What Is an Inspection?
Inspections are repeated tests that are carried out at the same intervals. This is a visual and functional inspection that can be applied in a wide variety of fields and industries.
The main objective of these inspections are to extend the life of machinery, equipment or sites. The purpose of these inspections is to find out if the item or object is in proper, working and most importantly, safe condition.
In contrast to legally obligatory inspections, such as the TÜV, recurring inspections are not explicitly obligatory in legal regulations. How often and what exactly is checked, must be decided individually.
What Is the Purpose of an Inspection?
Existing facilities, containers, technical equipment and other operational equipment should be subject to regular inspection, maintenance or testing. These terms are the same in this context. Depending on the industry and the need, different amounts of time lapse between periodic inspections.
It is up to each company to determine how effectively and regularly inspections are performed. Nevertheless, it is recommended that regular, structured and consistent inspections be conducted and that great emphasis be placed on quality management.
For example, restaurant restrooms should be inspected and cleaned several times a day. For printing equipment in offices, a monthly inspection is probably sufficient. Thus, the time interval between inspections varies. The characteristic that unifies inspections is continuity in their performance.
Application Fields for Inspections
Inspections are treated like controls. In each industry, these controls in the form of periodic inspections turn out differently. The following are some fields of application:
1. Technical Systems
In technical systems, regular inspection are an important part of the maintenance of administrative and technical measures. The DIN 31051 standard covers the control measures for the evaluation of the actual condition.
2. Vehicle Inspections
First and foremost, inspections are widely used in the automotive industry. Cars should be brought in for an auto inspection every one to two years. In most cases, a motor vehicle inspection involves extensive maintenance of the vehicle after 24 months or 30,000 km. The goal of a motor vehicle inspection is to regularly check important parts of a motor vehicle regarding its safety and functionality.
3. Software Development
In the software area, regular inspections are carried out for quality and software assurance of the system. The intervals for IT inspections are determined by those responsible.
4. Production
In manufacturing, regular inspections are used for safety and quality assurance. Is all equipment in working order and safe? For example, a pallet rack inspection is performed in the warehouse for accident prevention.
Regular inspections pay off. In addition to safety and quality assurances through constant inspections, a longer service life of the machines, equipment and facilities can also be expected.
