Material traceability is easiest to control when identification and records are connected from receipt through fabrication and final turnover. Waiting until the end of a project to reconstruct that history creates unnecessary risk and rework.
Capture material information at receipt
Record the purchase order or receiving reference, material specification or grade when applicable, heat or lot identification, quantity and the associated material test report reference. Confirm the actual project requirements before deciding what must be retained.
Preserve identification during fabrication
Cutting and processing can separate material from its original markings. The quality system should define how required identification is transferred or otherwise maintained so traceability is not lost.
Link records to the finished work
Where the contract requires traceability, connect material records to the applicable assembly, spool, drawing, weld map or other project identifier. A simple register can make final turnover much easier.
Control the documents
MTRs should be legible, retrievable and associated with the correct material. The governing contract, specification, code and company procedures determine the required level of traceability and record retention.
For companies building or improving these controls, JFIC provides Quality Manual and QC Program development. You can also download the free JFIC QC Starter Pack to see the documentation style used across JFIC tools.
This article is general educational information. Governing requirements remain controlling.