8.6 Release of Products and Services
Products and services undergo inspection and/or testing to ensure they meet all requirements at critical stages throughout the various processes, and then prior to final delivery.
Release Criteria
Measurement requirements are documented as part of the specific Product Production Traveler and includes:
| Item | Element |
|---|---|
| a) | Criteria for acceptance and/or rejection |
| b) | Where in the sequence measurement and testing operations are performed |
| c) | A record of the measurement results |
Test records will show actual test results data when required by specification or acceptance test plan.
Product is not used until it has been inspected or otherwise verified as conforming to specified requirements, except when released under positive-recall procedures pending completion of all required measurement and monitoring activities.
Evidence of conformity with the acceptance criteria is maintained. Records indicate the person(s) authorizing release of products and services.
8.6.2 In-Process Inspection and Testing
At defined stages throughout production, inspections and/or tests are conducted to ensure the products satisfy the requirements for that particular process or activity, prior to being released to the next process or activity.
This is defined in Process Definition — Quality Planning and/or quality documentation specific to each sales order.
8.6.3 First Article Inspection
First Article Inspections (FAI) shall be performed when required by customer or contract requirements. The inspection shall be in conformance with the item PFAT or equivalent.
8.6.4 Final Inspection and Testing
Final acceptance criteria for products and services are defined in appropriate subordinate documentation. Reviews, inspections and tests are conducted at appropriate stages to verify that the product and service requirements have been met — before products and services are released or services are delivered.
All products will be subject to final inspection and testing to assure conformance to specified requirements. In addition to the final inspection performed on the finished product, checks will be made to establish that all specified inspections and tests have been carried out.
Stop-Shipment Authority
No product will be shipped unless the quality standards and activities as outlined in the AGE quality system have been met. The following personnel may stop any shipment if, in that individual’s opinion, it does not meet the quality standards:
| Role | Authority |
|---|---|
| Quality Inspector | Stop-shipment |
| Quality Manager | Stop-shipment |
| Operations Manager | Stop-shipment |
| Company President | Stop-shipment |
Inspection and test records will be maintained on file to provide evidence that the product has been inspected and/or tested. These records are retained pursuant to the AGE records retention policy and may be disposed of at the end of the retention period.
Incoming Inspection
All incoming purchased product shipments shall be inspected on receipt. A Non-Conforming Material Report (QSF-8.4.2) shall be completed for any parts that:
- Are not in conformance with the purchase order
- Appear to have sustained damage in shipment
- Do not include all required certifications and documentation