Incoming Metal Coil Inspections - How many do you inspect?

[Bob_M]

FYI: We're ISO 9001:2000 supplying finished stamped metal parts to trucking industry and sheet metal a/c parts to mobile home industry.

We/I currently inspect all incoming coils, strips, and metal sheets used in production prior to releasing to warehouse/pressroom.

Currently I inspect thickness and width (and length) for a minimum of ONE coil per skid, regardless of number of skids or number of different heats we receive.

Many years ago (back when we had problems with steel suppliers), EACH coils was inspected.

Historically (~5 years) we've had less than a dozen material problems that were caught/catchable during incoming inspections. So supplier & material quality is not a "major" concern.

Recently, it was suggested that I begin to limit my inspection to 1 random coil per HEAT. (Recently moved a job back in-house and we might get 15+ skids per steel shipment 1 or twice a month).

Based on our suppliers' and material history, I don't have a major problem inspecting ONE coil per HEAT regardless of the number of skids received. However I didn't want to jump the gun without some other opinions (positve and negative).

FYI: Operators are required to check thickness of each coil when they start to use them as well has regular in-process checks as required per part.

Let me know what you think.
Thanks Bob