Verification of Special Process Source Approvals
Published .
Related
- AS9100
- AS13100
- Nadcap
Topics
- special-process
- supplier-approval
- nadcap
- source-selection
- process-validation
- procurement
- sub-tier-management
A product design requires a special process, such as heat treatment, chemical processing, welding, or soldering, to be performed by a sub-tier supplier. The engineering drawing and customer quality clauses flow down a requirement that these processes be performed only by approved sources. The procurement and quality teams are responsible for selecting a compliant processing source.
During a final inspection review, it was discovered that a supplier was contracted to perform a special process without first verifying their approval status. The supplier was not listed on the required customer-approved processor list (APL) or certified by a recognized body like Nadcap for the specific process and specification.
Key Takeaways
- This oversight resulted in nonconforming hardware and required a stop-work order until a fully approved source could be qualified and contracted.
- The lack of initial verification caused product delays and required rework to ensure compliance with quality system and customer requirements.
- During a final inspection review, it was discovered that a supplier was contracted to perform a special process without first verifying their approval status.
Best Practice
Always verify that a supplier is on the required approved processor list or holds a current, relevant Nadcap accreditation *before* issuing a purchase order for any special process. This proactive validation is a fundamental requirement for process control as defined in AS9100 and prevents downstream non-conformances.
Reflects the recommended position based on community discussion and expert review.
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