There are many factors that OEMs should consider when selecting a manufacturing partner – and quality is at the top of the list. A supplier’s quality control program is more than just meeting the requisite ISO standards and requirements – it represents their proven way to ensure consistent, high-quality products. When assessing a potential partner’s quality control, OEMs should consider the following:

• What certifications and standards does the manufacturer have? For example, RiverSide Integrated Solutions (RIS) is ISO 9001 certified and employs IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.
• Does the manufacturer utilize the latest quality control software and machine technologies?
• What is the supplier’s quality track record and the typical level of rework due to quality issues?

It takes a team of quality specialists equipped with the right tools and technologies to ensure every product meets the requisite standards and specifications. Additionally, quality control and quality assurance are not just a part of production but are integrated into the entire manufacturing process – from design until the product reaches the customer. OEMs should seek integrated, quality management partners, like RIS, that can manage and oversee quality control along the entire supply chain.

Best Practices in Quality Control

The specifics of quality control programs may vary from industry to industry, but there are some general concepts that are applicable to nearly every manufacturing process. Below are some key best practices in quality control.

• Leverage Automation: one crucial best practice in quality control is leveraging the power of automation on the factory floor. Industrial automation uses control systems and equipment, such as computer software and robots, to perform tasks that were historically done manually. The technologies used in industrial automation have advanced significantly in recent years due to the digitalization of manufacturing, opening up more opportunities for companies to take advantage of automation solutions. There are many benefits to industrial automation such as improved quality, higher efficiency and throughput, and lower costs. The precision provided by industrial automation results in higher consistency and reproducibility along the manufacturing process – ultimately providing higher quality products.
• Perform Thorough Inspections: it is no surprise that inspections are an integral aspect of quality control and a top best practice for manufacturers. Quality inspections consistent of checking, measuring, and testing products at predetermined checkpoints along the manufacturing process, and comparing the results against specific requirements to ensure compliance. Frequent and routine quality inspections allow off-spec and defected products to be identified earlier during the manufacturing process, improving operations efficiency and reducing costs. Over time, data collected during quality inspections can be used to develop trends, allowing manufacturers to detect areas of the supply chain with on-going quality issues that need to be resolved.
• Establish Robust Tracking: tracking, or traceability as it is often called, is a significant aspect of quality control, and a strong tracking program is a critical best practice for manufacturers. OEMs and manufacturers must be able to track materials and products from raw material acquisition through the manufacturing process, and tracking is typically only complete once the final product reaches the customer. Understanding product flow through the supply chain is invaluable for manufacturers and provides a wide array of insights regarding quality control and process inefficiencies, as well as troubleshooting opportunities when problems arise.

RIS’ Commitment to Quality Control

RIS is an advanced contract manufacturer providing robust solutions in circuit board assembly, product assembly, kitting, supply chain management, fulfillment, distribution, and reverse logistics. We are dedicated to providing advanced quality contract manufacturing services. The backbone of this effort is our quality management system. This helps us to ensure excellence in all of our printed circuit board, electromechanical and box build assemblies along with our supply chain management and distribution services.

The primary goal of our quality management system is to continually improve the effectiveness of our processes and services while complying with industry standards and meeting customer needs with every project. We are ISO 9001 registered by each of our entities and adhere to quality systems that meets national standards for production procedures, product quality and customer service. Our quality management systems and processes include:

• IPC-A-610 workmanship standards
• American Society for Quality (ASQ)
• Safety Agency (UL, CSA, TUV, ETL)
• Quality Management software
• Defects per Million Opportunities (DPMO)
• First pass yield and pareto of defects at inspection and test gates
• Regular review of process quality and RMA data with customers
• Route control of serialized assemblies at inspection and test

As your one-stop-shop, we have the capabilities, capacity, quality assurance standards, and resources to provide you with support for all of your manufacturing needs. We understand that supply chain management is difficult and very time consuming, so we urge our customers to utilize our integrated solutions to the fullest capacity.

Contact us today at (507) 523-3220 to see how we can help with quality management for your next project, or click here for a quote.