Case Study: Knock Sensor Supply for a bus operator in Southern Africa
Source:Case /
Time:2026-09-18
Knock Sensor for A bus operator in Southern Africa
A bus operator came to us with a knock sensor programme for Southern Africa. The brief was ordinary and unforgiving at the same time: a fixed launch window, a landed cost that had to survive freight and duty, and a part that had to match an existing sample. This case records what was specified, what went wrong in sampling and how the bulk order landed.
The starting point
- A specification nobody had written down
- Lead time that slipped twice before bulk started
- Reorders that did not match the approved sample

What was specified
| Part | Knock Sensor |
|---|---|
| Client | A bus operator |
| Market | Southern Africa |
| Volume | 5,000 pieces across 2 specifications |
| Base material | Carbon Steel |
| Sampling rounds | 3 |
| Delivery window | 6 weeks from PO to ex-factory |
| Compliance | ECE R90 |
How it was resolved
- The specification was rebuilt around Carbon Steel and the tolerance locked before bulk.
- A pre-production sample was approved and kept as the golden reference.
- Production ran with in-line inspection and a mid-run photo report.
- Cartons were packed to the client's own barcode and ratio specification.
- Documentation shipped with the goods instead of after them.

Result
- 5,000 pieces delivered inside the 6-week window.
- Unit cost held within 4.5% of the original quotation.
- Inspection-related rejection stayed under 1.5%.
- The specification is on file, so reorders reproduce the approved sample.
What we would repeat
Approve a pre-production sample made from the actual bulk material. Substitute material behaves differently in service.
Planning something similar?
Tell us the model, the fitment and the quantity and we will hold a production slot for you.



