Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s Grown. Here’s How’
The Marketing Minute: Get Out of Your Lane—Electronics Marketing Needs Bold Moves
Marcy’s Musings: Thank You, Columnists!
Audits: A Critical Element of Process Control
September 3, 2024 | Randy Cherry, IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
A formal audit always seems difficult to justify. Companies do not want the expense, and employees do not want the hassle. There is always a chance of failure, and management struggles to understand the benefits. If you or your company has had issues with auditing, hopefully, this article will help you feel a little more comfortable about the auditing process.
First, let’s discuss the internal process audit, which can help you avoid or eliminate many costly manufacturing problems, reduce scrap, increase yields, and directly improve your bottom line.
Process auditing can be simple and easy to maintain if you create a repeatable, impartial auditing process. Start with a Process Verification or Surveillance process audit. Create a basic yes/no checklist that covers each key manufacturing process within your facility. Another idea is to design a checklist covering all manufacturing processes from receiving to shipping and everything in between.
The Process Verification or Surveillance process audit is designed to be high-level. Unlike with a formal audit, objective evidence is not required. You are simply looking for gaps in the manufacturing process against your own internal procedures, standards, and work instructions. If your company operates by industry standards, add those to your checklist. It is best practice to perform Process Verification or Surveillance process audits once per quarter. As you collect and analyze data from the checklist, you can determine the most beneficial internal audit frequency moving forward. Let data drive the decision on audit frequency. Do not base it on opinions.
Going All the Way
Once you have determined your internal manufacturing processes and have met your goals for the Process Verification or Surveillance process audits, you may opt for the next step, which is to have a third-party auditor from an outside company perform a full manufacturing process audit to industry standards and your internal procedures and work instructions. The focus must be on the manufacturing processes, not your quality standards. Most companies have ISO certifications already in place that cover most quality concerns.
To read the entire article, which was originally published in the August 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
IBM Introduces Next-Generation Quantum Processors and Breakthrough Software for Fault-Tolerant Computing
11/12/2025 | IBMAt the annual Quantum Developer Conference, IBM unveiled fundamental progress on its path to delivering both quantum advantage by the end of 2026 and fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2029.
The Technical Backbone of an EMS Company: A CEO’s Perspective
11/13/2025 | Jay Rupani, Precision PCBAs the CEO of an EMS company, I often say that our business runs on precision, innovation, and trust. Behind every finished product—whether it’s a medical device, an automotive control module, or a consumer gadget—lies a sophisticated technical ecosystem that makes it all possible. From design support and process engineering to automation, data analytics, and supply chain integration, the technical side of EMS is where our value truly shines.
Real Time with... SMTAI 2025: Advancing PCB Manufacturing with Laser Depaneling from LPKF
11/12/2025 | Real Time with...SMTAIMarcy LaRont and Jake Benz of LPKF discuss the growing interest in laser depaneling technology. Jake introduces the CuttingMaster 2246, a high-power laser that enhances the processing of FR4 substrates.
Alpha Insights, Performance by Design: Understanding Heat at the Core of Every Design
11/11/2025 | Team Alpha -- Column: Alpha Insights: Performance by DesignPower isn’t just about current. It’s about control. As electronic systems grow smaller and faster, every amp and every layer generates a new source of heat. That heat is more than a byproduct. It’s a measure of efficiency, a benchmark of performance, and often the first indication of failure.
Trouble in Your Tank: Understanding Interconnect Defects, Part 1
11/04/2025 | Michael Carano -- Column: Trouble in Your TankThis month, I’ll address interconnect defects (ICDs). While this defect continues to rear its ugly head, don’t despair. There are solutions, most of which center on process control and understanding the relationship of the chemistry, materials, and equipment. First, though, let’s discuss ICDs.