Re: Different between Product/Dock/Layout Audit
Yes it's similar. The difference is that with a dock audit, it is a last chance audit to verify customer specific requirements are met. This audit could include dimensional, packaging methods, count accuracy, bar code labeling requirements, etc. We sometimes use dock audits to verify corrective action effectiveness and also as a short term containment plan for corrective action.
Isocyanate, the following would be my definitions of the terms you listed without knowing the application or field that you are in.
Product Audit: In process inspection that inspectors or the operators perform periodically throughout their production run to ensure continued compliance to the print or to meet statistical requirements. The control plan or part specific inspection instructions usually are used to dictate how many pieces to check and at what frequency. This is not 100% dimensional inspection; only a few critical dimensions.
Dock Audit: Sometimes categorized as a product audit, but in a nutshell is a last chance verification to customer specific requirements as described above response to JaneB. Typically, the quantity of parts is dictated by an AQL level or percentage of the total shipment. The frequency of inspection could be each shipment or if on a skip lot plan, could be every 5 or 10 shipments. This is also not 100% dimensional verification (if any at all); only key dimensions.
Layout Audit: Never heard this called an audit, but I am assuming you are talking about the first article inspection. Some call it Initial Sample Inspection Report (ISIR), some call it Pre-Production Approval Process (PPAP), and some call it First Article Inspection (FAI). All of these are typically a 100% inspection on one or more pieces. This data, along with other manufacturing information, material traceability, etc is sent to the customer for approval before production can begin. Some customers require periodic re-verification annually to ensure that your processes are still in check.
Hope this has been of some help to you.