scope:

Purpose

The primary purpose of FAI is to verify and validate product realization processes are capable of producing characteristics that meet engineering and design requirements. A well-planned and executed FAI by a multi-disciplinary team (e.g., members from responsible functions) provides objective evidence the manufacturer's processes can produce compliant product; having effectively understood and incorporated the associated requirements.

NOTE A FAI is not a product acceptance document. While interrelated, FAI and product acceptance are separate activities. The focus of FAI is verification of production processes via assessment of product. FAI and supporting documentation do not provide assurance regarding conformance for product acceptance purposes; neither does the lack of a FAI necessarily imply product is nonconforming to engineering and design requirements.

FAI will:

- provide confidence, through objective evidence, the product realization processes are capable of producing conforming product;

- demonstrate the manufacturers and processors of the product have an understanding of the associated requirements;

- provide assurance of product conformance at the start of production and after changes, as outlined in this document.

A FAI is intended to:

- mitigate risks associated with production startup and process changes;

- reduce future escapes;

- help ensure product safety;

- improve quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction;

- reduce costs and production delays associated with product nonconformances;

- identify product realization processes not capable of producing conforming characteristics and initiate and/or validate associated corrective actions.