PV MODULE INSPECTION
– MATERIALS INPUT IN MES FOUND INCONSISTENT WITH THE AGREED BOM
– FRAME GAPS
– SCRATCHES ON GLASS
– Materials input in MES found inconsistent with the agreed BOM
Among our inspection findings, many are due to improper staff operation. This month, an STS inspector found that the production materials input in the factory Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is inconsistent with the agreed BOM.
The root cause analysis revealed that the source of error was the inability of the operator to properly read the Chinese names. Supply chain security is a critical part of the supply chain assessment STS carries out for the industry today. Some manufacturers are better equipped to ensure security of their supply chains than others.
– Frame gaps
Recently, we caught a large gap at the frame’s corners. Root cause analysis revealed that the operator in charge of visual inspection left for lunch break without replacement at the visual inspection station. In times of Covid-19, some manufacturing lines have fewer operators than they used to have, which may lead to gaps in quality control. 24/7 inspection of PV module manufacturing is more than ever recommended.
– Scratches on glass
Irregular glass scratches are often caused by the packaging staff accidentally bumping against the frame when lifting the module for inspection.
Verification on the production line that the operators are trained may capture these issues in the factory.