Aihua Motors makes sure every experiment follows the same standards and procedures to ensure quality products and constantly improve existing designs.
Standards on files, inspection, testing equipment, and environment are planned to record accurate and reliable testing results.
Product Sample Control
The laboratory assistant responsible for receiving, reviewing, and managing the testing samples tests variety, specification, model, and quantity to monitor packaging and samples meet set standards of quality.
Samples are labelled and stored in a storage area for no longer than a month. Laboratory assistants follow procedures when receiving and with drawing samples. They need to count and verify samples and match inventory records.
Recording Standards
The standards for recording results include testing rules and procedures, experimentation methods, operation and maintenance of equipment, and maintenance procedures. Each identified recording standard are implemented to each relevant department after being reviewed and approved. Expired recording standards are removed from departments to avoid confusion. When recording standards are modified, they need to follow Aihua Motors’ Documents Control Procedure. These documents are kept safe and are restored if damaged.
Control of Testing
When a laboratory starts to conduct a new test, evaluation and identification of design goals are outlined. Samples of the new test can only be reviewed when they are confirmed to meet the technical specifications of the test.
Technical Specifications
The quality goal of the new design test should be confirmed by the tester. Inspection of current equipment and testing environment to make sure they meet requirements of new test. Standards on testing procedures, inspection, and experimentation are developed. Testers are trained for new test before they begin. Inspectors review conditions of the first test and compare to the original goals. Testing reports are created and reviewed. New tests will be conducted when the first test meets quality goals.
Testing Quality Control
Samples, testing equipment, and testing environment are inspected to ensure standards are met before testing is conducted. Testers need to conduct tests by following procedures and regulations. Test results are properly recorded. When more than one tester is working on the same product, they read and repeats test results to each other to avoid errors. If the result of the test shows figures that are under the goal standard, re-testing occurs to ensure quality on all products. After testing has occurred, equipment and the working environment is inspected to ensure that reliability is maintained.
Improving Quality of Production
Recording Tests
Testing at Aihua Motors needs to be accurate, complete, and clear. The format of testing should include product details, equipment used, items tested, requirements of the test, and results of the test including time and who performed the test. The test results are based on the requirements, then reviewed by the inspector, and then approved by the laboratory specialist. The inspector reviews the test results, previous data, and the testing environment to ensure accurate results of the test. The laboratory specialist also reviews the goal of the report and decides if the results can be approved. If errors are found, then the tester reviews test applies changes needed to ensure a higher quality product produced. If modifications are needed to test reports, the tester needs to apply them and will need to be approved by regulations. The modified report will be used to make a new test and replace the results of the original. Test reports are cataloged and filed according to the product tested for up to 2 years.
Calibration of Equipment
Surveillance and Measurement Equipment Control Procedure. In order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the testing results, equipment testing is implemented with equipment and calibration standards. A tester must test the equipment at different times to compare the results. Consistency of the tester is also inspected to ensure quality tests.
Use of Equipment
Testers are guided with operation regulations and should be familiar with the performance standards of the equipment. After training and an exam about the equipment, the tester can begin. Equipment is not to be overused. If a problem occurs with equipment, they are turned off and inspected until they are calibrated properly and can be operated again.
Maintenance of Equipment
Operators of the equipment are responsible for the daily maintenance. Inspection on the equipment is done regularly throughout the day. If a problem with the equipment occurs, it will be repaired, calibrated, tested, and inspected until it is approved to be used in production. If the equipment does not pass inspection, the usage is limited once it is verified to continue the production process. Equipment that does not pass inspection are turned into scrap.
Records of Equipment
Technical specifications, calibration and operation instructions, inspection standards, use, and maintenance documents are available for employees of Aihua Motors to ensure equipment is properly used during the production process.
Subcontracting Tests
Other laboratories from another company can be subcontracted to perform tests. The subcontracted laboratory is reviewed and evaluated on its technical ability and level of quality. Once the subcontracted laboratory meets requirements, testing occurs with increased quality control measurements.
Requirements for the Subcontracted Laboratory
These laboratories need to have the testing ability with suitable equipment, environment, work place, and relevant testing tools. The testers need to have familiar training with the same development technology and operation ability. They need to be able to conduct tests according to the technical specifications of Aihua Motors by managing test samples, calibrating equipment, monitoring production conditions, inspecting production, and reporting results accurately and on time.
Evaluation of the Subcontracted Laboratory
Subcontracted laboratories need to achieve the China National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (CNAL) certificate or the provincial technical supervision department certificate. The recognized technical are includes the planned test products. These laboratories also require an examination certificate, measurement certificate, and relevant operating documents. On site inspection occurs to evaluate is the laboratory meets the basic requirements.
Confirming Relationship with Subcontracted Laboratory
The subcontracted laboratory’s testing ability, quality certificates, equipment information, and contract are recorded and filed.
Quality Inspection of Purchased Inventory
Purchased inventory is sampled for quality tests to measure quality. The technical specifications are measured in the laboratory to ensure that quality standards are met. Name of product, model, serial number, quality grade, manufacturer, date of production, and warranty are also reviewed for each purchased product. Equipment is inspected to follow regulations before using purchased products. Unqualified products are marked and returned to the original manufacturer. Replacements are then purchased to continue the production process. Quality records of the products are kept on file.
