TEMEX: About Rakon France: Quality Policy

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Rakon Temex oscillators on their way to The International Space Station!

18.02.2011
The second ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) was successfully launched by Arianespace on February 16, 2011 with on board several oscillators from Rakon Temex! The ATV Johannes Kepler (named...

Rakon Temex announces 1 GHz bandwidth SAW Pulse Compression Sub-System CI E01 for Ultra Wide Band (UWB) applications.

24.01.2011
UWB SAW Pulse Compression Sub-Systems are designed for lab environment (shelter, ground based military equipment, handheld equipment …). Main applications are Ground Penetrating Radar...

RAKON TEMEX SAW oscillator technology: today the best solution to improve dramatically the performances of airborne radars

14.10.2010
Only Rakon Temex offers a full range of high performance ULN SAW oscillators (OCSO) from 300MHz to 600 MHz in fundamental mode. They are mainly designed for phase noise most demanding...

QUALITY POLICY

We are committed to continuous improvement to achieve overall operational excellence

Quality policy is defined by Rakon France as continuous improvements in to the following areas:

Quality in projects: Rakon France innovation approach is a key factor to ensure our clients with a sustainable development.

Major rules for new product development are defined in a specific procedure (AQB-Q020) that is used as Project Charter.

Each project has 5 specific phases, that are planned in advance. Product maturity increases from phase to phase.

Transition from one phase to another is done through a set of mandatory milestones, that ensure adequate control of performance, schedule and cost : SDR (Specification Design Review), CDR (Critical Design Review), PPR (Pre-Production Review), PRR (Production Readiness Review), PPA (Post-Project Analysis). FMECA (Failure Mode, Effect, and Criticity Analyse) is used to identify potential risk areas, manage preventive and corrective actions.

Quality in manufacturing: process control and technical skills are at the forefront of quality in manufacturing.

Main criteria for selection of suppliers are technical knowledge and quality of performance. Rakon France intends to develop close partnership with its subcontractors, for the benefit of all parties involved. Audits are performed according to a set schedule.

Annual review of suppliers performance is performed and is used to improve procurement strategy. Each selected supplier shall commit by signing Rakon France Supplier Quality Manual.

Calibration & testing: all inspection, test and measuring equipments are duly calibrated by a registered company, according to a calibration frequency that is relevant with criticality of values measured.

Every new test & measuring equipment is assessed for its process capability vs its intended use.

Rakon France maintains an environmental test laboratory, that is used to perform qualification testing of new products.

Product reliability (MTBF, FIT) is calculated as a result of environmental testing.

Main standards used to define test programs are : MIL HDBK 217, MIL STD 883, MIL PRF 55310.

Quality management system: Rakon France manufacturing site is certified ISO 9001v2008 with AFAQ/AFNOR.

QMS processes are updated on a yearly basis to fit with Rakon France development strategy.

A project is launched to get ESA/ESCC qualification for SC cut quartz resonators by mid 2009.In the meantime, group C tests are systematically performed for space application products.

Continuous improvement & Staff involvement

Rakon France relies on its employees to support its development.

Internal rules and procedures shall be adhered to, by any staff member.

Suggestions for improvement are welcome and collected from every department.
QRQC principles are deployed in every activity.

A set of performance indicators is defined, such as productivity, customer complaints, supplier discrepancies, suggestions for improvement, purchasing performance.

Updated performance is issued and analysed on a monthly basis.

Emphasis is put on reactivity to any problem and discrepancy identified during process operation : QRQC (Quick Response Quality Control) is applied throughout all workshops.

Any problem is addressed without delay, and appropriate corrective actions are implemented at the most appropriate level to enhance efficiency. In order to prevent spreading of any discrepancy into manufacturing line and to prevent inadvertent delivery to customers, line stop at 1^st defect is applied at all process steps.

There is also a strict record of material/process/people information, via a traceability system which spreads from incoming inspection to delivery. Control plans and process flow charts are written for any product family.

Before any new process is implemented into production, Process Capability is assessed : target value of 1.33 is set to release process.

Quality of services to customers: customers’ requirements and customers’ expectations are collected at the earliest possible stage. A close review of customers’ specifications is done in order to identify unclear statements and to assess compliancy.

An advanced warning system (DCN / PCN) is used to inform customers of intended engineering changes made by Rakon France to its processes, products and manufacturing locations. Products end-of-life is communicated to customers at least once a year ; a 6 month period is granted to take Last Time Buy orders.

Rakon France commits to address all customers complaints for review and analysis. FAR/CAR are issued for all non-conformities. Target response time is 48 h for failure confirmation, 5 days for FAR, 3 to 4 weeks for full CARs.

Supplier quality assurance: all suppliers and subcontractors are selected based on their ability to meet Rakon France needs.