subject: The Certification of Quality Management Systems [print this page] The certification of quality management systems is a requirement for businesses to ensure the quality of the products they design, manufacture, assemble, and distribute. For many years the primary standard is ISO 9001 certification.
This regulates and monitors the entire quality management of a business. For companies involved in the creation of electrical and electronic components, there are additional quality requirements.
Electro-static discharge or ESD causes damage to sensitive components and assemblies. For this reason ESD is a major concern. The answer is a standard known as ESD 20 20. It is an additional set of quality processes and procedures developed to protect those sensitive parts. This program was designed for any company that manufactures, processes, assembles, installs, labels, services, packages, tests inspects, or handles sensitive electrical and electronic components.
Obtaining ESD 20 20 is similar to any other certification of quality management systems . The business does a gap analysis to determine if the necessary processes are in place, and if they are being used. After the gap analysis has shown any deficiencies in the requirements, work must begin to document those processes and make certain the systems are in place for capturing the required data.
Once the business feels confident that all areas have been covered, an internal audit should be conducted. After the business feels it is ready, a registrar is brought in to conduct a compliance audit of the processes and procedures which affect electrical and electronic components. If the business passes the audit, the registrar will recommend certification. This certification is maintained and re-certified periodically to ensure compliance and show areas for process improvement.
The certification of quality management systems and ESD 20 20 in particular, will not only ensure you are handling the products safely, it will demonstrate to your customers that you are diligent in ESD control.
