Quality Control
Quality Documentation Guide for Custom Manufacturing
Quality documentation should be defined before production so that suppliers understand what evidence must be collected and delivered.
Key takeaway: Documents are not automatically included in every order. Define the required evidence, format, language and approval expectation before manufacturing begins.
Why Documentation Must Be Defined Early
Records requested after production begins may be unavailable or incomplete. Discuss documentation during quotation and project review.
Inspection Records and Dimensional Reports
Basic inspection records and dimensional reports vary by project. Measured features, sampling, reporting format and the selected manufacturing resource should be agreed.
Material Certificates and Conformance
Material certificates, certificates of analysis and certificates of conformance may be coordinated when specified in advance and supported by the material supplier and manufacturing resource.
FAI, PPAP and Functional Evidence
First Article Inspection, PPAP, CMM reports and functional-test records may be reviewed for project-specific requirements. Scope and availability are not assumed.
Cosmetic Approval, Photos and Packaging
Define cosmetic zones, reference samples, viewing conditions and packaging protection. Product and packaging photos can be included when agreed.
Revision and Traceability Requirements
Identify the controlled drawing revision, material requirements and the needed traceability level before production.
Documentation Checklist
- ✓ Specify required records before quotation
- ✓ Define measured features, samples, format and language
- ✓ Confirm material-document and traceability needs
- ✓ State cosmetic, functional and packaging evidence requirements
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