A thorough verification process of the initial production unit against all applicable engineering design and specification requirements. This activity confirms that the manufacturing process is capable of producing parts that meet the design criteria. For example, after setting up a new machine or initiating a new production run, the first part manufactured would undergo this rigorous examination, encompassing dimensional measurements, material testing, and functional performance assessments.
The significance lies in its proactive approach to quality control. By identifying discrepancies early in the production cycle, potential downstream issues and costly rework are minimized. This contributes to improved product quality, reduced waste, and enhanced customer satisfaction. Historically, this practice has been a cornerstone of manufacturing quality assurance, evolving from manual inspections to incorporating sophisticated automated measurement systems and statistical analysis techniques.