FEATURE: PAUL DAWSON
starting point, we find that the most successful manufacturers in the rail industry, who are selecting a contractor, care deeply about the actual quality delivered, and this goes far beyond what it says on a certificate.
Once candidates have been identified, it is necessary to check they are up to the job. Even with quality standards in place, it is best practice to carry out an audit to confirm they meet specific requirements.
We find being audited similar to undergoing ISO 9001, but with more specific goals in mind. Companies go through all our calibration records to make sure all equipment is maintained and calibrated at regular intervals to reassure themselves that the machinery can guarantee the levels of accuracy the industry requires.
Most rail companies will also check parts against their own equipment and compare reports, to ensure they get the same reading. This makes good sense; it’s good for both parties to start out by agreeing that their
can be easily accessed and problems up the chain identified, saving time and money.
The equipment and the people
Carrying out an audit means not just checking calibrations, but assuring yourself that the contractor has the machines and the staff that can do the job.
If we didn’t regularly invest in the latest technology, it would hinder our ability to deliver against ever higher expectations. It’s not just about showing calibration records are up to scratch - it would be no good if we couldn’t do work to the highest quality because of substandard, but well calibrated, machinery.
Advanced production and inspection machinery requires considerable expertise to set up, program and operate. Those about to issue a substantial or long term contract benefit from taking time to speak to those on the shop floor to ensure they understand the machines, and can check drawings and advise on the best approach. Having good engineers who understand the process – and
Choosing the right supplier to produce these parts is important, not just for getting the product right, but also for meeting deadlines and running an effective business. It’s a decision which is sometimes rushed into, but with a little understanding of the processes involved, better and more informed decisions can be taken.
machines concur, and this saves a lot of time and money later on if they don’t.
Underpinning this whole process is traceability. Critical parts should have product identification throughout the product’s lifecycle, high level inspection and testing procedures and documentation throughout, both for manufacturers and their suppliers.
This means guarantees through certificates of conformity, material test certification, well- maintained records traceable back to material batches, and bespoke inspection reports. Even if we’ve made a part 50 times, batches are still bagged individually and traceable to the materials batch. If there are any problems with the finished product, traceable records
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don’t just follow instructions – reduces the chance of mistakes and increases the chance of spotting them if they do occur.
The benefits of getting it right
There’s no secret formula to being a good contractor, it’s about investing in the latest equipment, training staff and meeting industry expectations. It’s about showing those who commission you to do a good job, that you have the capability to do it.
By ensuring a contractor can demonstrate a combination of the right expertise, equipment and processes, rail manufacturers throughout the supply chain can increase their confidence that contracts will be delivered on time and to specification.
Dawson Precision Components has been supplying precision engineered parts across the rail industry for many years, working to high quality standards and tight deadlines to ensure their rail customers deliver contracts on time and to specification.
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