Quality management standards should be applied to all aspects of electronics manufacturing.

The fact that electronics are increasingly becoming indispensable for virtually all aspects of life only escalates the need for broad electrical and electronic standards to ensure their efficacy.

When and why is quality management in electronics important?

When developing an electronic product there is always consideration given to the operational lifecycle or the projected time period during which the product should function without fail, if used properly.

This estimated term of operation is used as a basis for extending protection to end-users, typically in the form of a warranty. Delivering any products that fail during the warranty will result in lost revenue and restitution costs.

Besides lost revenue and additional, unnecessary development time and costs, delivering substandard products may adversely affect the company's reputation, which can translate into reduced market share. The implications of this can be grave and affect an electronic organization’s continued viability.

If you are an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or provide boards and electronics to a critical industry, such as aerospace, automotive, or medical devices, having an effective quality control process is required and mandated by standards and regulations. The reason for this is that board or device failure could have fatal results.

Therefore, electronics quality management is important for all circuit boards and electronic device manufacturing.

Quality management areas in electronics manufacturing

There are three key areas where electronic quality management best practices should be implemented:

Quality management standards in components

The application of quality control standards to components begins during design with selection, and the accurate coordination of component packages with board layout footprints and the Bill of Materials (BOM). Also important is de-risking the procurement of components, which is most challenging during times of uncertainty, such as shortages. However, there is always the threat of counterfeit components winding up on your boards.

Quality management standards in data

For today’s automated manufacturing processes, accurate data that is readable and precise is essential for board fabrication and assembly equipment. It is also important that data be traceable throughout the entire development process. For critical industries, this is typically required. However, it is also necessary to perform risk analysis and track down errors. It is a good idea to follow the guidelines provided by BS EN ISO 9001 if no other regulatory requirements are in place for your specific project development.

Quality management standards in processes

The other key area where it is essential to apply quality control in the manufacturing process. In addition to following the quality management rules put forth in BS EN ISO 9001, there are specific requirements for circuit board manufacturing based upon performance classification as stipulated in IPC-6011 Generic Performance Specification for Printed Boards.

To read more on how standards support electronic supply chains, click here.

What is a BS EN ISO 9001 Quality management system standard?

BS EN ISO 9001 is the internationally recognized Quality Management System (QMS) standard that can benefit any size electronic organization.

Designed to be a powerful business improvement tool, BS EN ISO 9001 can help you to:

• Continually improve, streamline operations and reduce costs

• Win more business and compete in tenders 

• Satisfy more customers

• Be more resilient and build a sustainable business

• Show you have strong corporate governance

• Work effectively with stakeholders and your supply chain

Implementing a BS EN ISO 9001 quality management system will help you to continually monitor and manage quality across your business so you can identify areas for improvement. Internationally, it is the quality system of choice.

Add BS EN ISO 9001 to your collection today.

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