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FEATURE
to reference and which specifications to adhere to through-
out the process. Those who have gone through Nadcap
accreditation recommend starting by visiting eAuditNet.
com, a web-based software program. This program sup-
ports and improves efficiency in auditing and accreditation
systems of industry-managed programs administered by
the Performance Review Institute (PRI). PRI administers
special process accreditation programs such as Nadcap. The
website provides access to a range of supplemental mate-
rials, which can be referenced during the Nadcap audit. It
also provides procedure documents on pre- and post-audit
processes, which include detailed information on response
timeframes, how to decrease audit frequency, and what to
do about a failed audit.
Sources commonly referenced during the audit process
include the
Heat TreatingTaskGroupAudit Handbook
and the
Heat Treating Task Group Pyrometry Reference Guide
. These
materials provide useful information, including:
•
Definitions
•
Supplier guidelines for auditing to Nadcap audit
criteria
•
General heat treatment items (e.g., testing and
inspection details, vacuum considerations)
Overall, the handbook and reference guide offer guide-
lines to help better understand and meet items listed on the
audit checklist.
Audit checklists and customer requirements.
Nadcap
accreditation is available for a range of programs such as
coatings, fasteners, heat treating, and materials testing lab-
oratories. In the case of a Nadcap audit for heat treating,
basic audit checklists that apply to all disciplines within the
heat-treating category include:
•
AC7102 Revision H – Nadcap Audit Criteria for Heat
Treating
•
AC7102/8 – Nadcap Audit Criteria for Heat Treating
Pyrometry
•
AC7102/S Revision F – Nadcap Supplemental Audit
Criteria for Heat Treating
Additional checklists could apply depending on the
specific process for which the company is seeking accredita-
tion. A complete list of checklists for the heat-treating cate-
gory can be found on eAuditNet.
Supplemental checklist AC7102/S provides additional
requirements for companies seeking accreditation by spe-
cific aerospace primary contractors (primes). Primes are
companies that take on the total responsibility for any given
project and typically build themajor elements of aproduct in
their own plants (e.g., Boeing, UTC, Snecma). However, they
often subcontract to other companies for various required
parts and systems. Therefore, it is essential to be familiar
with both common industry standards and the customer’s
requirements and specifications before moving forward in
the audit process. It is also very important to be familiar with
and adhere to these documents, as they are the standards
by which the company will be audited.
Consulting and networkingwith suppliers.
In addition to
becoming familiar with key documents and specifications,
consulting and networking with other suppliers (companies
that process components used by primes, calibration labs,
furnace manufacturers) helps identify additional best prac-
tices toprepare for anaudit. PRI holds three annualmeetings
that provide an opportunity to discuss audit experiences of
other companies. These meetings also allow suppliers to
discuss industry requirements directly with primes and gain
clarification on checklist items. Notes from these meetings
include information on what was discussed and conclusions
on how to best handle certain issues and/or specifications;
they can be reviewed on the eAuditNet website.
Discussions with other quality managers about their
Nadcap audit experiences provide different points of view
and help companies gain a better understanding of certain
specifications. In addition, open discussions about best
practices and recommended methods help companies bet-
ter regulate themselves and ensure they consistently adhere
to a global quality standard.
SCHEDULING A NADCAP AUDIT
Once a company reviews and understands the appli-
cable checklists, reference materials, and customer require-
ments, and is confident they are fully prepared to perform
an internal audit, it is time to schedule the official Nadcap
audit through the eAuditNet website. It is important to know
the answers to a few important questions before this step,
including:
Q. Will you have either real parts for an aerospace
customer, or have time to run sample aerospace parts
during the scheduled audit?
During the process segment of the Nadcap audit, the auditor
will spend a significant portion of time reviewing specification
checklists and both historical and live jobs. Courtesy of Ipsen.