Inputs into production.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FOR EVERY INPUT
Specification required Acceptable variation Supplier Lead time Shelf life, where applicable
WHY SPECIFICATION MATTERS
Variation in inputs produces variation in output.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT INCOMING MATERIAL
Check it against specification before use.
WHAT TO CHECK
Identity and grade Quantity Condition Batch and date Certificates, where required
WHY BATCH RECORDS
Traceability depends on them, and recalls require them.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That material is quarantined until checked.
WHY
Unchecked material entering production produces defective output at full cost.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT SUBSTANDARD MATERIAL
Reject it at delivery.
WHY THEN
Claims afterwards are difficult.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT SUPPLIERS
More than one, for anything critical.
WHY
Input supply failure stops the factory.
WHAT TO PLAN
Stock cover reflecting lead time and reliability.
WHAT TO BALANCE
Stock cover against cash tied up.
WHAT TO MEASURE
Yield by input batch.
WHY
Poor material shows as poor yield before it shows as defects.
WHAT STORAGE REQUIRES
Conditions appropriate to the material Protection from damp, heat, pests and contamination Rotation by date
WHAT TO TRACK
Consumption against output.
WHAT DEVIATIONS REVEAL
Waste, theft or process problems.
