Management Responsibility

The executive management is ultimately responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining the quality system. Specific responsibilities comprise: formulating the quality policy, defining the organizational structure, assigning authorities and responsibilities, appointing the management representative, periodically reviewing the quality system, and making available the resources and personnel necessary to maintain the system.

Quality System

Advanced Input Systems maintains a documented quality management system designed and implemented to fulfill ISO 9001:2000 requirements. This system creates a framework for clearly defining the control of materials, processes, and verification activities, thus providing our customers with confidence that the design, manufacture, and servicing of Advanced Input Systems products are performed in a well defined and controlled environment.

Contract Review

All contracts and orders are reviewed to assess if customer's requirements are adequately defined and are well-understood, and if the company has the capacity to meet the contract requirements.

Design Control

The design process is planned. Design activities are identified, responsibilities for carrying them out are assigned, and organizational interfaces are defined and controlled. The design input is formally documented and reviewed. The design is verified and, when applicable, validated to ascertain that it meets the design input requirements. The design output is documented and checked before it is released for production. Design changes are controlled.

Document and Data Control

The purpose and scope of quality system documents and data are defined. All documents and data are reviewed and approved prior to issue. The quality manual and operational procedures are issued by the Quality Assurance department. Product drawings and specifications are issued by Engineering. Other documents and data are issued directly by the departments to which they pertain. Appropriate documents and data are available at locations where they are used. Obsolete documents and data are removed from points of use. Engineering is responsible for coordinating & enforcing the document and data control-related activities.

Purchasing

Advanced Input Systems assesses its suppliers and procures only from those that can meet or exceed the quality requirements of the company. Quality performances of suppliers and subcontractors are continuously monitored. Purchasing documents clearly and completely describes ordered products, including quality requirements. Purchasing documents are reviewed and approved prior to release.

Customer Supplied Product

Customer supplied products are handled in the same manner as other products purchased for incorporation into the supplies. When specified in a contract, special handling instructions from customers will take precedent over the company's standard procedures. Loss, damage, or unsuitability of a customer's products is recorded and reported to the customer.

Product Identification and Traceability

Materials, components, subassemblies, and products are identified by a part number correlated to corresponding drawings, specifications, and other technical documents. Finished products are uniquely identified by serial numbers. When traceability is specified by a customer, the unique identification of the customer product is documented.

Process Control

Production and individual operations are planned and documented. Personnel performing complex or critical operations are provided with work instructions and, when applicable, workmanship criteria. Special processes are controlled and are carried out in accordance with written procedures. Production and process equipment is checked and maintained to ensure continuing process capability. Production areas are regularly cleaned to provide a suitable production and working environment.

Inspection and Testing

Inspection and testing are conducted when purchased materials and components are received, at significant stages of production, and prior to dispatch of finished products. The objective of inspections and testing is to verify product conformance with specified requirements. Materials, components, subassemblies, and finished products are prevented from use, assembly, and dispatch until the required inspections are completed. Records of inspections are established and maintained to evidence that products comply with stated requirements.

Inspecting, Measuring and Test Equipment

Accuracy of the required measurements is known and appropriate equipment is selected to perform the measurements. All measuring and test equipment used for verification of products is calibrated using calibration standards traceable to the national standard. Calibration records are maintained. The calibration status of measuring equipment is identified with calibration stickers. The equipment is well-maintained and its placement and use are controlled.

Inspection and Test Status

Inspection and Test status of a product is identified to assure that only product that has passed inspection or test is used, installed, or dispatched. Authority responsible for the release of conforming product is defined.

Control of Nonconforming Product

Nonconforming product is identified, documented, evaluated, and prevented from being used or shipped. Responsibility for disposition of nonconforming product is defined and, when required, the customer is contacted for concession. Repaired or reworked product is reinspected.

Corrective and Preventive Action

Causes of product and quality system nonconformities are investigated and corrective actions are implemented to prevent their recurrence. Processes, work operations, quality records, service reports, and customer complaints are analyzed to detect any sources of potential quality problems in order to initiate preventive actions. Controls are applied to ensure that corrective and preventive actions are implemented and that they are effective.

Handling, Storage, Packaging, Preservation, and Delivery

Methods and means of handling that prevent product damage and deterioration are provided. Receipt and dispatch to and from storage areas are controlled. The condition of stored products is assessed regularly. Packaging is specified and controlled. Products are protected prior to and during delivery.

Quality Records

Quality records demonstrate achievement of the required quality and effective operation of the quality system. The records are identified, indexed, and stored in a suitable environment to minimize deterioration. Records are normally stored by the department that is responsible for their establishment. Retention periods for quality records are defined.

Internal Quality Audits

Comprehensive, planned, and documented quality audits are carried out at least once a year. Audits are scheduled on the basis of the status and importance of the activity. The audits are conducted by personnel independent of those having direct responsibility for the audited activity. Identified nonconforming conditions are brought to the attention of the responsible managers and a corrective action is requested.

Training

The company identifies training needs of all personnel and provides the required training. Personnel assigned to perform specific tasks are qualified on the basis of appropriate education, training, or experience. Records of personnel qualifications and training are maintained.

Statistical Techniques

Where and when appropriate, statistical techniques are employed to verify the acceptability of process capability and product characteristics. Written procedures (work instructions) implement and control the application of statistical techniques.