TS 16949 Clause 8.2.4 Monitoring and Measurement of Product - Customer Scope?

[morteza]

Hi all
There is an argument between our internal auditors that the term customer stated in clause 8.2.4, only apply to external customers. So, there is not necessary to apply the two last paragraphs of clause 8.2.4 to internal customers (next operations). For example, there is not a requirement that the inspection records show the person who released the product to go to the next operation in the organization and we cannot issue a nonconformity form for it , but it is better to include the person’s name in inspection records for traceability.
In our internal procedure, including person’s name has not been stated and according it only QC stamp is enough.
My question is that:
Does the term customer, stated in two last paragraphs of clause 8.2.4, only apply to external customer, or it also apply to internal customers?
Thanks all

 

[qusys]

Hi all
There is an argument between our internal auditors that the term customer stated in clause 8.2.4, only apply to external customers. So, there is not necessary to apply the two last paragraphs of clause 8.2.4 to internal customers (next operations). For example, there is not a requirement that the inspection records show the person who released the product to go to the next operation in the organization and we cannot issue a nonconformity form for it , but it is better to include the person’s name in inspection records for traceability.
In our internal procedure, including person’s name has not been stated and according it only QC stamp is enough.
My question is that:
Does the term customer, stated in two last paragraphs of clause 8.2.4, only apply to external customer, or it also apply to internal customers?
Thanks all

My understanding is that the clause can be also applied to the entire manufacturing process flow. Based upon this , customer can be intended both internal and external.
In fact , to be safer in the application of the clause and to have benefits from the standard, you can read it in both perspective.
I think that an effective application of the clause can preserve you to be non conforming product.

 

[Jim Wynne]

Hi all
There is an argument between our internal auditors that the term customer stated in clause 8.2.4, only apply to external customers. So, there is not necessary to apply the two last paragraphs of clause 8.2.4 to internal customers (next operations). For example, there is not a requirement that the inspection records show the person who released the product to go to the next operation in the organization and we cannot issue a nonconformity form for it , but it is better to include the person’s name in inspection records for traceability.
In our internal procedure, including person’s name has not been stated and according it only QC stamp is enough.
My question is that:
Does the term customer, stated in two last paragraphs of clause 8.2.4, only apply to external customer, or it also apply to internal customers?
Thanks all

The language in question applies to external customers. You may apply it to internal customers if you want to, but it's not required.

 

[isoalchemist]

The intent is external customers. "Release of Product" in Medical Device terms applies to the final review and approval of a product before release to the customer/distribution.

Give your internal auditors credit for starting a good discussion, it certainly could apply and you have them thinking in a customer service mind set.