Author Archives: Bill Aston

API 6D Monogram License – What’s Required?

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Bill Aston

We are interested in getting an API 6D monogram license for our ball valves.  We plan to outsource product design, manufacturing, assembly and testing.  We need a consultant’s support with explaining API 6D requirements to our providers of all activities … Continue reading →

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Keeping Current

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Bill Aston

The case for continued professional growth Written by Bill Aston, Published in ASQ QP Magazine, June 2018. It sometimes may seem that as soon as an organization becomes familiar with a management system and its requirements, changes must be made … Continue reading →

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Market Slowdown: Can We Postpone Our API Q1 Surveillance Audit?

Posted on September 11, 2018 by Bill Aston

QUESTION:  From: Fayyez, Sept. 11, 2018 Dear Sir, We are a certified API Q1 & ISO 9001 API QR registered organization.  Our surveillance audits are scheduled to be conducted on an annual basis.  We have maintained all quality management system requirements … Continue reading →

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ISO 9001:2015 & Determining External & Internal Issues

Posted on May 22, 2017 by Bill Aston

QUESTION: From: Adolpho P., April, 21, 2017 – My question is regarding ISO 9001:2015 requirements for reporting external and internal issues as a part of the management review process.  Which subjects should be analyzed as the inputs, subclause 9.3.2.b?  I don’t … Continue reading →

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API Q1, Documentation Requirements

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Bill Aston

QUESTION: From: Jamil K. Sent: Dec. 11, 2014 To: Q-Blog, Ask the Experts Subject: API Q1, clause 4.4.1, sub. e., Documentation Requirements – General Jamil K. asks the following about APIQ1: API Q1, 9th Edition, requires an organization to identify … Continue reading →

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API Q1, Risk Assessment Requirement

Posted on August 30, 2014 by Bill Aston

QUESTION: From: Yusri Sent: Aug. 12, 2014 To: Q-Blog, Ask the Experts Subject: API Q1, clause 5.3, Risk Assessment Requirements Yusri asks the following questions about API Q1: API Q1, requires the organization to maintain a documented procedure for risk … Continue reading →

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API Q1, 9th edition – Risks, Contingency Plans and MOC

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Bill Aston

QUESTION: From: Darcy K. Sent: May 10, 2014 To: ATCS – QBlog, Ask The Experts Subject: API Q1, 9th edition, Risks, Contingency Plans and MOC In regard to MOC Process, in your opinion, would it be effective to tie this … Continue reading →

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API Q1, 9th Edition – Critical Supplier

Posted on May 18, 2014 by Bill Aston

QUESTION: From: Joe St. J., Sent: May 1, 2014 To: ATCS – QBlog, Ask The Experts Subject: API Q1, 9th Edition, Critical Suppliers Joe St. J, asks the following about APIQ1: Hello, Our company remains in the process of transitioning … Continue reading →

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API Q1, 9th Edition – Verification of Proprietary Product vs. Receiving Inspection

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Bill Aston

Muhammad I. asked the following question: API Q1, 9th edition, clause 5.6.1.2, Section b) and Sub-section iii) requires the organization to verify that supplied product conform to stated requirements when limited by proprietary, legal and/or contractual arrangements. How is this … Continue reading →

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API Q1, 9th Ed., Quality Policy vs. Objectives

Posted on February 2, 2014 by Bill Aston

QUESTION: From: T.S. , Tercel Oilfield Sent: Jan. 20, 2014 To: ATCS – QBlog, Ask The Experts Subject: API Q1, 9th Ed., Quality policy and Objectives Am I correct in saying that Objectives should establish the highest overall expectation and … Continue reading →

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Monitoring & Measurement of Product

Posted on February 2, 2014 by Bill Aston

QUESTION: From: ASQ ATE Sent: Jan. 28, 2014 To: ATCS – QBlog, Ask The Experts Subject: ISO 9001:2008 and API Q1, 8th & 9th Ed., Monitoring Measurements & Improvement ISO 9001:2008 states in 8.2.4 Monitoring and measurement of product: “Evidence … Continue reading →

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API Q1, 9th Ed, Control production and Servicing

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Bill Aston

From: Fayyez Ahmed Company:  DATA Steel Pipes Industries (pvt) Ltd., Punjab,Pakistan Sent: Sept. 24, 2013 To: ATCS – QBlog, Ask The Experts Subject: API Q1, 9th Ed., Production and Servicing Procedures Question: API Q1 9th edition requires control of production … Continue reading →

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