Initial Sample Inspection

The initial sample inspection is part of the quality management and contributes significantly to the quality assurance of a serial production. In order to be able to meet the customer’s requirements, it is essential to carry out an initial sample inspection. The products or components are checked for compliance with their technical properties, customer requirements, function and quality. This can result in extensive technical documentation, which can be organized with appropriate testing software. In this way, the manufacturer provides proof that the ordered products or components meet the quality requirements. The initial sample is the first product or component that is produced for the first time by an employee under series-production conditions. After release, the initial sample is subject to an inspection (full inspection). The initial sample inspection is chosen for series production in order to prevent defects, to check the product for quality and condition, and to document whether agreements between supplier and customer are being fulfilled. Initial sample inspection can be performed by various recognized methods. The most common basis of the initial sample procedure is the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) according to IATF 16949, as well as the Production Process and Product Release (PPF). Based on these procedures, the quality planning of the initial sample inspection can be optimized for customers and suppliers.