4.2.3.1 Engineering Specifications - Intent? What does this clause apply to?

[Randy Lefferts]

4.2.3.1 Engineering Specifications
The organization shall have a process to assure the timely review, distribution and implementation of all customer engineering standards/specifications and changes based on customer-required schedule. Timely Review should be as soon as possible, and shall not exceed two working weeks.
The organization shall maintain a record of the date on which each change is implemented in production. Implementation shall include updated documents.
NOTE: A change in these standards/specifications requires an updated record of customer production part approval when these specifications are referenced on the design record or if they affect documents of production part approval process, such as control plan, FMEA's, etc.

We have some confusion on exactly what this paragraph means. Does the above paragraph apply simply to Engineering specifications such as GM 4348M, AS-10169, ASTM D792, SAE J400 ? Or does it apply to Engineering Change(s) Specifications? Or both?

We have a divided group with one side stating that it only applies to specifically the Specifications/standards noted above that are available on the various websites, while one group maintains that it applies to Engineering Changes and yet there is a third group that states it applies to both specifications/standards and engineering changes.

Any help on this is definately most appreciated.

 

[D.Scott]

I am on the side of "both". All standards and specs fall into this requirement. If a customer sends a new print, any changes to the specifications on the print must be reviewed, distributed and implemented. The date of all process changes should also be documented and all applicable paperwork (CP, FMEA, work instructions, etc.) need to be updated. If a customer makes specification changes on a purchase order, they would fall into this as well.

Dave

 

[Tinok]

What is "Timely Review"?

The Word "Timely Review" is interesting. I think it can have 3 meaning:

a) Time to start the review of specification;
b) Time to finish the review, but left a lot of open items to clarify & resolve with customer;
c) Time to clear all open items and start the implementation.

We tried to use the 3rd meaning but found that it is unrealistic, since it is difficult to control the time used in communicating with customer. Then how can we ensure it is completed within 2 working weeks. Any comments?

 

[D.Scott]

I will refer to an old QS interpretation for this one. Timley was determined to be "business "days", not weeks or months". It is commonly accepted that it should be done as quickly as possible so as not to allow for errors. The phrase "don't drag your feet" comes to mind.

Still very vague, but you can't put the same time limit on every change. It really comes down to one of those "common sense, use your head" things.

Dave

 

[Totumfrog]

"All customer engineering standards/specifications and changes based on customer-required schedule" includes all prints, standards, specifications etc. that the customer gives you. Basically anything that is considered a controlled document and that you make decisions on that would effect the quality of the part(s). Our company completes this requirement through Engineering Change Requests/Notices. All old documents are purged, new controlled documents are implemented. Changes to control plans and FMEAs etc. are updated. Customer-required schedule changes would mainly involve the delivery schedule. Changes to the delivery schedule are handled by the way of "Delivery Change Requests" that are implemented by the scheduling department. Hope this helps.

 

[Lewis]

Considering the term "...customer engineering standards/specifications...", would clause 4.2.3.1 also apply to those requirements set forth in a customer supplied quality manual?

 

[Totumfrog]

Yes. We maintain controlled copies of every customer issued supplier manual. We updates arrive, we use the ECR process to notify all responsible departments and ensure that any new requirements can and will be met.

 

[Randy Lefferts]

Thanks everyone

The way I see it, customer specifications are anything that you use to deliver a finished good, that is supplied by the customer. Whether it's a print, actual specification (gm 4348m, etc) or visual standard, they are all customer specs that you must work within to provide the product to the customer. That means that you control anything that is used to deliver that product.

Thanks for all your responses. I certainly appreciate the feedback.