Definition Rework vs. Repair in ISO/AS9100

[timmlaww3256]

Hello all,
I am in the unfortunate position of having to verify my definitions of these terms to our new Operations Manager. I, like most others in the ISO/AS world (I'm in aerospace) use the following "quick and dirty" definitions.

REWORK: Meets all specs
REPAIR: Doesn't meet all specs, but is functional.

I need some definitive* (HA! PUN) reference that I can shove down his throat, as wants to define virtually everything as rework in an obvious effort to keep us from having to get customer approval.

*An actual citation from a controlling document within the ISO/AS suite of standards.

 

[cclee]

Re: "Rework" VS. "Repair" in ISO/AS

Hi, these definitions are from ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9000-2005:

rework
action on a nonconforming product (3.4.2) to make it conform to the requirements (3.1.2)

repair
action on a nonconforming product (3.4.2) to make it acceptable for the intended use
NOTE 1 Repair includes remedial action taken on a previously conforming product to restore it for use, for example as part
of maintenance.
NOTE 2 Unlike rework (3.6.7), repair can affect or change parts of the nonconforming product.

Hope this helps.

 

[StorkSPA]

Any action performed on aerospace equipment needs to be based on approved data. To become approved data, it needs design authority signatures (i.e. both the lead design engineer and the design quality representative).

The design process within aerospace further requires qualification of product (proof that it is able to operate within the given envelope). This indicates that if the product deviates from the original drawing, the design engineer should consult the qualification engineer if there is risk for the deviating process / product to impact the qualification status of the aircraft!

Therefore I would define:

• Rework - Action that brings the product back into drawing specifications, using previously and general approved methods. (i.e. previous approval was not a one-off e.g. a repair on a concession would be a one off approval as it is not valid for new cases).
• Repair - Action that brings the product back into drawing specifications, using non-previous approved method and therefore requiring design authority approval. A repair may or may not lead to a product that is out of original design specification. A repaired product that remains out of original spec would need explicit acceptance of that fact (like the statement "us as is").
• "Use as is" - the explicit acceptance of one or more product deviations to the original and qualified specifications.
• "Part within spec" - the explicit statement that the product, after rework or repair, is conforming to original specification.

 

[Jeff Frost]

It appears that you are making your definitions overly complicated and in conflict with ISO 9000 the normative (required) reference of AS9100 (see Sec. 2 & 3). Your registrar will hold you to the definition of Repair (3.6.9), and Rework (3.6.7) found in 9000. You will be also held to the restrictions related to Use-As-Is and Repair found in Clause 8.3.1in the paragraph just after Item "e".

 

[howste]

I need some definitive* (HA! PUN) reference that I can shove down his throat, as wants to define virtually everything as rework in an obvious effort to keep us from having to get customer approval.

*An actual citation from a controlling document within the ISO/AS suite of standards.

ISO 9000 is the official document defining the terms used in ISO 9001 & AS9100. For our international members, ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9000 is the USA's country-specific publication of ISO 9000, so the definitions cclee posted are correct.

Hi, these definitions are from ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9000-2005:

rework
action on a nonconforming product (3.4.2) to make it conform to the requirements (3.1.2)

repair
action on a nonconforming product (3.4.2) to make it acceptable for the intended use
NOTE 1 Repair includes remedial action taken on a previously conforming product to restore it for use, for example as part
of maintenance.
NOTE 2 Unlike rework (3.6.7), repair can affect or change parts of the nonconforming product.

Hope this helps.

 

[StorkSPA]

Both Jeff Frost and Howste, thanks for your reply with the correct definition. As many others (see various posts on the subject, like http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=12639) I missed that.

in an obvious effort to keep us from having to get customer approval.

Keep one thing in mind when classifying something as rework without need for customer approval: it is only rework within specifications if the chosen rework method conforms to the approved drawing and approved production methods.

All activities on aerospace equipment need to be based on approved data, i.e. approval from the Design Authority (SDR) except from those actions agreed with the SDR. Usually the need for approval is limited to critical parts. Espescially when frozen operations or special processes are involved, authorisation of the rework procedure is needed (even if the rework leads to a product within drawing).

 

[Jeff Frost]

StorkSPA

Again be very careful as it appears that you are trying to complicate the process. AS9100 Clause 8.3 is very clear on the subject of dispositions of use-as-is or repair. The standard states that your company shall only use these dispositions after approval by an authorized representative of the organization responsible for the design. If the customer is responsible for the design and has not delegated their authority to your company you are required to get their approval period. Anything else is a violation of the requirement.

 

[StorkSPA]

Jeff
You describe exactly what I intended to make clear, I'm sure we agree.

I intended to point out that you are "deviating from the contract requirements" as mentioned in AS9100 8.3 if the chosen rework method brings the product itself back within requirements, but the method to get there is not within requirements. That still is a deviation requiring design authority approval - even if the product characteristics are within drawing.

 

[JamesBarnhart]

StorkSPA

Again be very careful as it appears that you are trying to complicate the process. AS9100 Clause 8.3 is very clear on the subject of dispositions of use-as-is or repair. The standard states that your company shall only use these dispositions after approval by an authorized representative of the organization responsible for the design. If the customer is responsible for the design and has not delegated their authority to your company you are required to get their approval period. Anything else is a violation of the requirement.

Same here