This SOP defines how quality inspections are performed on incoming, in-process, and finished goods to ensure products meet specification. It standardizes sampling, measurement, acceptance criteria, and the handling of nonconforming material in line with ISO 9001.
Adapt the sampling plan, gauges, and tolerances to your product. Copy, print, or customize it in the generator.
Purpose
To verify that materials and products conform to specifications and to control nonconforming output before it reaches the customer.
Scope
Applies to quality inspectors, production operators, and supervisors involved in inspection and disposition.
Responsibilities
- Quality Inspector: Performs inspections, records results, and tags nonconforming material.
- Production Operator: Presents work for inspection and performs in-process checks.
- Quality Manager: Owns this SOP, dispositions nonconformances, and drives corrective action.
Step-by-Step Procedure
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1. Prepare for inspection
- Confirm the current drawing, specification, and inspection instruction revision.
- Verify gauges and instruments are calibrated and in date.
- Select the sample size per the sampling plan.
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2. Perform inspection
- Measure characteristics against specification using the defined method.
- Record actual readings, not just pass/fail, on the inspection record.
- For in-process checks, verify first-article approval before running the batch.
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3. Disposition
- Accept conforming material and release it to the next step.
- Tag and segregate nonconforming material in a quarantine area.
- Raise a nonconformance report and route for disposition (rework, use-as-is, scrap).
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4. Corrective action & records
- Investigate root cause for recurring or significant nonconformances.
- Implement and verify corrective actions (CAPA).
- Retain inspection records and NCRs per the retention policy.
Checklist Version
- Correct drawing/spec revision confirmed
- Gauges calibrated and in date
- Sample size selected per plan
- Actual measurements recorded
- First-article approved before batch run
- Nonconforming material tagged and quarantined
- Nonconformance report raised and dispositioned
- Records retained per policy