Hardware Receiving Inspection

[jeepdog]

How much inspection should be performed?

If we purchase hardware thru a middle man that buys from distributors am I wrong to expect the middle man to inspect the hardware? The intent is that we will save the cost of doing this inspection ourselves & be able to go direct dock to stock.

When we buy from distributors direct we always inspected the hardware features, when I saw that the inspection the middle guy was doing is mostly a visual inspection I expressed reluctance to use the middle guy.

I was told by management that it is unreasonable to expect the middle guy to inspect hardware for a cap screw (for example) to include Head height-head dia., shaft dia., thread size (using a ring gage) and screw length.

The middle guy is AS9120 / ISO 9001 certified and per 8.2.4 / 8.2.5 and 7.1 C I think I'm correct. Looking for backup (hopefully).

 

[normzone]

Re: Hardware Inspection

The middle man has the same hopes and dreams as your organization - good parts in and away to the customer with no need to verify same. Real world intervention on the horizon...

Have you made your intentions clear in writing that this is your expectation? Are you paying extra to this supplier for this level of scrutiny?

The answers are likely no. Is the level of inspection you mention a requirement for the purchased product? If you're purchasing COTS, that sounds extreme.

When in doubt, assume the other guy has the same problems as you do, especially when it comes to information access and resources.

 

[jeepdog]

Re: Hardware Inspection

I'm not sure I understand the response.

Rather then letting your customer decide what level of inspection the middle guy should provide, how does an ISO auditor accept your system if you are not actually inspecting parts?

I guess my question is; If your ISO certified do you or do you not have to inspect parts in order to ensure they meet the drawing requirements and thereby satisfy The ISO standard?

 

[Coury Ferguson]

Re: Hardware Inspection

How much inspection should be performed?

If we purchase hardware thru a middle man that buys from distributors am I wrong to expect the middle man to inspect the hardware? The intent is that we will save the cost of doing this inspection ourselves & be able to go direct dock to stock.

When we buy from distributors direct we always inspected the hardware features, when I saw that the inspection the middle guy was doing is mostly a visual inspection I expressed reluctance to use the middle guy.

I was told by management that it is unreasonable to expect the middle guy to inspect hardware for a cap screw (for example) to include Head height-head dia., shaft dia., thread size (using a ring gage) and screw length.

The middle guy is AS9120 / ISO 9001 certified and per 8.2.4 / 8.2.5 and 7.1 C I think I'm correct. Looking for backup (hopefully).

The amount of inspection is determined by the organization.

If this is standard off the shelf items (catalog) like nuts, bolts, and cap screws (depending on manufacturer), I personally don't feel there is a necessity to perform a dimensional inspection. But there are people that may disagree with that thought.

I tend to agree with your management team. That this maybe an unreasonable request from a distributor.

If they have registration to AS9120, then is there still an issue? Ask for their results of their certification audit, if they want to provide it.

Just an opinion.

 

[jeepdog]

Re: Hardware Inspection

Actually I re-read your response and I realize your saying if my premise is valid how do I get away w/ buying in parts w/out inspecting! I guess the reality of that is that we will be contracting w/them to act as our agent and do what we would do as far as inspecting.

We have made that clear to the middleman but I am being second guessed on what I'm asking for (internally). I interpret the standard as necessary to check features on hardware to verify parts are correct.

So another way to put my question is how does the hardware distributor industry work? do they inspect parts or buy per cert?

 

[Coury Ferguson]

Re: Hardware Inspection

So another way to put my question is how does the hardware distributor industry work? do they inspect parts or buy per cert?

That depends on the distributor. Many distributors use both a certification and some type of inspection, most of the time.

Now here is a question for you:

Have you had any floor, customer, or inspection failures with this distributor?

 

[normzone]

Re: Hardware Inspection

Sorry if my philosophical ramblings are obtuse.

Regardless of the kind of certification the supplier is operating under, they assess the risks and inspect accordingly.

Some parts will have every dimension checked.

Others will be purchased under the agreement that as long as the parts were made by an approved manufacturer, and acquired from them or an approved distributor, then no dimensional inspection is required. Receiving inspection would consist of verifying that the part packaging, packing slip, and the purchase order are all in agreement.

Of course, if a problem arises, then the whole risk issue gets re-examined. Possibly a new approach is settled on, or perhaps the situation is judged to be suitable, and the damages of the rare event minimal and acceptable.

 

[Coury Ferguson]

Re: Hardware Inspection

Sorry if my philosophical ramblings are obtuse.

Regardless of the kind of certification the supplier is operating under, they assess the risks and inspect accordingly.

Some parts will have every dimension checked.

Others will be purchased under the agreement that as long as the parts were made by an approved manufacturer, and acquired from them or an approved distributor, then no dimensional inspection is required. Receiving inspection would consist of verifying that the part packaging, packing slip, and the purchase order are all in agreement.

Of course, if a problem arises, then the whole risk issue gets re-examined. Possibly a new approach is settled on, or perhaps the situation is judged to be suitable, and the damages of the rare event minimal and acceptable.

Adaptation to changing events may drive different results.

Your philosophical ramblings are a good thing and are opinions, based on personal experience. I don't think it was rambling or obtuse.

 

[jeepdog]

Ok
Thanks for the input I will see what else comes along thru the post. I did speak to a local distributor who interprets 8.2.4 as I do so I'm happy w/ that.
I'm also glad to see Elsmar Cove is back!

Thanks Again

 

[Candi1024]

Do you use these screws to assemble something, or are they just included in your package for the customer to use? Is it an automated assembly, or manual?

I'm thinking if you actually manually use these screws, then it is somewhat akin to 100% inspections at the assembly point. If it is automated, I would assume there is more of a risk if the dimensions are wrong (machine jamming, down time, ect) Of course, this may have to be revaluated if problems arise.