Purpose & Objective
Recover usable stock without compromising conformity or traceability.
Establish a consistent method for receiving, identifying, containing, inspecting, assessing, reworking, verifying and disposing of returned or rejected products. Prevent unintended use or release of non-conforming goods and retain evidence of every decision.
Internal process framework • Subject to company approval
Scope of Work
Two incoming streams, one controlled disposition process.
Returned Goods
Customer/dealer returns involving faults, incorrect or missing components, fitment issues, damage, or no-fault-found cases. Link each item to its RMA and reported concern.
Rejected Goods
Items rejected at incoming inspection, production, assembly, testing or final inspection. Link each item to its NCR, lot and point of detection.
Rework & Repair
Rework restores full conformity to the original approved requirements. Repair is a separate, authorised disposition where full original conformity may not be restored.
Inspection & Release
Check identification, physical condition, unique configuration, completeness, electrical/functional performance and applicable compliance requirements before authorising release.
Controlled Workflow
From receipt to traceable closure.
- Receive and register: Record part ID, quantity, return/reject reason, batch/serial, date and reference number.
- Identify and contain: Tag HOLD / NON-CONFORMING and segregate from released stock.
- Inspect and test: Review appearance, identification, configuration, completeness and relevant performance.
- Determine disposition: Quality/Engineering authorises rework, repair, NFF/serviceable release, supplier return, concession or scrap as applicable.
- Execute approved work: Use controlled instructions, trained personnel and documented materials/operations.
- Retest and verify: Record results against the applicable acceptance criteria; failed verification returns to HOLD.
- Approve and close: Obtain release authorisation, update inventory and close RMA/NCR and supplier actions.
Work Plan & Ownership
Suggested responsibilities; confirm with department leads.
| Stage | Required action | Suggested owner |
|---|---|---|
| 01 • Receipt | Register product, reason, quantity and traceability | Warehouse / Quality |
| 02 • Containment | Identify and quarantine affected stock | Warehouse / Quality |
| 03 • Assessment | Inspect, test and document defect or NFF | Quality / Engineering |
| 04 • Planning | Approve feasibility, instructions, resources and disposition | Engineering / Quality |
| 05 • Rework | Perform authorised correction and maintain records | Production / Rework |
| 06 • Verification | Retest and verify specification compliance | Quality / Testing |
| 07 • Release | Approve disposition and update inventory | Authorised Quality / Warehouse |
| 08 • Closure | Close NCR/RMA; escalate supplier-related failures | Quality / SQE / Purchasing |
Mandatory Quality Controls
Apply to both returned and rejected goods.
Part Identification
Verify part number, serial/batch, revision, compliance plate and barcode against approved records.
Physical Appearance
Inspect scratches, dents, corrosion, surface finish, damage and packaging against acceptance criteria.
Product Uniqueness
Confirm variant, configuration, terminal positions, accessories and product-specific requirements.
Release Authority
No release without documented verification and the required Quality/Engineering approval. Regulated or safety-critical modifications require specific authorisation.
Performance & Continuous Improvement
Recommended metrics and implementation milestones.
KPIs: quantity received, rework success rate, first-pass yield after rework, turnaround time, repeat non-conformances, scrap rate, cost of poor quality and supplier recovery.
| Phase | Target | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Define scope and responsibilities | Approved ownership matrix |
| Week 2 | Set up quarantine and identification | HOLD labels and registration process |
| Weeks 3–4 | Develop instructions and acceptance criteria | Controlled work and test instructions |
| Weeks 5–6 | Pilot selected product families | Recorded rework and retest results |
| Week 7 | Review and formalise | Approved process, training and reporting |
Related Quality Application
Use the existing electrical component test report to document the inspection and testing of applicable returned products.
This page is a process guide, not an electronic approval or database system. Apply your company's controlled-document and authorisation procedures.