Hello again,
I'm trying to determine the best method for maintaining traceability through our mfg process. We mfg protective suits composed of approx. 110 operations. In the end they all come together to form a one piece coverall. We can run up to 1000 of these from order to order, along with smaller products such as polyurethane bags that consist of only 3 or four operations. Does anyone know of a feasible "easy" way of maintaining traceability for all parts to a product? Thank you again.
Dan
Everyone have a good weekend!

The definition of "easy" is a bit tricky.....we accredit inspection bodies under ISO/IEC 17020, and during field observations with inspectors, we look at traceability, regardless of product.....it can range from metal-joined wood trusses for the roof to motorhomes to whatever.....

When we review traceability we start with a finished product and work backwards, to see just how far the organization can identify items or materials. For example, for steel products, can you get to the heat number? For plastics can you get to lot numbers of received material?

The key is that the system needs to be set up so as to capture the most information with the least amount of burden on the workers. What we often see is a traveller or similar form - paper or electronic - that "follows" the process/item and captures the pertinent information for each component. One other note, if you use listed products (UL, CSA, ITS/ETL, FM, or similar) then the traceability for those items is well documented so you can just include the item information.

Hope this helps.

Hershal