The oft-quoted adage is that the shop should always be prepared for an audit. While this saying is true, the average quality manager knows that consistent readiness for such scrutiny calls for continued best practices to be complied with. This article seeks to suggest valid best practices such that a forthcoming audit will be just another validation of the shop’s competency and integrity.
Providing the inspectors with good equipment in the first place can prevent future audit problems. The initial purchase of LED lamps for the wash and inspection stations is relatively expensive but will save money in the long run since the LED bulbs last much longer than traditional mercury vapor lamps. The higher intensity in the wash station prevents underwashing that could prompt reprocessing the parts and the higher intensity in the inspection booth makes it much easier for the inspector to detect any discontinuities. Traditional TAM panels are difficult to keep clean and a continual source of audit exposure. Substituting twin-nickel chrome panels as the system performance tool will ultimately save time and money.