Incoming quality control, or IQC, checks purchased materials or components when they arrive at a facility. It prevents unsuitable inputs from entering production or available stock.
The operating decision
Set risk-based checks using supplier performance, material criticality and the ability to detect problems later. Define quarantine and release authority.
What to keep
Record supplier, purchase order, item, lot, quantity, sample, test results, acceptance, rejection and any supplier corrective action.
| Area | What the record should show |
|---|---|
| Control | Set risk-based checks using supplier performance, material criticality and the ability to detect problems later. Define quarantine and release authority. |
| Evidence | Record supplier, purchase order, item, lot, quantity, sample, test results, acceptance, rejection and any supplier corrective action. |
| Tradeoff | Reducing incoming inspection can save time, but only when supplier controls and performance support the change. |
A practical limitation
Reducing incoming inspection can save time, but only when supplier controls and performance support the change.
Related definitions: supplier qualification, strategic sourcing, landed cost.
