Traceability is the ability to connect a finished instrument to the components and records used during its build. For the DVS-G, that means preserving the relationship between serialized sensor assemblies, the finished gauge serial number and the associated quality documentation.
A useful traceability system shows which serialized component was used in which finished gauge and preserves the supporting records that document the build and release process.
Serialized components
The DVS-G uses serialized vacuum sensor assemblies supplied with documentation from the sensor vendor. Recording the incoming component serial number creates the first link in the traceability chain.
That serial number can then be associated with the serial number assigned to the completed DVS-G during assembly.
Supplier documentation
The vacuum sensor assemblies supplied for DVS-G production are accompanied by a Certificate of Conformance from the supplier. Retaining that documentation helps preserve the connection between incoming components and the finished product record.
Supplier documentation does not replace DVS final assembly verification. It supports the incoming-component portion of the quality record.
Linking the component to the finished gauge
During assembly, the serialized sensor assembly is recorded against the serial number of the completed DVS-G. This creates a direct relationship between the key serialized component and the finished instrument.
Serialized sensor assembly received with supplier documentation.
Sensor serial number recorded against the finished DVS-G serial number.
Completed gauge is functionally tested prior to final release.
Build and verification information is retained as part of the product record.
Example traceability record
The example below illustrates how a serialized sensor assembly can be tied to a finished DVS-G. The serial number is shown as an example of the record structure rather than as a universal document format.
Final functional verification
Component traceability is only part of the record. After assembly, each completed gauge is functionally tested to verify that it maintains vacuum for a defined test duration prior to final release.
This step verifies the assembled instrument as a finished unit rather than relying only on the documentation associated with an individual component.
What the quality record can support
A documented traceability record can help manufacturers, quality teams and purchasing organizations understand how the instrument was built and how the critical serialized component relates to the finished gauge.
- Finished DVS-G serial number.
- Serialized vacuum sensor assembly.
- Supplier Certificate of Conformance.
- Final assembly verification record.
- Applicable signature and date.
Why traceability matters
In quality-sensitive manufacturing environments, traceability helps make the product record more useful after delivery. If a component question, documentation request or quality review arises later, the serial number can provide a starting point for identifying the associated build records.
Traceability does not by itself imply approval, certification or qualification for a particular aerospace, defense or space program. Those determinations depend on the requirements of the customer and governing process documentation.
Customers working under controlled specifications should confirm their own requirements for instrument qualification, calibration, certification and documentation. DVS traceability supports the product record but does not replace program-specific approval requirements.
DVS-G QUALITY DOCUMENTATION
Precision you can connect to a documented build record.
Contact Digital Vacuum Systems to discuss DVS-G product documentation, traceability and purchasing requirements.
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