Inspection codes are indictments of a possible defect or other quality-related problem found by inspectors or automated inspection equipment during manufacturing. Standard IPC Association inspection codes for electronics manufacturing are already available on the Inspection Codes tab. You can edit or delete existing codes and add new inspection codes to align with your factory's manufacturing quality standards.

Edit an existing inspection code

1. Log into the NPI client application.
2. Select Templates and Standards  > Define Quality Standards.
   
   The Inspection Codes tab displays available inspection codes and categories.
   
   
   
   

3. Select the code in the list, then select the Edit button at the top of the window.
   
   
   
   

   Item	Description
   Inspection Code	Specifies an abbreviation or shortened code that defines the inspection code.
   Name	Specifies the full name of the inspection code.
   Description	Specifies an additional, more detailed description for the inspection code.
   Inspection Type	Specifies the type of the inspection code: General, Aesthetic, or Catastrophic.
   Opportunity Type	Determines opportunity counts for the specified indictment: None, Assembly, Connection, Population, Component, or Other.
   Should the inspection code be treated as a defect?	Determines whether the inspection code should be treated as  a defect for calculating DPMO: Yes or No.
   Collection Level	Defines the minimum and maximum collection level of the inspection code. Optionally allows multiple defect indictments per item.
   Attachments	Allows you to associate one or more documents to the inspection code (such as special instructions for the repair or rework of a defect) by adding files as attachments.
   Code Image	Allows you to associate an example of what a defect might look like to an inspector by adding a drawing or photo.

4. Make the desired changes to the inspection code; when you are finished, select OK. 

Create an inspection code

1. Log into the NPI client application.
2. Select Templates and Standards  > Define Quality Standards.
3. Select the Add Inspection Code  button in the upper-left corner of the window.
   
   
   
   
4. Enter the desired details for the new inspection code, then select OK.

Categorize and link inspection codes

You can categorize and link inspection codes to help you save valuable time. For example, in factories that deal with many diverse products, inspection codes might be categorized and linked by product line or product type, depending on the requirements needed to ensure product quality.

1. Log into the NPI client application.
2. Select Templates and Standards  > Define Quality Standards.
3. Select the Add Category  button in the upper-right corner of the window.
   
   
   
   
4. Enter a Name for the category, then select OK.
   
   A new folder is created on the right side of the window for the new category.
   
   
5. With the category folder selected, click the Link Inspection Codes button in the upper-right corner of the window.
   
   
   
   

6. Select the desired inspection codes to be used for this category, then select OK.
   
   

   Tip

   To select multiple codes, use Ctrl+click or Shift+click.