GLOSSARY
Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL):
The Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) is a crucial parameter in quality control during product inspections. It sets the maximum number of defective items within a batch that can be considered acceptable. This helps in determining whether a batch meets the desired quality standards or needs corrective action. AQL plays a vital role in maintaining consistency and ensuring customer satisfaction by providing a clear benchmark for the allowable level of defects in a production lot.
Accreditation:
Accreditation refers to the formal recognition of a testing laboratory or inspection body’s competence to perform specific tasks. It is usually granted by an authorized organization after a thorough evaluation of the laboratory’s technical competence, management systems, and adherence to international standards.
Adhesive Test:
An adhesive test is a type of inspection used to assess the bonding strength and integrity of adhesive materials used in products or components. Various testing methods, such as peel tests or shear tests, are employed to ensure the adhesive meets the required standards.
Acceptance Number:
The acceptance number represents the maximum number of defects or non-conformities that can be found in a sample before the entire lot is rejected. The acceptance number is defined within the acceptance sampling plan to determine if the lot meets the specified quality level.
Acceptance Sampling:
Acceptance sampling involves the inspection of a random sample of items from a larger batch or production lot to determine whether the entire lot meets the desired quality level. It is a statistical method used to make decisions about accepting or rejecting the entire batch based on the results from the sample.
Accredited Laboratory:
An accredited laboratory is a testing facility that has been formally recognized by a relevant accrediting body as having the technical competence and compliance with specific standards to carry out accurate and reliable testing.
Appearance Check:
An appearance check is an inspection process that evaluates the visual aspects of a product, ensuring that it meets the required aesthetic standards. This inspection ensures that the product’s appearance aligns with the client’s expectations and brand image.
Approval Sample:
An approval sample is a representative sample of a product that has been inspected and approved by the client or manufacturer before proceeding with mass production. It serves as a benchmark for the final product’s quality and specifications.
Assessment:
Assessment in the context of 3rd party inspection involves a comprehensive evaluation of a product, process, or facility to determine its compliance with relevant standards, regulations, and client requirements. It helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Audit:
An audit is a systematic and independent examination of processes, procedures, or systems to ensure they are compliant with established standards, regulations, and best practices. Audits help identify potential risks and opportunities for enhancing efficiency and quality.
ANSI-ASQ:
American National Standards Institute-American Society for Quality (ANSI-ASQ)
ANSI-ASQ is a respected organization that accredits certification bodies for various management systems, including ISO 9001 for quality management systems and ISO 14001 for environmental management systems. They also cater to industry-specific requirements, ensuring that accredited organizations adhere to high-quality standards and practices.
Accreditation Body:
Authority in Certifying Quality Systems.
An accreditation body is an organization granted the authority to assess and accredit certification bodies. Their role is to ensure that these certification bodies operate competently and impartially when certifying quality management systems or other services. By accrediting these bodies, they establish confidence in the certification process and maintain the integrity of the quality management system certification.
Baseline Measurement:
Laying the Foundation for Improvement.
Baseline measurement is the initial point in a process that serves as a reference for performance evaluation. It involves evaluating output data over a period of time to establish process parameters before any improvement initiatives are undertaken. This baseline acts as a benchmark against which future changes and improvements are measured. As a third-party inspection company, we understand the significance of establishing a solid baseline to drive effective quality enhancement strategies.
Batch and Queue:
Optimizing Production Flow.
Batch and queue refer to a production approach where multiple pieces of a product are manufactured before being moved to the next operation, irrespective of their immediate need. This practice can lead to inefficiencies, delays, and increased lead times. As part of our inspection services, we help clients identify and rectify batch and queue issues to streamline production flow, minimize excess inventory, and improve overall efficiency.
Board of Standards Review (BSR):
Ensuring Standards Compliance.
The Board of Standards Review (BSR) is an integral part of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It plays a crucial role in approving and withdrawing American National Standards. As a trusted third-party inspection company, we uphold ANSI-accredited standards and work closely with the BSR to ensure compliance and adherence to established industry norms.
Batch / Lot / Sampling:
Ensuring Product Consistency.
In the context of third-party inspection, a batch or lot comprises a group of products that are identical in size and type, produced under similar conditions, and at the same time. Our inspection experts conduct meticulous batch sampling to verify the quality and consistency of products within a batch. Through this process, we ensure that products meet specified requirements and conform to the highest quality standards.
Bottleneck Analysis:
Identifying Constraints in Production.
Bottleneck analysis is a crucial element of our third-party inspection process. It involves identifying areas within a production system where the flow of work is hindered, leading to lower efficiency and productivity. By conducting bottleneck analysis, we help clients optimize their production processes, enhance throughput, and eliminate inefficiencies that may impact product quality.
Calibration:
Ensuring Accuracy in Measurements.
Calibration is the process of comparing a measurement instrument or system of unverified accuracy to a known accurate measurement instrument or system. This comparison helps detect any variations from the required performance specifications. In quality management, calibration ensures that all measurement systems used during inspections are precise and reliable, maintaining the highest standards of accuracy.
Capability Maturity Model (CMM):
Enhancing Software Processes
The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is a framework that outlines key elements of an effective software development process. It represents an evolutionary improvement path from immature processes to mature, disciplined ones. The CMM covers practices for planning, engineering, and managing software development and maintenance, enabling organizations to meet goals for cost, schedule, functionality, and product quality efficiently.
Classification of Defects:
Identifying Severity Levels
The classification of defects involves listing possible defects of a unit and categorizing them based on their seriousness. Commonly used classifications include Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D or critical, major, minor, and incidental. Accurate assignment of defects to the proper classification requires careful preparation and tailoring to the product being sampled. Each class of defects typically requires a separate acceptance sampling plan to ensure product quality.
Code of Conduct:
Guiding Ethical Behavior
A code of conduct comprises behavioral expectations mutually agreed upon by a team. As a professional third-party inspection company, we adhere to a strict code of conduct that emphasizes ethical practices, integrity, and professionalism in all our operations. Our team’s commitment to a code of conduct ensures that clients receive reliable and unbiased inspection services.
Consumer:
The Ultimate Recipient of Products or Services
The consumer, also known as the end-user, is the external customer to whom a product or service is ultimately delivered. At our third-party inspection company, consumer satisfaction and safety are of paramount importance, and our inspection processes are designed to ensure the delivery of high-quality products.
Continuous Sampling Plan:
Optimizing Inspection Efficiency
The continuous sampling plan is ideal for processes that deliver a continuous flow of products. In this plan, a company starts by inspecting 100% of units and gradually transitions to inspecting only a fraction of items after a specific number of defect-free units. If a nonconforming unit is found, the plan reverts to 100% inspection following the same pattern. This approach optimizes inspection efficiency while maintaining product quality.
Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ):
Identifying Hidden Expenses
The cost of poor quality refers to extra expenses caused by delivering poor-quality goods or services to customers. It includes internal failure costs (from defects before customer receipt) and external failure costs (after customer receipt). Our third-party inspection services aim to identify and minimize COPQ, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and reduced rework expenses.
Cost of Quality (COQ):
Justifying Quality Efforts
The cost of quality encompasses all costs involved in defect prevention, process performance assessments, and measurement of financial consequences. Our third-party inspection company recognizes the importance of COQ as a justification for quality improvement efforts, ultimately benefiting our clients and their customers.
Critical Defect:
Addressing High-Risk Issues
A critical defect is one that, based on experience, is considered hazardous to employees or has the potential to harm or injure end-users. At our third-party inspection company, critical defects are given top priority, ensuring that corrective actions are implemented promptly to address safety concerns.
Consultant:
Expert Guidance for Process Improvement
A consultant is an individual with experience and expertise in applying tools and techniques to resolve process problems. They provide valuable advice and facilitate an organization’s improvement efforts. As a trusted third-party inspection company, our consultants play a crucial role in optimizing quality and efficiency for our clients.
Certification:
Certification means officially confirming a consumer product’s adherence to standards through a document from recognized bodies. This validates quality and safety, boosting consumer trust and market access.
Checklist:
A checklist is a structured list for inspections or audits, ensuring thorough evaluation of product or factory aspects. Our third-party team uses it to systematically identify issues and suggest fixes.
Conformity:
Conformity is goods aligning with specifications and quality standards. As a trusted third-party, we verify this through inspections, meeting consumer expectations and ensuring safety.
Corrective Action:
Corrective actions involve implementing improvements that eliminate nonconformities by addressing the underlying causes of a problem. Their purpose is to ensure the achievement of quality objectives and to prevent the recurrence of similar issues in the future.
Container Loading Inspection (CLI):
Conducted at the manufacturer’s warehouse or the forwarder’s site, a Container Loading Inspection (CLI) aims to verify your products, assess the quantity of goods, and evaluate the loading process. This inspection encompasses:
Assessing the container’s condition before loading (container condition check)
Verifying your products (comparing against the purchase order: quantity, appearance, overall quality)
Inspecting the loading process (carton conditions, appropriate filling, etc.)
Defects & Defectives:
Defects refer to imperfections, faults, or deviations from quality standards in products or processes. Defectives are items that contain one or more defects and fail to meet specified requirements. In 3rd party inspection, identifying defects and defectives is vital for quality control.
Defects Classification:
Defects classification involves categorizing identified defects based on their severity, impact, or type. This process aids in prioritizing corrective actions and helps in quality improvement strategies during 3rd party inspections.
Double Sampling Plan:
A double sampling plan is a statistical method used in inspections. It involves taking two separate samples from a batch, each with its own acceptance criteria. This approach provides a balance between thoroughness and efficiency in 3rd party inspections.Plan:
Directives:
Corrective actions involve implementing improvements that eliminate nonconformities by addressing the underlying causes of a problem. Their purpose is to ensure the achievement of quality objectives and to prevent the recurrence of similar issues in the future.
Defects per Hundred Units:
Defects per Hundred Units (DHU) is a quality metric that quantifies the number of defects found in a certain number of units. It’s used to assess the quality level and monitor improvements over time during 3rd party inspections.
During Production Inspection (DPI):
During Production Inspection (DPI) is a type of inspection carried out while manufacturing is underway. It ensures that quality standards are maintained during the production process, reducing the likelihood of defects and ensuring adherence to specifications.
Drawing of Samples:
The drawing of samples involves selecting representative items from a larger batch for inspection. In 3rd party inspection, this process ensures that the selected samples accurately represent the entire batch, allowing for comprehensive quality assessment.
Efficiency:
Efficiency refers to the ability to achieve desired results with minimum wasted resources, time, or effort. In 3rd party inspection, efficiency is crucial to conducting thorough assessments while optimizing time and resources.
Ethics:
Ethics encompass principles and standards of conduct that guide professional behavior and decision-making. In 3rd party inspection, ethics ensure impartiality, integrity, and fairness throughout the evaluation process.
Expectations:
Expectations represent the anticipated outcomes, standards, or requirements set by clients, industry regulations, or stakeholders. In 3rd party inspection, understanding and meeting these expectations are essential for delivering valuable assessments.
External Customer:
An external customer is an individual, organization, or entity outside of your own company who receives your products or services. In 3rd party inspection, external customers are those seeking impartial evaluations from an independent entity.
Error Detection:
Error detection involves identifying mistakes, discrepancies, or deviations from desired standards. In 3rd party inspection, thorough error detection ensures accurate assessments and helps prevent quality issues.
Expression of Nonconformance:
Expression of Nonconformance refers to formally communicating instances where a product, process, or service does not meet established standards. In 3rd party inspection, this expression highlights areas of improvement needed for compliance and quality enhancement.
Expedited Inspection:
Expedited Inspection is a specialized service that accelerates the inspection process to meet urgent needs. In 3rd party inspection, expedited inspections address time-sensitive situations without compromising assessment quality.
Factory Audit:
Factory Audit is a comprehensive assessment of a manufacturer’s facilities, processes, and quality control systems. Conducted by a third-party inspection agency, it ensures that the factory meets required standards, operates efficiently, and maintains quality practices.
Fail Result:
A Fail Result indicates that a product, process, or sample did not meet the specified criteria during inspection. In 3rd party inspection, a fail result prompts further analysis, corrective actions, and reevaluation to ensure quality and conformity.
Failure:
Failure refers to the inability of a product, component, or process to function as intended or meet established requirements. In 3rd party inspection, identifying and analyzing failures aids in improving product reliability and preventing defects.
First in, First out (FIFO):
First in, First out (FIFO) is a principle used to manage inventory or material flow. In 3rd party inspection, understanding FIFO ensures that products are used or evaluated in the order they were received, minimizing the risk of expiration or deterioration.
First-Articles Inspection (FAI):
First-Articles Inspection (FAI) is a meticulous examination of the first production samples from a new design or production run. In 3rd party inspection, FAI ensures that products meet specifications before full-scale production begins.
Facilitator:
A Facilitator in the context of 3rd party inspection is an individual who assists in coordinating and guiding inspections or discussions. The facilitator ensures smooth communication, efficient processes, and collaboration among stakeholders.
Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA):
Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic method for identifying potential failure modes in products or processes and assessing their impact. In 3rd party inspection, FMEA enhances quality control by proactively addressing potential weaknesses.
Gantt Chart:
A Gantt chart is a visual tool used for project scheduling and management. It displays tasks, timelines, and dependencies in a bar chart format, aiding in planning, tracking, and coordinating activities. In 3rd party quality inspection, Gantt charts help schedule and monitor inspection processes.
Gap Analysis:
Gap analysis involves comparing the current state of a process or system with a desired or benchmark state. It identifies discrepancies or “gaps” between the two, helping in making informed decisions for improvements. In 3rd party quality inspection, gap analysis identifies areas where compliance or quality standards are not met.
Goal:
A goal is a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objective aimed at achieving desired outcomes. In 3rd party quality inspection, goals guide the focus of inspections toward ensuring compliance, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Gauge:
A gauge is a measuring instrument used to assess dimensions, attributes, or characteristics of a product or process. In 3rd party quality inspection, gauges ensure accurate measurements, contributing to reliable evaluations.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP):
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are guidelines and standards that ensure products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. In 3rd party quality inspection, adherence to GMP is crucial for verifying manufacturing processes and product quality.
High-Risk Area:
High-risk areas are parts of a process, product, or facility that have a higher probability of defects or issues. Third-party inspection may focus more attention on these areas to ensure quality and compliance.
Hygiene Inspection:
A hygiene inspection involves assessing the cleanliness and sanitation of facilities, equipment, and processes. In third-party inspections, hygiene inspections are critical for industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
Hold Point:
A hold point is a stage in a process where inspection or verification is required before proceeding. Third-party inspectors ensure that hold points are met before production continues.
Hydrostatic Testing:
Hydrostatic testing is a method to check the integrity of pressure vessels, pipelines, or containers by subjecting them to high-pressure water. In third-party inspections, hydrostatic testing ensures safety compliance for pressurized systems.
Handling Procedures:
Handling procedures outline the proper methods for transporting, storing, and manipulating products to prevent damage or contamination. Third-party inspection may involve verifying adherence to handling procedures.
Hazardous Materials Inspection:
Hazardous materials inspections focus on assessing the proper storage, handling, and disposal of dangerous substances. Third-party inspectors ensure that hazardous materials are managed safely and in compliance with regulations.
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP):
HACCP is a systematic approach to food safety that identifies, evaluates, and controls potential hazards in food production. In third-party inspection, HACCP principles are often applied to ensure food safety and compliance.
Handling Procedures:
Handling procedures outline the proper methods for transporting, storing, and manipulating products to prevent damage or contamination. Third-party inspection may involve verifying adherence to handling procedures.
In-process Quality Control (IPQC):
In-process Quality Control (IPQC) involves assessing product quality during manufacturing to identify and rectify issues early.
Inspection Checklist:
An Inspection checklist is a document listing points inspectors should check during evaluations to prevent missing crucial details.
Inspection:
Inspection is comparing products against requirements, involving measurement, examination, or testing.
Inspection Certificate:
An Inspection Certificate confirms goods meet quality requirements, crucial for transactions involving letters of credit.
Inspection Cost:
Inspection costs are determined by time, measured in “man-days.”
Inspection Levels:
Inspection levels include general and special levels for balancing cost against protection in inspections.
Inspection Protocol:
Inspection protocol outlines inspection processes, including the checklist of details to review.
Intellectual Property:
Intellectual property refers to unique ideas, designs, logos, and products.
IPQC / QA:
In-process quality Control and Quality Assurance ensure quality during production.
ISO:
ISO is a set of international standards for quality management and assurance applicable to various organizations.
ISO 9000:
ISO 9000 is a global standard for quality management and assurance. It aids companies in effectively documenting quality system elements to maintain an efficient quality system. Applicable to organizations of any size and industry, the ISO 9000 family includes:
- ISO 9001:2015: Quality management systems – Requirements
- ISO 9000:2015: Quality management systems – Fundamentals and vocabulary (definitions)
- ISO 9004:2009: Quality management systems – Managing for sustained organizational success (continuous improvement)
- ISO 19011:2011: Guidelines for auditing management systems
It’s important to note that individuals and organizations cannot be certified to ISO 9000. ISO 9001 is the sole standard within the ISO 9000 family to which organizations can be certified.
Just-In-Time (JIT):
Just-In-Time (JIT) is a manufacturing approach where materials are received, processed, and produced only as needed, minimizing inventory and waste. In third-party inspection, JIT practices can influence inspection scheduling and requirements.
Joint Inspection:
A Joint Inspection involves multiple parties, such as buyers and sellers, collaborating to inspect products or processes together. In third-party inspection, joint inspections ensure transparency and consensus on quality standards.
Job Site Inspection:
A Job Site Inspection is conducted at the location where work or installation is taking place. In third-party inspection, job site inspections ensure adherence to safety and quality standards during on-site activities.
Jidoka:
Jidoka is a principle in Lean manufacturing that empowers operators to stop the production process if defects are detected. In third-party inspection, Jidoka practices can lead to early defect identification and prevention.
Journeyman Inspector:
A Journeyman Inspector is an experienced and skilled inspector who possesses advanced knowledge in inspection techniques and industry standards. In third-party inspection, journeyman inspectors lead comprehensive evaluations.
Joint Commission International (JCI):
Joint Commission International (JCI) is an organization that accredits healthcare facilities for meeting international quality and safety standards. In third-party inspection, JCI accreditation indicates adherence to stringent healthcare quality measures.
Kanban:
Kanban is a visual scheduling and inventory control system used to manage production and ensure efficient material flow. In third-party inspection, Kanban practices can influence inspection scheduling and resource allocation.
Kaizen:
Kaizen is a Japanese term for continuous improvement. It involves making incremental changes to processes to enhance efficiency and quality. In third-party inspection, Kaizen principles drive the pursuit of better inspection methods.
Knowledge Transfer:
Knowledge Transfer involves sharing expertise, skills, and insights from experienced professionals to newer team members. In third-party inspection, knowledge transfer ensures consistent inspection quality and builds a skilled workforce.
Key Performance Indicator (KPI):
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measurable metrics used to evaluate the performance and success of processes, products, or services. In third-party inspection, KPIs help track and improve inspection efficiency and quality.
Lot or Batch:
A lot, also known as an inspection lot or inspection batch, comprises packed products available for random sampling. It’s a group of units from which a sample is drawn and inspected to determine conformity with acceptance criteria.
Letter of Credit:
A letter of credit is a secure payment contract safeguarding buyers and suppliers. It outlines conditions for releasing payment from the buyer’s account to the supplier’s, often requiring an inspection certificate for payment release.
Laboratory Testing:
Laboratory testing involves controlled assessments to confirm consumer goods’ safety and conformity to regulations in specific destination countries.
Layout Inspection:
Layout inspection entails measuring all dimensions as per design records.
Lot:
A lot is a defined quantity of product gathered under uniform conditions for sampling purposes.
Lower Control Limit (LCL):
The Lower Control Limit (LCL) on a control chart marks the statistical control’s lower boundary. It’s positioned three standard deviations below the average of process outputs over time.
Lead Time:
Lead time is the duration between placing an order and receiving the products. In third-party inspection, understanding lead time helps in scheduling inspections effectively.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive analysis of a product’s environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle. In third-party inspection, LCA supports eco-friendly practices.
Legal Compliance:
Legal compliance refers to adhering to laws and regulations related to product safety, quality, and production processes. Third-party inspection ensures products meet legal standards.
Line Inspection:
Line inspection involves evaluating products at various stages of production, helping identify and rectify issues promptly.
Lot Acceptance Sampling:
Lot Acceptance Sampling involves inspecting a random sample from a lot to decide whether the entire lot is accepted or rejected. It aids in determining lot quality.
Loading Inspection:
Loading inspection verifies that products are correctly loaded into containers for shipment, ensuring safe transport and preventing damage.
Man-day:
A man-day is the unit used to estimate inspection costs. It represents one working day spent by a Quality Controller to perform an inspection.
Major Defect:
A major defect significantly affects product usability or may lead to failure. Major defectives contain major defects, with AQF’s default AQL at 2.5.
Minor Defect:
A minor defect doesn’t materially reduce product usability. Minor defectives contain minor defects, with AQF’s default AQL at 4.0.
Manufacturer:
A manufacturer is an entity with facilities, workforce, and machinery for large-scale production.
Measurement:
Measurement involves assessing product attributes using tools and techniques to ensure accuracy and quality.
Minimum Acceptable Quality:
Minimum Acceptable Quality Level (MAQL) is the lowest quality standard a product must meet to be considered acceptable.
Master Sample:
A master sample is a reference product that represents the approved standard for quality and appearance. It serves as a benchmark for comparison during inspections.
Material Inspection:
Material inspection involves evaluating raw materials and components before production to ensure they meet required specifications.
Mandatory Inspection:
Mandatory inspection refers to assessments required by regulations, industry standards, or contractual agreements.
Mock-Up Inspection:
Mock-up inspection involves reviewing a prototype or model before mass production to verify its adherence to design specifications.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) uses techniques like ultrasound, X-rays, or magnetic particles to inspect materials without causing damage.
Null Hypothesis:
In statistical terms, a null hypothesis assumes no significant difference between observed and expected data. Inspection results may involve testing null hypotheses.
Non-Conformance Report (NCR):
A Non-Conformance Report (NCR) documents instances where products or processes do not meet specified requirements during inspection.
Number of Defects:
Number of Defects refers to the count of imperfections found during inspection.
Nonconformity:
Nonconformity is a deviation from established requirements or standards.
Norm (Behavioral):
Norm in a behavioral context refers to accepted patterns of conduct or behavior within a society or group.
Normal Inspection:
Normal Inspection is used when product quality is expected to meet specified standards without evidence of being significantly better or worse.
Notified Body:
A Notified Body is an accredited entity responsible for assessing products’ compliance with required standards before market entry.
Narrow Inspection:
Narrow Inspection focuses on specific product attributes or features, often requiring specialized techniques.
Notification of Non-Conformance (NNC):
Notification of Non-Conformance (NNC) is a report that communicates instances where products or processes do not meet required standards.
Nominal Size:
Nominal size is the designated size of a product, often used as a reference for measurements.
Operations:
Operations encompass all activities necessary to organize, execute, and report on inspection and supplier audit services.
Out of Spec:
“Out of Spec” signifies a unit that doesn’t meet a specified requirement or standard.
On-Site Inspection:
On-Site Inspection involves evaluating products, processes, or facilities at their physical location. It ensures compliance and quality in the actual operational environment.
Objective Evidence:
Objective Evidence consists of factual information that supports conclusions during inspections. It’s tangible data rather than subjective opinions.
On-Hold Inspection:
On-Hold Inspection involves assessing products or materials that are temporarily held before further processing or shipment due to potential quality issues.
Operator Inspection:
Operator Inspection involves line operators checking products at various stages of production for defects, contributing to real-time quality control.
Pass Result
A pass result signifies no non-conformities or non-conformities within acceptable tolerance defined by the buyer.
Payment Term
Payment term outlines payment details including timing, method, and location for goods from the buyer to the supplier.
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI), also known as Final Random Inspection (FRI), reviews finished and packed goods to ensure compliance before shipment.
Pending Result
A pending result occurs when non-conformities aren’t specified or don’t directly affect sales.
Production Monitoring
Production Monitoring assesses production processes to identify weak points affecting product quality. It aims to implement immediate corrective actions for quality improvement.
Purchase Order
A Purchase Order is a contract detailing goods’ description, quantity, price, payment terms, and delivery date sent from the buyer to the supplier.
Policy
A Policy is a guiding principle or rule that outlines an organization’s approach to certain aspects.
Procedure
A Procedure outlines the steps and methods for performing a process to meet customer requirements. It’s usually documented for consistency.
Process
A structured series of actions or steps designed to achieve specific goals. Found in various industries, processes streamline tasks, projects, or production, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency in operations.
Quality Control
Quality Control is the process of identifying nonconformities or defects at various production stages to ensure delivered goods meet consumer quality expectations.
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance involves monitoring every production stage to uphold desired quality levels and meet delivery deadlines.
Quantity Check
Quantity Check is a key inspection point verifying produced items align with the required quantity, especially at a specific production stage.
Quality Management System
A Quality Management System documents an organization’s processes and procedures for quality control, often based on the ISO 9001 standard.
Quality Audit
A Quality Audit is an independent review to assess whether quality activities align with plans and objectives effectively.
Quality Policy
A Quality Policy is an organization’s statement on its beliefs, processes, and expected outcomes regarding quality.
Quality Management (QM)
Quality Management is the application of a quality management system to achieve customer satisfaction while minimizing costs and continuously improving processes.
Random Sampling
Random Sampling is a common technique where sample units are chosen to ensure equal chances for all combinations, providing unbiased representation.
Representative Sampling
Representative Sampling involves selecting samples from batches to minimize bias and accurately reflect the overall characteristics of the batch or lot.
Regulations
Regulations are official rules or directives from authorities that govern the commercialization of consumer goods. They mitigate risks of injuries or fatalities caused by products within a market.
Rejected Shipment
A rejected shipment results from a failed inspection. The buyer declines the goods, preventing their shipment to the destination country.
Rejection
Rejection occurs when products do not meet required standards during inspection, leading to their non-acceptance.
Re-Inspection
Re-Inspection involves evaluating products again after an initial inspection, often due to failed or inconclusive results.
Resubmitted
Resubmitted refers to products or samples being re-presented for inspection or assessment after previous attempts.
Sample
A sample is a group of one or more product units taken randomly from a batch. The sample size determines the number of items in the sample.
Sample Size
Sample size is the number of items inspected during a product assessment. It varies based on order quantity and desired assurance level. ISO 2859-1 defines methods for determining sample size.
Sampling
Sampling involves selecting and collecting samples from a production batch for inspection.
Sampling Plans
Sampling plans outline the sample size and corresponding acceptance and rejection criteria for inspecting a lot.
Severity of Inspection
Severity of inspection specifies the extent of assessment for a product. International standards use Tightened, Normal, and Reduced inspection levels.
Single Sampling Plan
A single sampling plan assesses acceptability based on one sample from a lot, determined by the plan.
Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a methodology for process improvement, aiming to minimize defects and enhance consumer satisfaction.
Specifications
Specifications include physical properties, quality expectations, packaging, labeling, and more, defining a product for buyers.
Standards
Standards are documents outlining specifications, procedures, and guidelines for ensuring consistent, safe, and reliable products and services.
Subcontractor
A subcontractor produces finished goods on behalf of another supplier.
Supply Chain
The supply chain encompasses sourcing, manufacturing, quality control, and transportation, delivering products to consumers.
Supplier
A supplier manufactures or provides products for another organization.
Supplier Audit
A supplier audit is a quality control process that monitors and improves the quality of manufactured goods.
Surveillance Program
A surveillance program involves quality control measures to monitor and enhance manufactured goods’ quality.
Specification
A specification is a document stating requirements for a product or service to conform to.
Standard
A standard is a metric, specification, gauge, or guideline used to compare process outputs for acceptability.
Third Party Inspection
Independent quality assessment conducted by a neutral entity not involved in the production or purchase, ensuring adherence to specifications.
Third Party Inspector
An impartial professional appointed to evaluate and verify product quality and compliance, acting on behalf of neither the buyer nor the seller.
Tolerance Levels
The permissible range of deviations permitted by the buyer, allowing for variations between product specifications and the final product.
Trading Company
An intermediary business entity that secures suppliers, negotiates terms, and manages the production process until goods are shipped, facilitating international trade
Total Quality Management (TQM)
An all-encompassing strategic framework aimed at attaining customer contentment, involving all staff and managers, and employing quantitative techniques to iteratively enhance an organization’s processes.
Traceability
The ability to track and document the complete history, location, and usage of a product or component throughout its lifecycle, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Thickness
The measurement of the dimension from one surface of a material, such as a glove, to its opposite surface. It indicates how thick or thin the material is and is an important parameter to assess quality and suitability for its intended purpose.
Unit of Production
A discrete entity within the manufacturing process that is subject to measurement or assessment, often referring to a “unit of product” inspected to ascertain its defect-free status.
Utilization Rate
The proportion of time a resource or asset is actively employed or utilized, compared to its total available time, indicating operational efficiency.
Unit
A distinct entity that serves as a basis for measurement or analysis; in the context of production, it refers to an individual item or product examined to determine its quality or conformity.
Unbiased Evaluation
A key principle of third-party inspection where assessments and judgments are made impartially and without favoritism. Unbiased evaluation ensures objectivity in analyzing the quality, compliance, and adherence to standards of products, services, or processes, contributing to fair and accurate inspection results.
Vendor
An entity that supplies goods to other organizations, though not necessarily the manufacturer of the products.
Validation
The process of affirming that a product or service aligns with its intended requirements and purpose.
Voluntary Standard
A standard that doesn’t inherently mandate its utilization, leaving the decision to implement it to the involved parties.
Variation
A modification in data, feature, or function attributed to factors like special causes, common causes, tampering, or structural variation.
Verification
The act of determining whether products and services adhere to specified criteria.
Visual Check
A primary inspection method involving visual observation to assess product, component, or process condition, quality, and conformity. Often an initial step in third-party inspections, it identifies visible defects, irregularities, or deviations from standards, guiding further investigation or testing.
Validity
The capacity of a measurement tool to accurately gauge the specific attribute it was designed to assess, and the extent to which deductions drawn from measurements are meaningful.
Workmanship
The quality and skill evident in the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and overall execution of a product or task.
Work in Process
Items situated between machines or equipment, in a state of awaiting further processing or completion.
Warranty
A formal assurance provided by a seller or manufacturer regarding the quality, reliability, and performance of a product, specifying the terms and conditions under which repairs or replacements will be provided in case of defects or failures.
Waste Reduction
Efforts aimed at minimizing unnecessary consumption, inefficiencies, and resource depletion in processes, leading to improved sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Workflow
The sequence of tasks, activities, and processes that constitute the progression of work within an organization, often involving various departments and participants.
Waste Management
The systematic handling, disposal, and recycling of waste materials in a way that minimizes negative environmental impacts and promotes sustainability.
WIP (Work in Progress) Inventory
Goods or materials that are in the midst of production but are not yet completed, representing an intermediate stage between raw materials and finished products.
Zero Defects
A standard or approach in quality management that demands products to be entirely devoid of defects or faults in order to meet compliance and be deemed acceptable. It emphasizes error prevention and meticulous quality control to achieve perfection.
Zone of Tolerance
The acceptable range of variability or deviation from a target value or specification, within which a product or process is still considered to meet quality standards.
Z-Score
A statistical measure that indicates how many standard deviations a data point is away from the mean of a dataset, helping to assess the significance of deviations from the average.
Zero Inventory
A state in which there is no inventory or stock of products or materials, often a goal of lean manufacturing and just-in-time production systems to minimize waste and carrying costs.