[ ISO 9000 Certificate ] - [ Terms and Definitions ]

ISO 9000 is an international standard for a quality system. A well-documented quality system ensures that we are consistent in our processes, procedures and product. Product not only means the physical power supply, but also the service and support Kepco provides to its customers. Everyone at Kepco is responsible for implementing the ISO 9000 standard.

ISO 9001, a subset of the ISO 9000 standard, is a model for quality assurance in design, development, production, installation and servicing. There are 20 elements making up the ISO 9001 standard:

• Clause 1 Management Responsibility and Quality Policy - Everyone at Kepco is responsible for making this system operate properly. Everyone knows their responsibilities and where they fit into the organization. We have a mission statement, and a quality policy that allows us to attain our mission. Management is responsible for defining the quality policy and conducting ongoing reviews to ensure proper implementation

• Clause 2 Quality System - We begin with the Quality Policy. We have documented procedures and work instructions and a Quality System Manual that defines and documents our quality system.
• Clause 3 Contract Review - Since we design and manufacture power supplies to meet our customers needs, we already know what our customers want. However, to be confident that we understand specific customer requirements and that we can meet those needs, having a documented record to which both parties have agreed assures both parties of no future misunderstandings.
• Clause 4 Design Control - We formally plan for a new product, determine our resources and review the progress of the product, so that we can meet the requirements of our customers and get it right the first time.
• Clause 5 Document and Data Control - Documents pertain to all departments. If we make a change in a process, procedure, instruction, etc..., we must update the documents and inform all who are affected.
• Clause 6 Purchasing - Quality is not only concerned with how we design and manufacture the product within Kepco, but we must also be concerned with the quality of the parts/components that are supplied by outside vendors. By assessing and choosing those vendors with the best track record, we control the quality of the parts/components that go into our products and ultimately, the end products themselves.
• Clause 7 Control of Customer Supplied Product - When customers supply Kepco with material, we control it by assigning it a Kepco part number. We track and store it appropriately while its inside Kepco.
• Clause 8 Product Identification and Traceability - If a problem does arise, it is important to all of us that we have the capability to identify the root cause of the problem. We can then address the problem in many different ways: by changing a process, introducing a new procedure and/or eliminating an old one, giving additional training or by any number of methods. The important thing is that we want to do it right the first time, and resolving the problem allows us to do that. Proper identification and traceability allows us to follow the product from inception to delivery.
• Clause 9 Process Control - By maintaining control of the process we catch and fix problems early, before they affect our customers.
• Clause 10 Inspection and Testing - Inspection and testing of the product occurs throughout the manufacturing process. Final testing of all products (100%) verifies conformance to published specifications. The test is documented and results are recorded.
• Clause 11 Control of Inspection, Measuring and Test Equipment - Any type of equipment that is used to test or measure the product and/or its components must be calibrated on a regular basis and records maintained. Equipment that does not require calibration must be marked accordingly.
• Clause 12 Inspection and Test Status - Not only do we test and inspect our products to make sure they meet the established requirements, but we also maintain a system that identifies whether the product has passed or failed the inspection/test and indicates the proper corrective actions.
• Clause 13 Control of Nonconforming Product - We clearly identify products which do not pass an inspection or test so they won't inadvertently be delivered to a customer.
• Clause 14 Corrective and Preventive Action - If in our testing and inspecting we do find something wrong with the product, we record the problem, take appropriate action and correct it. We identify the root cause of the problem and take action to prevent it from happening again.
• Clause 15 Handling, Storage, Packaging (Preservation and Delivery) - We follow clear, concise, written procedures for every step the power supply makes once it is finished. This assures the customer that not only was the unit manufactured to meet all requirements, but it was handled, packed and shipped to them without damage. Procedures are followed for proper handling, storing, packing and delivery of the unit, as well.
• Clause 16 Control of Quality Records - We retain records that demonstrate that activities were satisfactorily carried out in accordance with the requirements of Kepco's quality system. Job descriptions are updated and maintained and hiring of personnel is based on the requirements of the specific job and the skills needed to get the job done.
• Clause 17 Internal Quality Audits - We review our processes and procedures on a regular basis to make sure that they are being followed. Internal quality audits also supply input for Kepco's continuous improvement program. We continually make improvements and adjustments, where and when needed.
• Clause 18 Training - All personnel are trained in their tasks and training records are maintained. Training is based upon what skills an employee has upon hire versus the skills needed (as documented in job descriptions).
• Clause 19 Servicing - Post-sales and follow-up requirements for the product are also documented. We know that quality does not end after the unit leaves Kepco. Customers also require continued high quality in the service and support provided by Kepco.
• Clause 20 Statistical Techniques - By maintaining statistics on our processes and procedures, we can continue to enhance and improve ourselves, assuring our continued success.

[ ISO 9000 Certificate ] - [ Terms and Definitions ]

KEPCO, INC. • 131-38 SANFORD AVENUE • FLUSHING, NY. 11355 U.S.A.
TEL (718) 461-7000 • FAX (718) 767-1102
www.kepcopower.com • email: hq@kepcopower.com

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