Quality control of electronic products

What is quality control of electronic products ?

Quality control of electronic products ensures that they meet the expected quality, safety and performance standards. This process encompasses a series of measures and practices to inspect and evaluate the quality of components, circuits, boards and electronic devices throughout their manufacture and production.

This control encompasses the use of various techniques, including visual inspection and the use of multiple instruments and test devices for components. It is based on safety and quality standards set by the relevant governments and industries.

The process involves functional and performance testing of electronic components, as well as visual inspections to identify possible manufacturing defects.

Intended for all players in the electronics industry, such as manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and customers, products quality control plays an important role. It aims to ensure customer satisfaction, enhance brand image, reduce production costs, increase operational efficiency and comply with current standards.

Why is it important to control the quality of electronic products ?

Ensuring the quality of electronic products is critical for several key reasons. First, it builds consumer confidence in the products. In a world where the requirements for functionality, efficiency and aesthetics are increasingly high, offering a flawless product is a guarantee of customer satisfaction and loyalty. In addition, failures or production deviations can lead to product returns, or worse, complaints.

Moreover, by maintaining high quality standards, a company improves its brand image. A product that meets or exceeds quality requirements, whether dictated by industry or government standards, contributes positively to a solid reputation. This reputation is useful to stand out and compete effectively in the market.

The practice of quality control in the manufacture of electronic products plays a key role in maintaining production standards and optimizing manufacturing processes. Regular checks not only ensure that processes meet the required standards, but also provide an opportunity to identify areas for improvement. Thanks to quality control, it is also a reduction in costs related to the minimization of waste, scrap, repairs or the need for product recall that is achieved.

Who is quality control for electronic products ?

Quality control of electronic products is essential for all stakeholders in the electronics industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and customers. It plays an important role in ensuring that electronic products meet the required quality, safety and performance criteria.

For manufacturers, quality control is paramount. It is their responsibility to design, develop and manufacture products in accordance with legal and regulatory standards, while satisfying the quality expectations of customers. Quality control gives them the opportunity to quickly identify and correct any defects, improving production efficiency and reducing costs related to waste and product returns.

Suppliers, acting as intermediaries between manufacturers and the rest of the supply chain, are responsible for delivering products that meet established quality standards. Their involvement in quality control allows them to ensure that the products are in perfect condition from receipt, during storage and until shipment, thus minimizing the risk of damage or modifications during transport.

Distributors, who sell electronic products directly to consumers, must ensure that the products offered are of high quality, functional and attractive. The implementation of an effective quality control allows them to check the condition of the products during reception, storage and sale, thus ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.

As for customers, the last link in this chain, they demand reliable, safe and efficient electronic products. Quality control is a key step that allows them to acquire products that not only meet, but also exceed their expectations, while offering them guarantees and after-sales services adapted in the event of a defect.

Which bodies offer quality control of electronic products ?

Quality control of electronic products is carried out by a variety of bodies, depending on the field of application, the target market and the standards in force. There are three main types of bodies active in this field : certifying bodies, test bodies and inspection bodies.

Certification bodies

These bodies, acting as independent entities, issue certificates of conformity validating compliance with quality, safety and performance standards. These may be international, regional or national in scope and specific to the electronic product concerned.

ISO 9001, for example, sets out the criteria for a quality management system. Certifying bodies obtain their accreditation from nationally or internationally recognized entities, such as COFRAC in France or IAF worldwide.

They conduct audits of manufacturers, suppliers, or distributors of electronic products to ensure that their processes and products meet the required standards. A certificate of conformity is then issued, guaranteeing the quality of the products in question.

Test bodies

Specialized in evaluation, test organizations conduct tests covering the quality, safety and performance of electronic products. Whether in the lab or on site, testing can explore various attributes such as functionality, efficiency, design, durability, compatibility, or product strength. To do this, they use specific equipment adapted to the unique characteristics of electronic products.

Specific test standards and protocols are applied, including RoHS, FCC, WEEE, CE marking, among others. The results, including any defects or non-conformities, shall be recorded in detailed test reports.

Inspection bodies

Inspection bodies shall carry out visual or physical inspections of electronic products during their manufacture or assembly. They examine the quality of components, circuits and electronic devices, looking for anomalies such as imperfect welds, lack of components, scratches or cracks. The inspections, based on precise checklists, take into account the customer’s specifications.

Carried out before, during or after production, these inspections lead to the preparation of reports detailing the problems or lack of compliance detected, thus ensuring a rigorous qualitative monitoring of electronic products.

Key steps in quality control of electronic products

Quality control of electronic products is fundamental at every stage of their manufacture and production, adapted to the type of product, the level of quality requested and the standards in force. There are five main steps in quality control of electronic products : pre-production inspection, production inspection, pre-shipment inspection, container loading control inspection and production monitoring.

Pre-Production Inspection

It involves checking the quality of components, printed circuits, mechanical parts and other elements purchased before their use in production. This step ensures compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications and quality standards, thus preventing possible quality problems during production.

Inspection during production

This phase consists of examining the quality of electronic products at key points in the manufacturing process. It is essential to monitor the quality of manufacturing methods, such as assembly and welding, and to detect and correct any defects that may affect the quality of the final product.

Pre-shipment inspection

Before shipment, a final check of the finished electronic products is carried out for compliance with the quality, safety and performance criteria required by the customer. Detecting any potential damage or tampering before transport is essential and this may involve functional testing as well as visual inspections.

Container loading control inspection

This step ensures the quality of electronic products at the time of loading for shipment. It guarantees adequate packaging, labelling and protection, and ensures that the quantity and type of products correspond exactly to the customer order.

Monitoring production

Production monitoring is a crucial process for monitoring and evaluating the quality of electronic products at every stage of their development, from design to delivery. This ensures their compliance with the quality, safety and performance standards required during their manufacture and production. This process includes the implementation of corrective or preventive measures necessary to address any potential problems.

This includes various activities such as audits, reporting, conducting in-depth analysis and adopting continuous quality improvement strategies.

How much does a quality control of electronic products cost ?

The cost of quality control of electronic products varies according to several criteria, including the type of product, the level of quality required, the number of inspections, the supplier’s location, the verification method and the entity in charge of control. A fixed rate for this service does not exist, however, it is possible to establish an estimate based on these different elements.

The type of product has a considerable impact on the cost, determined by the complexity and duration of the necessary tests. For example, electronic devices with complex features, incorporating sensitive components or meeting demanding standards, require more time and test equipment compared to basic and standardized products. This results in a cost variation ranging from a few tens to several hundred euros per product.

The level of quality requested also plays a key role in the final cost, as it sets the number of samples to be examined and the degree of rigour of inspections. This level can be specified by the customer, the manufacturer or in accordance with current standards and addressed via the AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) index, which determines the maximum allowed percentage of defective products in a lot. A higher quality level implies more samples to be checked and therefore, a higher cost.

The number of inspections is another element determining the cost, influencing the frequency and timing of checks by the audit entity. Depending on the type of product, the production volume, the relationship of trust established with the supplier and the risks identified, this number can vary, with costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand euros per inspection.

The location of the supplier is also important as it determines the inspector’s travel and accommodation costs. The associated cost can vary significantly depending on whether the manufacturing plant is located in a specific country, region or city, ranging from a few tens to several hundred euros per day.

Finally, the control method and the choice of the organism are factors that affect the cost, although their estimation is complex, depending on the specific needs and preferences of the client. The methods can include complete control of the goods, AQL, factory audit among others. The choice of the organization can vary between a certifier, a testing laboratory, an independent inspector and the cost can vary from a few hundred to several thousand euros per service.

How long does it take to get quality control of electronic products ?

The time required to obtain a quality control for electronic products is influenced by various factors, including the type of product, the number of inspections, the location of the supplier, the method of control chosen and the entity performing the control. A standardized time limit for quality control of electronic products does not exist, however, an estimate of the time required can be deduced by taking these elements into account.

The type of product is a key factor because it defines the complexity and length of the tests. For example, an electronic product that incorporates advanced features, contains sensitive components or is subject to strict standards, will require more time and testing equipment than a simpler product.

The duration of the quality control can range from a few hours to several days per product, depending on its nature.

The number of inspections is also determinant for control time, as it impacts the frequency and timing of checks by the control entity. This can fluctuate depending on the product category, production volume, level of trust with the supplier and identified risks.

The duration of the quality control can then range from a few days to several weeks per inspection, depending on the amount of inspections required.

The geographical position of the supplier plays an important role, affecting the inspector’s travel and accommodation costs. The location may vary from country to region, or city of production.

The time required for quality control can thus vary considerably, from a few days to several weeks per inspection, depending on the supplier’s location.

The selected control method and the entity in charge of the control are other elements that have an impact on the required time, although their estimation is complex because it depends on the specific requirements and the choices of the client. Control methods may include complete product verification, AQL application, factory audits, or other specific procedures. The control entity may be a certification, testing, inspection, or other specialized body.

For these reasons, the time taken to complete the quality control may vary from a few days to several months, depending on the method and the entity chosen.

Is there a need to renew the quality control of electronic products ?

Quality control monitoring in the electronics industry is essential and should be considered as an ongoing process, requiring regular updates. These periodic audits take into account several factors : the nature of the article, its durability, its use, its continuous development, as well as the standards and regulations in force.

Some scenarios require or strongly recommend a re-evaluation of quality control for electronic products.

A quality control update becomes necessary when a product has changes or improvements that directly affect its specifications, features, security or performance. These changes could result from updating its design, materials, components, software, manufacturing processes or adapting to new standards. This renewal ensures the maintenance of quality standards, safety and performance of the product, while updating the necessary certifications and conformity labels.

It is recommended to re-examine the quality control if the product is exposed to use or environmental conditions that may affect its quality, safety or performance. These conditions may include variations in temperature, humidity, vibration, impact, dust, water exposure or electromagnetic interference. This process helps to identify and prevent potential anomalies, thus ensuring the reliability and longevity of the product.

Another case that recommends a quality control review is when the product has to comply with quality, safety or performance standards that are either evolving or specific to certain markets or countries. These standards can be defined by regulatory authorities, certification bodies, or customer or end-user requirements. Renewing quality control ensures that the product complies with current requirements and facilitates its entry or acceptance into target markets or countries.