Importance of a Shared Vocabulary for Quality and Technical Terms
Published .
Applicable Standards
AS9102Related
- AS9100
- IPC
Topics
- definitions
- glossary
- fai
- documentation
- training
- supply-chain-management
- specifications
During reviews of First Article Inspection (FAI) packages and supplier documentation, recurring questions arose regarding the correct classification of inspection equipment and the distinction between various certification documents. Different team members and suppliers interpreted terms like 'qualified tooling' and 'Certificate of Conformance' inconsistently, referencing both active and obsolete specifications.
This lack of a common, standardized vocabulary led to incorrect entries on FAI forms, such as listing general-purpose metrology equipment as part-specific designed tooling. It also caused confusion between overarching compliance certificates and specific material test reports, creating documentation non-conformances and process ambiguity.
Key Takeaways
- The definitional discrepancies resulted in increased churn in FAI approvals, requiring clarification loops with suppliers and rework of documentation packages.
- The inconsistent application of terms also highlighted a risk of misinterpreting engineering requirements derived from superseded or inactive industry standards.
- This lack of a common, standardized vocabulary led to incorrect entries on FAI forms, such as listing general-purpose metrology equipment as part-specific designed tooling.
Best Practice
Establish and maintain a controlled glossary of key terms, definitions, and specification statuses, aligning with definitions in standards like AS9102 and AS9100. This ensures all stakeholders, internal and external, use a consistent language, reducing documentation errors and improving the efficiency of compliance verification activities.
Reflects the recommended position based on community discussion and expert review.
Continue the conversation
Have a different interpretation or recent experience that adds nuance? The community keeps lessons sharp.
Ask LINK
Get an instant AS9102-grounded answer from our FAI assistant. The fastest path to a working answer for your own situation.