Mon Mar 27, 2017 5:06 am
Greetings from someone who audits wheel shops!
A few pointers:
Calibrated tool currency. Allow me to repeat what someone else has already said, for emphasis. Torque wrenches, etc need stickers or documentation proving that they are both calibrated AND that the calibration is not expired. That's usually pretty quick- most places put stickers on the tool.
A valid quality control program, and a reasonable level of oversight.
Easy access to manufacturer's manuals, approved publications, or whatever it is that they're supposed to be doing their work in accordance with.
My company also demands to see a drug testing program.
In a wheel shop, I also want to see how they're tracking MY parts and keeping them segregated from other carriers'. How do I know that my wheel halves are being isolated properly, so that someone else's bearing doesn't get put into my wheel!
NDT testing, if applicable. Any training on that? Any certification to perform?
If you're going to do a thorough job (for an actual audit), you need to put your Quality Control hat on, and be a bit demanding. There's probably a better way to say that; don't be a jerk, but don't be a pushover, either. Be PROFESSIONAL. Your company spends good money on wheel work- it's in everyone's best interest to make sure that things are being handled properly!
The facility you are reviewing shouldn't be able to tell whether you like them or dislike them- that's bias.
I can be a bit of a booger, even if it's people that I'd willingly go have a beer with at the end of the day!
But that's okay- it's a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
The most important thing I learned in auditor school (yes, that's a thing, but it only took two days! More of a seminar) was that you DON'T have to be an expert. You just need to be able to verify that a standard is being used, and adhered to. So first, know or find the standards, and second, have them show you how they're complying with that.
Cheers, and best of luck!