Excellence, Partnership, Inclusion and Continuous Improvement Program
The Intel Excellence, Partnership, Inclusion and Continuous Improvement (EPIC) program is a multiyear, performance and quality improvement process for the highest performing suppliers in Intel’s global supply chain.
Congratulations to Our 2024 Award Winners
See which Intel suppliers were recognized as the best of the best in the Intel newsroom.
Helping the World’s Best Get Even Better
Intel is on a constant quest to improve our quality, service, and performance. In 1987, under the leadership of Intel co-founder, Andy Grove, we extended our quality improvement methods to a small group of Intel suppliers that wanted to improve along with us.
Over the decades, the program has grown into a comprehensive road map with individual improvement plans for each supplier and quantitative measurements of their success across several vectors of performance.
Only a select group of suppliers is invited to join the EPIC program. Out of the thousands of companies that supply Intel with raw materials, equipment, finished goods, and professional services in a given year, there are only a few hundred in the program.
The Intel Excellence, Partnership, Inclusion and Continuous Improvement Awards
Each year we recognize the highest-performing suppliers in the EPIC program with three classes of awards. These award-winning suppliers represent truly world-class commitment to continuous improvement and are widely considered the best of the best.
The OUTSTANDING Award
Very few Intel suppliers reach this level. Out of the thousands of suppliers we work with, only a handful earn this distinction. Outstanding Award recipients combine a relentless drive to improve and the highest performance in the entire Intel supply chain.
The DISTINGUISHED Award
Through their efforts in continuous quality improvement, Distinguished award winners have achieved a level of performance that consistently exceeds Intel’s expectations. Their work, dedication, and responsiveness have contributed significantly to Intel’s success.
The VALUED Award
Valued Award winners have made an outstanding contribution in a specific area and had a major positive impact on the Intel supply chain and business.
How the Intel EPIC Program Works
Intel Excellence, Partnership, Inclusion and Continuous Improvement (EPIC) Program is a structured, multi-year road map that helps suppliers improve their products and services while achieving consistent performance gains.
The program includes rigorous improvement plans, quarterly report cards, and on-site quality assessments. Participation in the EPIC Program is a multi-year commitment that requires continuous improvement in these key areas (SCQATS):
Safety
Sustainability
Cost
Quality
Availability
Technology
How Do Suppliers Become Part of the Intel EPIC Program?
Intel managers and directors who work with our suppliers on a regular basis identify potential candidates and recommend them to the Intel executive team. Management reviews each candidate and decides which suppliers are qualified to participate in the EPIC program.
How Progress Translates into an EPIC Program Award
Top Tier: OUTSTANDING Award
To qualify for an Intel Outstanding Award, a supplier must score 95 percent or higher on their quarterly report card and at least 90 percent of their road map goals. Very few program participants achieve this level. It signifies elite, world-class performance in all critical management systems and program criteria.
Second Tier: DISTINGUISHED Award
Distinguished Award winners exceed expectations and meet uncompromising performance goals while scoring at least 80 percent on their quarterly report card. They must have met 80 percent of their roadmap goals to be considered.
Third Tier: VALUED Award
Valued Award winners are certified members of the EPIC program who are meeting the expectations of their roadmap and excelling in a specific area. Award winners have usually made an outstanding contribution to the Intel supply chain.
For more detailed information about the Intel EPIC Program, please contact your Intel account manager or us at EPIC_Program@intel.com.