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Chapter 16: C. Inspection Planning and Procedures 163
Inspection decisions
Nonconforming
Conforming
Scrap
Rework
Ship to
customer
Downgraded
Scrapped/recycled
Figure 16.1 Inspection decisions.
Inspection planning includes the determination of the location of the inspection
and/or quality control methods and procedures in use at various points in the
production process. It also involves determination of the types of inspections to be
carried out and the desired quality levels, identification of critical characteristics
to be inspected, and classification of defects.
The location of inspection stations can be determined based on the following
considerations (Raz 1992):
• Inspect incoming materials to prevent the entry of defective
components into the production system. This could be eliminated if
the suppliers provide sufficient evidence of the use of process control
techniques to maintain product quality.
• Inspect prior to costly operations in order to avoid further investment
in an already nonconforming product.
• Inspect prior to processing operations that may mask defects; for
example, surface finish should be inspected prior to painting.
• Inspect prior to processing operations that may cause an increase
in repair costs. For example, inspect and test circuit boards prior to
assembly into their enclosures.
• Inspect following operations known to have a relatively high
defect rate.
• Inspect final or finished goods before moving the product to another
department or plant prior to shipping to the customer.
Part III.C.1