QUALITY ASSURANCE GUIDE!

Dec 20, 2013 - Comments Off

Acceptance Sampling
Acceptance Sampling is used to decide whether to accept or reject a production lot. It is performed once the production lot has been completed and packed. Basic procedures for
acceptance sampling includes these three steps: select a sample from a production lot, inspect the units in the sample, and use the result to decide whether or not to accept or reject the lot.

AQL (Acceptable Quality Levels)
As a quality control company in Asia, Built in China uses the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) to establish a maximum allowable error rate or variation from the standard. Acceptance testing will cease immediately if the failure rate of the product being tested exceeds the minimum Acceptable Quality Level.

Batch or Lot Sample
A batch or lot is a collection of products – all identical in size, type, conditions and time of production – from which a sample will be taken to decide whether or not it conforms to the acceptance inspection.

Defect classification
Defects detected during inspections are generally classified in 3 categories: critical, major and minor defect.

Critical Defect
The Critical Defect corresponds to a defect likely to result in unsafe conditions for end-users. You can provide your own list of critical defects to be inspected.

Major Defect
This AQL corresponds to any defect, excluding Critical Defects, which is likely to result in failure, or reduced usability of the product unit. A product is said to have a Major Defect when it is not dangerous but cannot be sold because of the defect. You can provide your own list of Major Defects to be inspected.

Minor Defect
This AQL corresponds to a defect that is not likely to reduce the usability of the product unit for its intended purpose, or is a departure from established standards having little bearing on the effective use or operation of the unit. A Minor Defect is nevertheless a workmanship defect beyond the defined quality standard. You can provide your own list of Minor Defects to be inspected

During Production Inspection (DUPRO)
The production is inspected when at least 20% of the order has been completed so as to ensure that contractual obligations regarding specifications, packaging, packing and marking are met. If improvement and rectification recommendations have been given during an Initial Production Check, the During Production Inspection determines whether or not this advice has been successfully heeded. More generally, the During Production Inspection makes it possible to provide recommendations on site, so that the quality is maintained throughout the entire production phase.

Factory Audit (FA)
With reference to ISO 9000, SA 8000, or the customer’s specific requirements, an auditor will perform the factory assessment. All the important elements, such as quality system procedures, production capacity, child labor, staff facilities, hygiene, etc. are audited. A Factory Assessment Report is issued by the auditor. It enables Built in China to efficiently select a high-qualified vendor base.

Pre Shipment Inspection (PSI)

This is carried out when at least 80% of the goods ordered are export packed. Samples are selected at random, according to sampling standards and procedures. The inspection ensures that the production is in accordance with the specifications, purchase orders or letters of credit.

Initial Production Check (IPC)

This process is carried out at the beginning of the production line and is based on the customer’s specifications and reference sample. The Initial Production Check focuses mainly on the quality of the components and materials used in the production process. It also includes a visual check on the quality of packing materials and accessories. The inspector will also monitor the assembly process and check the first production run. The Initial Production Check allows an early (and thus cost-saving) prevention of defective components as well as timely corrections if needed.

Container Loading Check (CLC)

This is carried out at the manufacturer’s warehouse or at the forwarder’s premises. The inspector first checks the quality and quantity of the goods to be shipped to make sure that the right products will be delivered. The inspector then monitors the entire loading phase to ensure good container(s) condition and appropriate loading.

Rejection number

The Rejection Number is equal to the acceptance number + 1 and represents the number of defective units from which the lot is discarded. If the total number of sampled products presenting this type of defect is equal or superior to the rejection number, the production has failed.

International buyers are more particular than ever about quality. International Standards are an important means of standardizing quality ratings for products. Get all the latest details from the following sites.

* ISO – International Organization for Standardization