Make sure your WPS's are in order.
Mine weren't 100% when I took over, the outside inspectors and auditors were "nice" enough to point out any issues that needed to be addressed. But by that time I felt like crap but thats how it goes sometimes.
I would love to switch over to a bar-code system, but the money involved in this economy wouldn't make that an option right now. Besides the time and effort to figure it out and get it up and running. If you do go that way I'd be curious about cost and how it works. It would make things easier.
Have they sent in a QA Manual for review yet?
Do you have an audit date set?
Are you the named “AISC” company representative?
Are you "in charge" to get the company certified?
From the time you just get started to go AISC to your audit I would give it 6 to 8 months depending on shop size and the amount of employee training needed to comply (that includes office personal). Calibration logs for welding machines & tools used in final inspection will be checked, I use a calibration station in the shop all QC, prefab, and fab employees must check their tools each month and I check the station with NIST calibrated tools at the beginning of each month then keep the log sheet on file. (tools to check the station do not get used daily in the shop and are the official NIST checked/calibrated set) This station also includes shop procedures to refer to and all welding procedures are ready for shop reference. Make a new procedure ... add it to the binder, LARGE shops may require several Calibration Stations.
Small things like open bolt kegs sitting around is a no no, use of a load cell and documented training for the cell is required for at least one shop employee.
Log all training that is done, they like that. (shop training on how to use the system you come up with along with weldor self inspection training if you go that "lean" route)
Log inspections (done on your traveler)
Log all calibrations done (welders, measuring tools, squares, levels etc. ........ weldor = person..... welder = machine)
Log all shop machine maintenance done along with a monthly maintenance list
List all outside connections i.e. outside NDT & inspection companies, machine maintenance or parts vendors etc. along with names and contact info.
Logs of weldor certs/6 months (I use xls but programs are available)
Logs of painting/primer (day, time, surface temp. ambient temp, brand, lot #, painter, mil thickness, humidity etc.)
Meeting attendance logs (this may included office management meetings and quality committee meetings or other meetings)
Non Conformance logs (I have all QC and foremen log all problems that cost extra time including NCs .. that could include drawing problems that needed fixed. who did it, who found it. It may take an extra minute now to log but it can show problem trends)
Corrective Action reports
Bolt lot testing logs
Bolt installation logs (may or may not be needed)
etc....etc....etc....
I have pages and pages of departmental specific questions on pdf, most of which you can get from QMC .. you can have mine off line.
I'm in San Antonio now but I'll be back in Denver Sunday to dig it up
So the big question ... How Much Time Do You Have before your audit???? 6 days... 6 weeks... 6 months......
Alot of good info, The President is the company rep, I am in charge of getting the QC dept. suitable for an audit. The manual has been reviewed and a date has not been set yet.
I would be interested in your pdf's, Lately I been Super busy with other matters and without a computer at work yet, its hard to find time for anything.(not to mention the honeydo lists when I'm at home) :)
I don't believe we are anywhere near audit ready from what I've seen so far. I think(not for sure) that they have been going back and forth with the qaulity manual for over a year now, and supposed to be getting ready for an audit.
In the 2 weeks I been there, I can see they want to do the right thing, but they may not know exactly how to.
I want to thank EVERYONE who has responded, I've gotten alot of good stuff, and looks like I have a big job ahead of me!
thanks, Carl
I found alot of stuff on QMC website, If you have more than whats on there, I could use it, Otherwise I can find it there, Thanks alot for your help!!!
Carl