My Reading on ASQ CQA HB Part I-IA~IE-s

Part IA1
Product audit
A product audit is an examination of a particular product or service (hardware, processed
material, software) to evaluate whether it conforms to requirements (that is, specifications,
performance standards, and customer requirements). An audit performed on a service is called
a service audit.
Elements examined may include (1) packaging, (2) shipment preparation and (3) protection, (4)
user instructions, (5) product characteristics, (6) product performance, and (7) other customer
requirements.
Product audits are conducted when a product is in a completed stage of production and has
passed the final inspection. The product auditor uses inspection techniques to evaluate the
entire product and all aspects of the product characteristics. A product quality audit is the
examination or test of a product that had been previously accepted or rejected for the
characteristics being audited. It includes performing operational tests to the same requirements
used by manufacturing, using the same production test procedure, methods, and equipment.
The product audit verifies conformance to specified standards of workmanship and performance.
This audit can also measure the quality of the product going to the customer. The product audit
frequently includes an evaluation of packaging, an examination for cosmetics, and a check for
proper documentation and accessories, such as proper tags, stamps, process certifications, use
of approved vendors, shipment preparation, and security. Product audits may be performed on
safety equipment, environmental test equipment, or products to be sent to customers, or they
can be the result of a service such as equipment maintenance.
Charlie Chong/ Fion Zhang