Quality inspection is an important part of quality control within the the supply chain. This can involve checking quality at the supplier, monitoring quality along the production line, or checking the quality of finished products before they are delivered to the customer. However, quality inspection at Goods Inwards is essential to ensure that raw materials and components conform to specifications.
Quality inspections may involve:
- Visual Inspection – all items delivered are visually examined for defects at Goods Inwards.
- Sampling – when it is not efficient to visually inspect all parts due to the volume of a delivery, a sample of the delivery should be inspected. The sample size may be determined by:
- The criticality of the component
- The quantity of the items received
- The past performance of the supplier
If a component fails to meet the required specification, the following actions can be taken:
- Reject the Delivery – the delivery is returned to the supplier at the supplier’s cost.
- Return for Replacement – the delivery is returned to the supplier at the supplier’s cost and a replacement delivery is arranged with a quick turnaround minimising disruption to production.
- Rework the Component – the component is reworked either at the supplier of the customer, at the supplier’s cost to be brought in line with the required specification to achieve a quick turnaround to minimise disruption to production.
- Accept the component under Concession – even if the component does not conform to specification, the Quality department may decide that it is still fit for purpose and can be used. In this case, a Concession document can be created to approve and record this action. The Purchasing department may also negotiate a price discount with the supplier.