Quality control, in terms of statistics, was first introduced in the United States many years ago to satisfy the requirements of American military apparatus and to guarantee armament efficiency. Following a keen intuition, this system was also introduced and utilized in the common business area.

The methods employed for quality control are based on these quality standards: Military Standard 105E, BS 6001, ISO 2859, DIN 40080, ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 which regulate the number of random items to be checked, in relation to the quantity of the goods presented for the inspection, and regulates the acceptable quality limit (AQL).

These limits can vary according to the different types of defects found: leaner limits for minor defects and more restrictive limits for major defects. The various types of defects detected during quality controls are defined and classified as follows:

• CRITICAL DEFECTS: defects which are likely to result hazardous to the health of individuals using it
• MAJOR DEFECTS: more serious defects which are likely to comprise the purchase of the product
• MINOR DEFECTS: include small faults which have no effects on the purchase of the product

The methods of inspection employed include all aspects pertaining to the product and ranges from rigorous inspections which evaluate if the quantity and conformity of the goods produced correspond to those ordered by the client, to precise detections of defects and a detailed description of packing procedures.

Once the inspections have been completed, the customer will receive a detailed control report within 24 hours of its completion. This report will include a description of:

• The type, location and number of defects;
• Identification and quantity of eventual non conformities;
• The number and types of faulty procedures committed during the final packing stage, with a careful assessment of whether the particular requests and/or requirements of the customer have been fulfilled.

To better understand the inspections conducted on packing procedures and provide an example, here is a list of the inspections carried out and what they provide:

• Detailed description of the packing procedures;
• Evaluation of eventual proper assortments of the product;
• Conformity of all markings and/or labelling and their proper position on internal and external packaging as well as on the product;
• Conformity of bar codes and inspection of whether they are legible, by using specific equipment;
• Analysis to assure that the packaging is suitable for the specific product.

To provide a clearer understanding of the control report and therefore render the customer immedialety aware of all the aspects concerning their product, each result report is illustrated with digital photos which describe all the defects or faults identified on the product inspected.