Global Source Technology Quest, Global Source Technology's Total Quality Management (TQM) program, is our way to improve quality and service in every aspect of our businesses.
Global Source Technology Quest, Global Source Technology's Total Quality
Management (TQM)
program, is our way to improve quality and service in
every aspect of our businesses. Global Source Technology Quest is a
systematic, company-wide approach to continuous quality
improvement, resulting in our customers' total
satisfaction.
Global Source Technology Quest is viewed as a continuum - a dynamic
combination of elements designed to meet the constantly
changing needs of each customer. These elements include
leadership, total employee participation,
customer-driven quality, management by fact, and
continuous improvement.
Packaging and labeling standards have been established
for specific device types to prevent mechanical (bent
leads, chipped bodies, etc.), ESD, and solderability
damage as well as to clearly identify the product
throughout processing. These standards are summarized below:
Note: Product will be kept in manufacturer's original
standard packaging whenever possible, since reduced
handling decreases the likelihood of product damage.
All moisture-sensitive product is packaged in dry
pack packaging, which includes a moisture barrier bag,
desiccant, humidity indicator card, and special labels
according to manufacturer and industry specifications.
All orders are checked for part identity, packaging, and
documentation. Proper ESD protective packaging and
labeling is prepared in accordance with the Global Source Technology
packaging and labeling standards.
A computer-controlled order consolidation process is
used before the product is sent to packing. Bar code
scans ensure that all picks are properly consolidated
before being sent to the predetermined packing stations.
The computer system will not allow the order to be
processed unless a second bar code scan is performed
ensuring that all items are present and that there is no
mixing of items in the order. Military products are
packaged with proper documentation.
Inspections are performed by Quality personnel on an audit basis at pre-determined points (Receiving, In-process, Final) in the process flow. The sample size selected is based on SPC data and can only be adjusted by the Quality Manager.
In value-added operations (Assembly, Programming,
Kitting, Computer Integration) there can be more
in-process inspection points due to the complexity of
the process flow.
A documented system and separate area exist for
receiving inspection. Inspectors inspect to written
instructions, including up-to-date prints and
specifications, where applicable.
There is no functional (electrical) inspection. One
hundred percent of all incoming receipts are visually
inspected at receiving inspection for identity, count,
packaging, condition, and documentation. A more in-depth
physical inspection is performed on a sampling of
incoming supplier receipts based on supplier historical
performance. MIL-Std-105 sampling plans are used.
Receiving inspection data is collected and used for
statistical process control. The data is also sorted by
supplier and used to prepare a supplier rating report.
Inspection for a particular supplier may be loosened or
tightened based on the supplier rating.
Accepted material is clearly identified and sent to
stock. Rejected material is also clearly identified and
placed in a segregated "defective" location to prevent
use before being dispositioned.
Pre-determined in-process inspection points are set up
after the receiving, storing, and picking processes.
This inspection is performed by an in-process inspector
or auditor who collects the data and uses it for
statistical process control. The purpose of the
in-process inspection is to further pinpoint problems
with the system that need correction and also to
identify errors earlier in the process.
The receiving, storing, and picking operators have
also been trained to perform their own in-process
inspections before they perform their normal tasks. The
procedure requires them to verify part number,
packaging, and documentation before continuing their
work.
When an error is identified, a reject ticket and a
data collection form are completed. The rejected
material is identified by the reject ticket and
segregated. The errors are corrected by the operator at
the previous operation and corrective action is
annotated on the reject ticket. The corrected items are
then re-inspected.
A documented system is in place in accordance with
MIL-I-45208. Inspection is performed by trained
inspectors who have not performed the work. A detailed
inspection is performed on outgoing orders using a
checklist for both picking and packing inspection
criteria. Some criteria are inspected 100 percent and
others are inspected in accordance with MIL-STD-105.
Although a random sampling of outgoing orders is
generally chosen for final inspection, the QA Manager
may determine that 100 percent inspection is warranted.
The loosening/tightening of the sampling plan is the
responsibility of the QA Manager. The data collected at
final inspection is used for statistical process control
and quality reporting.
All special handling orders are inspected 100 percent
for the special customer requirements in addition to the
normal inspection criteria.
Rejected material is identified, documented, and
segregated. Items are then corrected by the pick/pack
operator and re-inspected.
A documented system exists which outlines how
non-conforming material is dispositioned and how
discrepancies are resolved.
Non-conforming material is identified and segregated
to prevent mixing or use. Disposition of receiving
inspection discrepancies is the responsibility of the
Product Manager. The Product Manager must work through
the franchised supplier and QA to resolve the
discrepancy. Final inspection discrepancies are resolved
through definitive procedures and supervisory
involvement. The ability to pinpoint errors through
operator accountability and SPC data aids in the
corrective action process.
All customer returns are sent by the customer to designated Return Centers and are inspected 100 percent for identity, count, packaging, damage, documentation, and reason for return. All returns are dispositioned within 24 hours. Credit data is captured and used for quality and cost of quality measurements.
A documented system to prevent Electro Static
Discharge
(ESD) damage to devices exists. This control system is in compliance with EIA-625 and
includes:
Customer orders with special requirements, such as
selective date codes, special packaging and labeling,
bar code labels, etc., are processed through Global Source Technology's
special handling system. Customers set up on special
handling are assigned a three-digit code to each
applicable account number.
All special handling orders are automatically
diverted off of the conveyor system into the special
handling area, where trained operators perform the
necessary operations and/or verifications per the
special handling instructions. Special handling
instructions are prepared and controlled by the Quality
Department.
Global Source Technology uses a variety of quality measurement systems in all areas of the company, especially in the warehouses and value-added centers.
Global Source Technology uses a variety of quality measurement systems in
all areas of the company, especially in the warehouses
and value-added centers. "Internal" measures include
Statistical Process Control of non-conforming material
identified during audit processes, inventory accuracy,
and same-day shipment percentage. "External" or
customer-reported measures include Field Quality
Reports, customer returns, on-time delivery, cost of
quality, and customer satisfaction surveys. Supplier
quality and on-time delivery performance is monitored on
the Supplier Rating System.
Quality and service statistics and trends are
summarized and distributed to all levels of management
on a quarterly basis.
Any quality problem communicated to a field location by a customer is reported on a Field Quality Report (FQR). FQRs are available on email and are electronically transferred to the shipping location and Quality Department. All FQRs are logged and analyzed for problem root cause. A response is sent to the FQR initiator. If the customer requires a response, then it is the Quality Manager that responds to the customer. Overall FQR data are analyzed and trended to continually improve efforts.
Supplier performance is tracked and analyzed through
Global Source Technology's Supplier Rating System (SRS). The SRS rates
suppliers on both quality and delivery performance.
Suppliers are measured on lot acceptance at receiving
inspection, on-time delivery, and defective line items
shipped to customers. This data is provided to suppliers
and is used to identify problem areas and track
improvement efforts.
Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs) requesting
cause and corrective action are issued to suppliers for
poor performance or for recurring receiving errors.
There are various types of formal corrective action that
must be implemented in order to continuously improve the
quality systems. These corrective actions include: