Essential Quality Standards in Electronics Manufacturing
Standards guiding electronics manufacturing
Organisations of all sizes and in all sectors of electronics manufacturing services are looking to produce high quality, safe products and services in the most efficient manner possible. While there are industry specific Standards, there are major Standards that apply across the board.
Highlighting the need for quality in electronics
Electronics manufacturers are presented with challenges such as increased competition, the need to control costs, manage suppliers globally all while producing high quality products and services. The need for real-time visibility is crucial to reduce costs, optimise operational efficiencies and importantly, maintain quality throughout all processes.
You've likely heard this one mentioned before even if you're new to the world of Standards, but that's because there's a reason behind the importance of ISO 9001. This internationally recognised Standard specifies the requirements for quality management systems (QMS) that takes all facets of a business into consideration.
The electronics industry is no exception when it comes to quality. From component parts and their suppliers, product assembly processes, testing to the finished product must continually meet set expectations to ensure high quality. Not only do suppliers, investors and employees care for the quality of product or service produced but customers take these into consideration throughout the consumer purchasing process.
Standards guiding specific sectors of electronics manufacturing
The development of quality management systems for specific industries is essential to ensure processes and procedures are tailored to the needs of those organisations and their consumers. While these have been developed based on ISO 9001 approach, they offer detailed recommendations specific to the industry.
Medical devices
ISO 13485:2016(R2020) Medical devices - Quality management systems - Requirement for regulatory purposes, based on the foundations of the ISO 9001 model, provides an approach to consistently meet regulatory requirements for manufacturing of medical devices in order to produce consistently reliable, safe and high-quality products. Organisations must demonstrate that medical devices and other related services are meeting set customer and regulatory regulations.
Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas
ISO 29001:2020 Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries - Sector-specific quality management systems - Requirements for product and service supply organizations provides a framework for a QMS in the petroleum and natural gas industry, based on ISO 9001. Organisations must demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. ISO 29001 includes the design, development, manufacturing and more to ensure a safe, quality-based approach within all aspects of the industry.
Automotive
TS ISO 16949:2011 Quality Management - Particular requirements for the application for automotive production and relevant service part organizations is used in conjunction with ISO 9001 to help standardise processes in the automotive industry. This Standard specifies requirements for a QMS where organisations need to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products that meets customer and regulatory requirements. It also assists to improve customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system.
Aerospace
SAE AS 9100D:2011 Quality Management Systems - Requirements for aviation, space and defense organizations provides the requirements for a QMS to assist an organisation to demonstrate its ability to provide consistently reliable and safe products and services, meeting customer and regulatory obligations. It also aims to improve customer satisfaction.
Electronics manufacturing, regardless of the industry, requires specific methods and processes to ensure products and services are consistently meeting their set expectations. Standards work behind the scenes to provide the requirements to ensure safety and quality are upheld.
Overcoming Challenges in Aerospace Engineering with Standards
Importance of Standards in the aerospace engineering industry
Working in aerospace engineering means an ongoing responsibility to remain compliant and prioritise safety of all involved. Standards are in place to constantly monitor every detail of production, and often the very diverse supply chain.
Importance of Standards in Automotive Engineering
Standards streamline processes, systems and management.
The automotive engineering industry is complex. There is pressure for suppliers and manufacturers to use the latest technologies and materials while at the same time meeting strict cost and quality demands.
Medical Industry and Device Standards
Medical device quality management systems
Medical devices are created and used to provide care and services to those who require it. Their role is to assist with the health, wellbeing and safety of everyone involved. Standards are essential to ensure products and services meet benchmarks.