Most purchase contracts stipulate that the OEM is responsible for Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC).  How do these differ?  QA is the organization and procedures that set and audit QC activities.  QC is the hands‑on every day inspection, such as weld inspection.

The reliability of an OEM's own QA and QC varies from excellent to superficial.  Buyers with satisfactory long‑term performance by a particular OEM can usually rely on such performance to continue.  For new relationships or in dealing with OEM's that have a poor quality track record Caveat Emptor is the rule.  The best defense is to conduct full time inspection and independent audits of both QA and QC that is being provided by the OEM.

We recommend that the Buyer use a risk management approach to determine the level and expense for OEM audits.  The most important consideration is the consequence of various forms of failure, and that consequence is magnified by the number of machines being ordered.

CP&A offers any level of inspection and QA/QC audits that the Buyer deems appropriate.  We also offer assistance with the Buyer's risk management assessment of what is appropriate.

We can provide part-time or full-time presence to report on the quality of manufacturing and construction schedule.  We use the internet to provide full weekly reports and updated schedules in a very timely manner.  Potential problems are identified early and allow you to resolve them before they become headaches.

Our focus is on the entire crane as a complex system, not just on one aspect such as structural steel fabrication.  Sure, the structure is important, but for a crane to be a profitable investment, the electrical and mechanical systems are where inspection services are most needed.  Yet these are the areas where inspection requirements are usually minimal.