Vendor Data is defined as the documentation that must be supplied by vendors as part of a contract to supply one or more items of equipment.

Vendor Data is most commonly supplied progressively. Quality plans for example might be required even as part of the bid package. Design drawings may be required just a few weeks after order placement for review. Operating manuals and spare parts lists may only be required later in the contract prior to delivery of the equipment.

Vendor Data is defined in terms of requirements and submitted in terms of documents and drawings against those requirements.

Late delivery of vendor data has the potential to seriously affect the project schedule and vendor data is traditionally an area that is managed poorly.