Original Date: 02/01/1991
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Litton Guidance and Control Systems Division (GCSD) has implemented a Supplier Quality Verification Program in support of its receiving inspection concept. In the past, Litton management dealt with the component failure rate which accounted for 70% of the assembly problems. Litton GCSD believes that controlling problems at the lowest possible level reduces the risk of adding value to an already defective product.

Supplier quality verification is working. Extensive electrical testing is performed at incoming inspection. In the microcircuit area, rejections have decreased since 1976 from 6-8% to near the 100 parts-per-million (PPM) level. Assembly first test yields have increased from 60% to greater than 95% and are approaching 100%. (4000 assemblies containing approximately 150 parts are processed each month.)

All materials and components are subject to 100% acceptance tests as presented by inspection instructions or the procurement document. The degree of test varies in differing cases and is a function of the supplier-Litton history. This is a comprehensive program resulting in significantly improved, measurable results.

The receiving inspection function has been computerized to reduce paperwork. Additional benefits are a reduction in operating personnel and improved flow through the test area.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.