--- title: Aerospace Buyers Guide to Digital Procurement description: Aerospace digital procurement guide covering compliant sourcing, aerospace material purchasing, traceability, inventory visibility, certifications, and procurement best practices. image: https://blog.gracoroberts.com/hubfs/Digital-Procurement.png --- [![GracoRoberts](https://www.gracoroberts.com/resources/SilMid/images/WebPImages/GracoRoberts-Logo-White.webp)](https://www.gracoroberts.com/) Search [Sign In / Register Account And Quick Order](https://www.gracoroberts.com/account/) New Customer? 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Procurement teams need confidence that every order meets compliance, traceability, and documentation requirements—before, during, and after checkout. This guide outlines what to look for in a digital procurement partner so you can purchase online with confidence, control, and transparency.  ### 1. What to Look For: Secure & Compliant Digital Procurement #### Why It Matters Online procurement introduces efficiency, but also raises valid concerns around data security, compliance, and supplier reliability. For aerospace buyers, every transaction must align with:  - Quality and compliance standards (e.g., AS9120B-certified distribution, CMMC compliance) - Traceability requirements - Internal procurement controls #### What to Look For in a Supplier Look for platforms that provide: - Secure, access-controlled account environments - AS9120B-certified quality management systems - Full traceability from order to delivery - Clear audit trails and transaction records - Alignment with aerospace and defense compliance expectations ### 2. What to Look For: Real-Time Visibility & Expansive Catalog Access #### ![](https://blog.gracoroberts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-37-54-4093-PM.png?width=288&height=173&name=image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-37-54-4093-PM.png)Why It Matters Procurement decisions often depend on availability, lead times, and pricing transparency. Delays in this information slow down operations. #### What to Look For in a Supplier Look for platforms that provide: - Real-time stock availability and pricing - Access to a broad catalog of specialty chemicals, consumables, and parts - The ability to compare options quickly Flexible MOQ options to support both low-volume and production-scale purchasing - Tools to support both planned purchasing and urgent AOG needs - Access to authorized supply channels and hard-to-source aerospace materials ### 3. What to Look For: Documentation & Technical Data Access #### ![](https://blog.gracoroberts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-39-19-1297-PM.png?width=279&height=151&name=image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-39-19-1297-PM.png)Why It Matters Documentation is a core part of aerospace procurement, not an afterthought. Buyers need to confirm documentation before placing an order, not after delivery. #### What to Look For in a Supplier Look for platforms that provide: - Immediate access to TDS and SDS documentation - Visibility into certification types before checkout - Ability to link documentation to PO line items - Access to CoC/CoA, test reports, and compliance data ### 4. What to Look For: Product Data Transparency #### Why It Matters Accurate product data keeps your ERP, compliance records, and receiving processes aligned.![](https://blog.gracoroberts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-39-51-9191-PM.png?width=321&height=110&name=image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-39-51-9191-PM.png) #### What to Look For in a Supplier Look for platforms that provide: - Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) and Country of Origin (COO) visibility - Lot traceability and batch-level data - Clear product specifications and packaging details - Easy access to technical support when needed ### 5. What to Look For: Shelf-Life & Handling Visibility #### Why It Matters ![](https://blog.gracoroberts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-41-07-0247-PM.png?width=232&height=128&name=image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-41-07-0247-PM.png) Many specialty chemicals and consumables—especially adhesives, coatings, and sealants—require strict handling and storage conditions. #### What to Look For in a Supplier Look for platforms that provide: - Clear storage and handling requirements - Visibility into remaining shelf life - Controlled packaging and shipping methods - Options for temperature-sensitive logistics - Easy ways to request or confirm shelf life details ### 6. What to Look For: Streamlined Ordering & Account Management #### Why It Matters Efficiency isn’t just about checkout— it’s about managing the entire procurement lifecycle. #### What to Look For in a Supplier Look for platforms that provide: - Compatibility with existing workflows![](https://blog.gracoroberts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-42-46-6228-PM.png?width=305&height=140&name=image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-42-46-6228-PM.png) - The ability to generate quotes and convert to orders - Saved carts and repeat order functionality - Flexible shipping options and delivery visibility - Fast-track or expedited processing capabilities ### 7. What to Look For: Full Visibility Through Your Account Portal #### ![](https://blog.gracoroberts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-43-28-8835-PM.png?width=266&height=183&name=image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-43-28-8835-PM.png)Why It Matters Procurement teams need a centralized way to manage activity across multiple stakeholders, orders, and programs. #### What to Look For in a Supplier Look for platforms that provide: - View order history and transaction records - Track shipments in real time - Download invoices, statements, and documentation - Monitor quote status and open orders - Manage account preferences and saved products ### 8. What to Look For: Streamlined Ordering & Account Management #### Why It Matters Even the best digital tools can’t replace technical expertise when requirements become complex. #### What to Look For in a Supplier Look for partners that:![](https://blog.gracoroberts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-44-32-6512-PM.png?width=154&height=163&name=image-png-Sep-30-2026-10-44-32-6512-PM.png) - Provide access to technical specialists and application support - Deliver a seamless omnichannel procurement experience - Understand specifications, QPLs, and compliance requirements - Support both routine purchasing and complex sourcing needs ### The Right Digital Procurement Partner Makes the Difference Digital procurement in aerospace requires more than a transactional experience, it demands a partner with the infrastructure, expertise, and global reach to support every requirement behind the order. That’s where the GracoRoberts family of companies delivers. - **Scale and Availability**: Access 100,000+ specialty chemicals and consumables from 1,000+ global suppliers—ensuring the products you need are available when you need them. - **Speed Without Compromise:** Ten global fulfillment centers and advanced eCommerce capabilities enable fast, reliable delivery—while maintaining the compliance and traceability aerospace demands. - **Certified Quality and Compliance:** With certifications including AS9100D, AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ASA-100, FAA AC 00-56, CMMC Level II, ITAR/EAR, and Cyber Essentials Plus, our organizations uphold strict standards for quality, compliance, cybersecurity, and traceability. - **Connected Digital Experience:** Four integrated eCommerce platforms provide a seamless digital experience— allowing customers to search, quote, order, and manage procurement activity with real-time visibility, account control, and access to critical documentation. - **Seamless Omnichannel Experience:** Customers benefit from a seamless procurement experience that combines digital convenience with expert human support for complex sourcing and technical application needs. ### Ready to get started? 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It provides high electrical conductivity and low viscosity for wicking into very small spaces, and is suitable for electrical circuitry, EMI shielding, and the grounding of composites." }, "name" : "What is RF 2969?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "A silver-filled epoxy is an electrically conductive adhesive used to complete electrical connections, provide EMI shielding, and ground components, including composite structures. The silver filler gives the cured epoxy high electrical conductivity while retaining the bonding and protective properties of an epoxy." }, "name" : "What is a silver-filled epoxy used for?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. RF 2969 was developed in multiple versions, including a heat-cure and a room-temperature curing formula, so the same conductive epoxy system can be matched to different production processes and component requirements." }, "name" : "Does RF 2969 come in different cure versions?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "RF 2969 has been a successful aerospace solution for over 20 years and is qualified for use on military aircraft, commercial satellite, rocket, and automotive programs." }, "name" : "Is RF 2969 qualified for aerospace and defense programs?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Resin Formulators works directly with customers to understand both the performance requirements, such as conductivity and cure, and the practical constraints of the application. 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