Can I exclude Service even though we do some service?

[JADCHATT]

I am new to AS9100 and I am trying to implement a system for my company. We are a fab shop with machining and laser capabilities. We do some installation of some of the product we fab, however the need for a QSM is based on our machining and forming processes. The types of installs we do doesn't have any customer requirements for a QSM. My question is, Can I claim a service exclusion and state that any service activities we provide are considered outside the scope of our QSM?

Thanks,

JADCHATT

[BadgerMan]

Welcome

I have a couple questions:

1. Even if you could, why would you want to exclude the final step of your process, that being installation of the product?

2. Did you contract with a customer to produce AND install the product? Does your contract actually state that there are no QMS requirements for the final step of the process but there are for the preceding steps?

[JADCHATT]

1) The customer base we have for this service is very relaxed as for as requirements go. Basicly they will say they want a platform "here" and we will build on site. The customer will observe the work in progress and make changes on the fly. This , I think, would be design and we want no part of that.

2) The contracts we receive, basicly have no requirements listed on them. Usualy they will state something to the effect of " provide labor and materials to construct a walking platform on site 12A". We are licensed mechanical contractors and and build to code, but no customer requirements.

[AndyN]

An approach might be to ask your management what (quantifiable) risks there are of not having effective control over the service activities. They may not perceive any risks, but many will downplay them anyway.

The customer might not notice but if you (quantifiably) waste time or equipment etc. your costs may be higher than the (potential) competition. Also it might be a 'ticking bomb' - in that your services might have latent issues, just waiting to bite you or the customer at the worst possible moment......

Your answers will guide you to the decision.......

[BadgerMan]

In Reply to Parent Post by JADCHATT

2) The contracts we receive, basicly have no requirements listed on them.

You may want to read section 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 of the AS9100 standard.

Specifically:

Where the customer provides no documented statement of requirement, the customer requirements shall be confirmed by the organization before acceptance.