Quality control inspection template

Write each requirement as something that can be checked, such as a dimension with its limits, a finish, a label or a function, taken from the drawing, specification or customer request.

Decide where to inspect, for example on arrival, during production and at the end, and assign each requirement to the point where it is best checked.

Decide how many items are checked and how often, following a customer or industry sampling rule where one applies, and write down why.

Turn the requirements into a single sheet where the inspector records a measured value or a pass or fail for each check, plus the batch and date.

Check each gauge, scale or caliper against a known reference or the maker's instructions and note the date, tagging any tool that is off so it is not used.

Check each delivery against the incoming checks on the sheet, record the results and hold anything that fails before it reaches production.

Take samples at the agreed points during production, record the measured values, and stop the line for a decision if a sample fails.

Check the finished batch against the final checks on the sheet, including labelling and packaging, and sign the record with the date.

Put a tag on each failed item stating the reason and move it to a marked hold area so it cannot slip back into good stock.

Write down what failed, when and on which batch, then ask why until the underlying cause is found, and record the cause, not just the symptom.

Choose between rework, scrap or use as is, where using as is needs written approval from whoever your procedure or the customer names.

Release only batches with a complete inspection record and no open held items, and file the record where it can be found later.

Inspect the next batch for the defect you corrected and record whether it has gone, before calling the action closed.

Each week count defects by type, choose the most frequent one, and assign an owner to find and fix its cause.