When we say we have quality parts,
what exactly does that mean for our customers?


At Smart Products, we measure quality in every form imaginable.  From molding our own parts to the shipping process, we have a procedure in place to ensure each valve and pump truly is a quality part.  So, let’s examine what quality at Smart Products really means. 

The overall Quality Assurance (QA) process entails:

Receiving Inspection → In-process Audit → Final QA Inspection & Test

Receiving Inspection monitors the molding of our own parts, which involves us sampling and testing newly molded parts every hour until they pass and move on to assembly; this process is described in detail in the June 2011 SmartTalk.  Another element of Receiving Inspection involves further sampling and testing of valve and pump components such as o-rings or springs to ensure they also meet our requirements, as well as your specific application needs.  For example, an incoming lot of springs are tested and measured to the drawing provided.  The spring is assembled into some cartridges and additional functional testing is performed to assure the parts will meet requirements. All information required for lot traceability is recorded and the parts are accepted into lot-controlled inventory.

As the valve and/or pump moves on to assembly, the In-Process Audit occurs.  For best results, this inspection occurs at random, several times per day on orders being produced and/or in-house assembly procedures and general work policies.  For more information on our assembly process, visit the July 2011 SmartTalk.

The Final QA Inspection and Test reviews each order one last time before it is shipped to customers.  We check labels and quantities, as well as randomly sample parts from each order to re-test and visually inspect them one last time.  If they pass, they move forward to shipping. If not, we document and solve the issue.  All orders are tested and re-tested until they pass. 

We additionally keep track of the Final QA Acceptance Rate, which is conducted on the percentage of orders accepted during the final inspection process.  The Final QA Acceptance Rate is one of the processes we use to implement our ISO 9001:2008 standard.

How are we currently doing?

As recently as our Q2 QA report, Smart Products passed the external ISO review, as well as our own expectations with the following scores:
  • 96% In-Process Audit Acceptance Rate
  • 98.6% Final QA Acceptance Rate
  • 100% On-Time Shipment Performance
  • 99% Customer Satisfaction Rating

Through every stage of a valve or pump’s journey, we closely monitor it from the moment it is uniquely created to fit your specific design criteria until delivery.  We also provide follow-up support to customers, if needed. And, of course we would love to hear how our valves and pumps are doing in your applications.