9.2 The Special Case of Product Characteristics

We have now reached the last requirement summarized in Table 3.4 (i.e., the discussion of Par. 7.5.1, of the Standard), which deals with describing the characteristics of product. We are to provide information for this purpose but are not told in what form it is to occur. The information need not be documented. If we state that it makes sense to prepare such information in documented form, we create a specification and the ISO 9000:2000 vocabulary informs us that specifications are documents that address requirements (Par. 3.7.3). So we can solve the Catch 22 problem if we appeal to reason. In our hierarchal documentation structure, we suggest the use of documented specifications, marketing requirements, and technical brochures and manuals to accomplish this purpose. We just cannot see how verbal information can be stable enough to work in a real enterprise scenario.

According to the vocabulary, the specific characteristics are essentially unlimited in that they can be either qualitative or quantitative and include all manner of categories such as physical, sensory, behavioral, temporal, ergonomic, and functional.

However, we normally speak in terms of preliminary, final, critical, intermediary, regulatory, and validated specifications to describe a product with regard to form, fit, function, performance, safety, and environmental behavior. The documents include specifications, drawings, schematics, test plans, blue-prints, work orders, and travelers and routers. As a result, the documents needed fit into all three of the lower level tiers (i.e., II, III, and IV).

For example, a marketing brochure that contains explicit product specifications should be a controlled document at the tier II level. A test plan that includes specific performance values and tolerances should be a controlled tier III document. A drawing under engineering change-order control is normally classified as a tier IV document.

Critical characteristics are also highlighted on drawings and are a key ingredient of conditions set down by automotive companies engaged in QS-9000 certification protocols. A typical term used would be Control Item (V) Parts, where the inverted delta is used to denote the parts that have critical characteristics (e.g., dimensions or performance tests that could affect safe vehicle operation or impact compliance with regulatory requirements) ^[3].

^[3]See "Quality System Requirements, QS-9000," obtained from AIAG at tel: (810) 358–3003.