication;
- After the engagement ends, supplier lists and assessment records are sealed for the period agreed in the contract.
5. What we do not promise
To avoid later misunderstanding: no verbal exclusivity (exclusivity requires a separate agreement with conditions); no industry-wide non-compete unless separately agreed and priced; no liability for information already public or disclosed by the customer elsewhere.
6. Questions
Can we sign an NDA before discussing the project?
Yes, and it is common. Exchanging drawings after signature is easier for both sides.
Can we use our own NDA template?
Yes. We review four points: scope, term, ownership of results and liability.
What happens to files if the project does not proceed?
They are destroyed as agreed, with confirmation. If you want them retained for a later restart, the confirmation letter states the scope and period.
Under the advisory model, will suppliers see our drawings?
Only what their operation requires — local structure, material and tolerance requirements — not the full BOM or assembly details.