One of the most important parts of electronic contract manufacturing services is the level of quality control and assurance that the manufacturer offers. Good contract manufacturers should have well-documented quality control procedures, as well as any necessary certifications for their field, such as the general ISO 9001 certification for quality management.
The importance of quality management
Quality is a vital part of electronic manufacturing–and any type of product manufacturing. Good quality management not only leads to better product quality and performance, but can also lead to improved production costs in the long run, as well as improved safety.
Understanding the difference between quality control and quality assurance
Quality management includes elements of both quality control and quality assurance processes. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually different things altogether.
Quality Assurance is a series of activities done to confirm that the product meets predetermined quality standards. This is a pre-planned process that sets out standards for the product throughout its development to ensure that it meets the requirements. This is a proactive approach to quality, focusing on the production process itself in order to prevent defects.
Quality Control is a series of operational techniques and tasks that are required to meet the product’s quality standards. These methods help to ensure that the final product is safe and performs effectively after production is complete. This is a reactive approach to quality that focuses on the product itself, identifying and correcting potential defects.
From inspection to detection
Inspection and detection are two important aspects of a quality management system that also tend to be used interchangeably. Inspection is a manual or automated process, a preventive measure that ensures all products or production techniques are meeting quality standards. Detection is the process of identifying errors or defects that have already occurred in order to correct them and minimize the potential for future errors.
Compliance vs. Certification
Compliance and certification are quite different but excellent ways to confirm that an electronics manufacturer has a good quality management system. Compliance is usually a self-claim and doesn’t always guarantee that the company is following the standards they claim. Certification is awarded after extensive processes and often requires regular, on-site audits. Companies that go through certification are provided with a document proving their compliance with the standards indicated.
Quality Control and Assurance at Cypress Technologies
Cypress Technologies takes quality management seriously. We have been ISO 9001:2015 certified since 1999 through BSI auditing, and all of our work is inspected to IPC-610C and 620C standards. One of the ways that we incorporate quality into our facility is by empowering our employees with the training, knowledge, and equipment they need to judge their work. We have a dedicated trainer to help aid operators in quality assurance and control skills. We also have refined our data acquisition and problem solving (5 Why & 8-D) process for more efficient and cost effective production processes.
If you’re looking for quality electronic contract manufacturing services, check out our website today!