About the client
Doncasters Trucast Ltd is a recognised leader in the manufacture of precision investment castings, including turbine wheels, serving mobility and other high-performance end markets.
As a strategic partner to global OEMs, Trucast is known for delivering market-leading lead times for both prototype and production components, combining technical capability, operational agility and disciplined quality control to support critical programmes.
The challenge
As part of its ongoing continuous improvement strategy, Doncasters Trucast recognised the opportunity to further strengthen governance and visibility within its New Product Introduction (NPI) process.
Historically, elements of the process were supported through a combination of structured documentation, spreadsheets and locally managed records. While functional, this approach relied heavily on manual coordination, making it more difficult to provide immediate, consolidated evidence of approvals during audits.
Preparing for customer or third-party audits often required pulling together evidence from multiple locations to demonstrate that each stage gate had been followed correctly.
In an IATF-accredited automotive environment, where APQP, PPAP and structured stage-gate development are essential, being able to demonstrate robust, stakeholder-approved progression through each phase is critical. In addition, team changes over time highlighted the need for a more centralised system of record that preserved knowledge.
“Trying to piece together project history from different locations and formats wasn’t efficient. We needed something more structured and accessible.” Keith Newhouse Technical & Quality Manager
Our solution
After reviewing multiple platforms and visiting existing Singlepoint customers, Doncasters Trucast selected Singlepoint based on both functionality and the quality of the support on offer.
“Rather than just watching marketing demonstrations, we went to see Singlepoint in action in a real customer environment, which was amazing. The feedback we heard about the system and particularly the support from the team was extremely strong.” Keith Newhouse Technical & Quality Manager
Singlepoint’s NPI module was configured to reflect Doncasters Trucast’s existing stage-gate framework, embedding structured electronic approvals at each defined milestone.
Key elements of the implementation included:
- Electronic sign-off for each NPI gate
- Defined stakeholder approvals aligned to role and responsibility
- Full version control and time-stamped audit trails
- Centralised access to project status and documentation
- Automated workflow prompts to remove manual chasing and ensure no gate is progressed without defined approval
“The gates and phases were designed to suit the way we run our NPI process, but the structure behind it now gives us very robust, auditable sign-off.” Keith Newhouse Technical & Quality Manager
Importantly, Singlepoint provided flexibility to match real-life processes rather than forcing Doncasters Trucast into a rigid off-the-shelf template.
The Results
Zero NPI audit findings
The most significant outcome has been in audit performance.
“We haven’t had any audit findings related to the NPI process for over three years. That’s a great result for us.” Keith Newhouse Technical & Quality Manager
Both third-party and customer audits now benefit from clear visibility of gate approvals, documentation history and stakeholder accountability. Approval history can now be accessed in seconds, with clear evidence of who signed off each stage and when.
Improved efficiency
Manual chasing of approvals has been replaced by automated workflow prompts.
This has freed engineering and quality teams to focus on higher-value activities rather than administrative coordination.
Real-time project visibility
Singlepoint has strengthened both internal governance and external customer interactions.
“If I’m with a customer and they ask about a new tool or project, I can log on and see exactly where we’re up to rather than trying to remember.” Keith Newhouse Technical & Quality Manager
Support and adaptability
The support and ongoing user experience has also been a clear benefit particularly in how the Singlepoint platform can be adapted without complex development cycles.
Because Singlepoint is built on a configurable, no-code architecture, Doncasters Trucast has been able to evolve workflows, adjust gate structures and refine reporting internally, without relying on external development resources.
This combination of responsive support when needed and adaptable configuration has allowed the team to strengthen ownership of the system, embed it more deeply into operations and continue improving processes as requirements change.
Looking ahead
Following the success of the NPI module, Doncasters Trucast is expanding its use of Singlepoint into additional operational areas, including:
- Supplier management
- Supply chain development
- Maintenance management (planned and reactive)
By consolidating processes within a single, adaptable QMS platform, Doncasters Trucast is continuing to build a connected, scalable quality ecosystem aligned to the demands of advanced manufacturing environments.
“We didn’t want a rigid, off-the-shelf system that dictated how we should work. Singlepoint gives us structure where we need it, but the flexibility to run our process properly. The audit results alone justify the decision. I’d absolutely recommend it.” Keith Newhouse Technical & Quality Manager
