Hello,
I have a question on the best way to train level one inspectors. There duties consist of visual inspections on a assembly line, simple measurments with micrometers and calipers, overall lenghts with digital depth gages, The problem I have is they say they understand what they are looking for but, I am not sure they really understand. The training that I found on ASQ is helpful but it is to indepth for the entry level inspectors I have. I am woundering if anyone has an idea on how I can sharpen up the skills of my inspectors.

Thank you,
diptankd

Hello,
I have a question on the best way to train level one inspectors. There duties consist of visual inspections on a assembly line, simple measurments with micrometers and calipers, overall lenghts with digital depth gages, The problem I have is they say they understand what they are looking for but, I am not sure they really understand. The training that I found on ASQ is helpful but it is to indepth for the entry level inspectors I have. I am woundering if anyone has an idea on how I can sharpen up the skills of my inspectors.

Thank you,
diptankd

Hello and welcome to the Cove! :bigwave:

Well, it sounds like you have a limited range of experience in your inspectors. One method I've used in a previous life was to have a hands-on training session, complete with a little quiz at the end. To begin, give everyone a copy of the procedure(s) - where applicable - and just do a basic discussion on it.

As for the quiz, it would be more like a demonstration, where they show you how to use the instruments, based on their current understanding plus any training you've given them, and have them explain the procedure and use of the instruments to you, as if you were the newbie.

There will be others here who have other suggestions, but maybe this can help. I hope so, and wish you the best! :)

Hello,
I have a question on the best way to train level one inspectors. There duties consist of visual inspections on a assembly line, simple measurments with micrometers and calipers, overall lenghts with digital depth gages, The problem I have is they say they understand what they are looking for but, I am not sure they really understand. The training that I found on ASQ is helpful but it is to indepth for the entry level inspectors I have. I am woundering if anyone has an idea on how I can sharpen up the skills of my inspectors.

Thank you,
diptankd

'OJT' - draw up a set of competencies, based on what you described. Then have them do some of the inspections. Sit with them and watch them. Grade their competencies, find the weaknesses, make an action plan.......repeat as required.

It's good you are asking about training and evaluating inspectors.

There are a number of aspects you'll need to feel confident about. Most of them will need shoulder-to-shoulder observation, perhaps two one-half hour sessions.

Use of tools. Verify the inspector properly manipulates the caliper and micrometer--doesn't squeeze the thumbwheel or misposition the part. Set the caliper or micrometer on a number of dimensions, one by one, and ask him/her to tell you the reading.

Use of standards. Verify the inspector can locate and apply proper judgement using the criteria in visuals, prints and information on shop travelers or job orders.

Ability to question borderline conditions. Should not be too quick to accept or reject; an inspector might need "calibrating" with some visual criteria like surface finish in a honed hole. Inspector needs to know what to do with the suspect material and how to properly record findings.

An inspector should feel confident and be able to explain what he/she thinks is right or wrong about a part. Provide examples of conforming and nonconforming product, and pay attention to the nature of the person's answers. Being a good inspector requires, in my view, the right balance of assertiveness and soft touch. Assertiveness is needed to reject a part in the face of production pressures, and a soft touch is needed to keep people from feeling the part is being rejected and not them.

I hope this helps!

Thank you! for replying so quick

Involve your experienced inspectors.

I myself have a rookie inspector I'm trying to bring up to speed. The previous annos regarding training are all right on the mark.

I am spending as much time as I can spare with him, lots of demonstrations, whiteboard sessions, test exercises, verifying his work.

Also have them find out a given set of dimensions using one tool and technique, then repeat that same set with a different set of tools or technique.

Coach them in the concept of uncertainty in measurement.

Hello,
I have a question on the best way to train level one inspectors. There duties consist of visual inspections on a assembly line, simple measurments with micrometers and calipers, overall lenghts with digital depth gages, The problem I have is they say they understand what they are looking for but, I am not sure they really understand. The training that I found on ASQ is helpful but it is to indepth for the entry level inspectors I have. I am woundering if anyone has an idea on how I can sharpen up the skills of my inspectors.

Thank you,
diptankd

Hello diptankd,

Great responses from my Fellow Covers! In addition, the training must be effective. That means that upon completion of the training, your inspectors must be competent. (Competency: the ability to apply knowledge and skills). One way to verify the effectiveness of the training in terms of "hands-on" is to conduct a mini Gage R&R to assess the consistency of your inspectors. This may lead to further remedial training to reduce the measurement variation introduced by the inspectors.

Stijloor.

I was trained by the typical older been in the buisness 40 years inspector and the knowledge was very beneficial, its the little things and tips that you don't easily find in books