Supplier appraisal - transparency from A to Z

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    Deutsche Bahn moves Germany. Every day.

    One railway. Reliable. For everyone.

    Infrastructure

    We operate a 33,400 kilometre-long network with 5,400 stations, which are used by 450 railway companies and 50,000 trains every day.

    Passenger transport

    Every day, more than five million people travel with Deutsche Bahn - in ICE and Intercity trains, in regional express trains or in regional and suburban trains.

    Logistics

    DB Cargo replaces around 80,000 lorry journeys across Europe each day, offering a climate-friendly alternative.

    The immediate action programmes for a better railway.

    More efficient, more reliable and determined to permanently and noticeably improve quality for passengers.

    The modernisation of the infrastructure takes time. We are implementing three immediate action programmes so that customers can see that things are improving at DB: for improved cleanliness and security at our stations. For greater comfort on long-distance services. For a better customer information. For these three programmes, we are investing a total of more than 140 million euros in DB in 2026 alone.  

    Even cleaner trains and ever more reliable service in our dining cars make train journeys even more comfortable and attractive. 

    Increased presence of security staff, additional cleaning and quick repairs at railway stations ensure that people enjoy their stay and get to their trains in comfort.  

    In future, DB will provide customers with even better information before and during their journey - both on the train, at the station and in digital information channels. 
    Comparison creates confidence.

    We assess our suppliers according to transparent criteria along the procurement process. Here we differentiate according to different supplier classes, performance dimensions and phases which lead to a final rating.

    Comparison between "target" and "actual"

    The variance comparison assesses provided supplies and services with regard to the contractually stipulated agreements; the appraisal process looks at qualified suppliers within a product group.

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    Classification in supplier classes

    The appraisal process allocates the suppliers to classes. The scope of the appraisal varies according to the supplier class:

    • high (high appraisal intensity and frequency)
    • middle (middle appraisal intensity and frequency)
    • low (low appraisal intensity and frequency)

    The supplier class that your company is allocated to depends on the requirement category of your DB-relevant supplies and services, and on their strategic significance.

    Deriving the supplier class
    Deriving the supplier class
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    Appraisal in three dimensions and phases

    We assess quality, costs and punctuality along the complete procurement process, from the offer, supply and service phase until the product in practice phase. The appraisal logic therefore consists of three dimensions and phases, which are combined to result in nine appraisal criteria. 

    Assess logic of dimensions and phases
    Assess logic of dimensions and phases
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    Appraisal result: the rating

    The supplier appraisal results in a rating on the following levels:

    • outstanding, i.e. the supplier was above the requirements of the DB AG
    • good, i.e. the supplier met the requirements of the DB AG
    • restricted, i.e. the supplier was partly consistent with the requirements of DB AG
    • poor, i.e. the supplier did not meet the requirements of the DB AG

    The supplier is informed of the appraisal results at least once a year.

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    Information Sheet

    PDF | 359.4 KB