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5.1 Receiving & Identification

The receiving dock is not just where boxes land; it is the Process Firewall. This is the single control point where raw materials first gainacquire their manufacturingofficial identity.factory identity, and the first critical check against supplier quality issues occurs. Every reel, tray, paste jar, and PCB passesmust throughpass this gateway,gateway. whereWhen condition is verified, data captured, and risks screened before entering controlled storage. Doneexecuted with discipline, receiving notsecures onlythe complete traceability backbone and prevents hiddencostly material defects from slippingever downstream but also establishesreaching the traceabilityproduction backbone that later quality checks depend on. It is the moment when supplier packaging becomes factory-certified inventory, ready for predictable and stable use.floor.

5.1.1 PurposeThe Digital Gate: System Validation & scopeID

GetBefore everyany inboundmaterial item—fromis reelsprocessed andphysically, traysit tomust solder paste and bare PCBs—intopass the systemdigital cleanly:gate. identityThe confirmed,receiving conditionoperator’s checked,primary risks flagged, and storage-ready. Thisrole is thethat firstof linka inData traceability;Integrity do it right and the line runs calm.Specialist.



5.1.2

The receivingCore rhythm (step-by-step)

Mandate

  1. StageSystem safely.Check First: UseBefore anopening ESD-safeany benchpackage, the operator must validate the supplier's Part Number (PN), Lot Code, and cartsQuantity against the expected Purchase Order (seePO) 5.3)data in the MES/ERP system. Don’t cut near Moisture Barrier Bags (MBBs).
  2. VisualThe checkUID (outer).is the Passport: CartonOnce intact, no water marks, no crushed corners. If damaged, photo + quarantine (5.1.6).
  3. Unpack to the item level. Handle reels/trays/tubes/paste jars gently; keep anti-static wraps on.
  4. Label read & compare. Match PO → PN → description → revision; check quantity & unit (REEL/TRAY/TUBE/EA).
  5. Record the essentials into MES/ERP:
    • PN (internal), supplier PN, description
    • Lot/Date code (e.g., YYWW), qty, UoM
    • MSL (if present), expiry (paste/flux/adhesives), finish for PCBs (e.g., ENIG/OSP)
    • Supplier, COC# if provided
    • Initial state = SEALED (unless bag already open)
  7. Integrity check (item).
    • For MSDs: MBB present, seal straight, no punctures, HIC & desiccant visible (do not open here; opening lives in 5.4).
    • For paste/flux: jar/cartridge intact, storage temp label readable, expiry in future.
    • For PCBs: vacuum wrap intact, no corner dings, correct rev/finish.
  9. Assignvalidated, a uniqueUnique ID (UID). Printlabel anis printed. This internal 2D labelcode (DataMatrix/DataMatrix or QR) thatis tiesthe material's factory passport, linking the physical itemcomponent to its complete digital history in the MES record.system.
  10. PlaceStatus labels correctly.Sync: OuterThe cartonMES/ERP +record immediateimmediately containerassigns (reelthe hubinitial or tray corner). Never cover supplier labels, MSL triangles, or HIC windows.
  11. Put-away. Route by type:status—usually MSDsSEALED →— drywhich cabinetdictates (5.2),its paste/fluxhandling →and coldshelf chainlife.
(5.5),

Data othersCapture →Requirements

ESD

Accurate racking.

  • Exceptions → quarantine. Anything unclear or damagedlogging is NG-QUARnon-negotiable. withThe asystem ticket (5.1.6).



    • 5.1.3 What the UID label says (and where it goes)

    Fields (human-readable + 2D code):

    • UID (system-generated)
    • PN / Description / Rev
    • Lot/Date code
    • Qty & UoM (e.g., 5,000 EA / REEL)
    • MSL (if applicable) & Initial State = SEALED / OPEN / DRY-PACK (RESET) / QUARANTINE
    • Expiry (for chemistries)
    • Received date, operator, site/warehouse bin

    Placement guide:

    • Reels: On the hub face, edge-aligned; readable through feeder bank windows.
    • Trays/Tubes: Top-right corner, not blocking cavities or latch.
    • MBBs: Above the seal, never over the seam or the HIC window.
    • Paste/Flux: On the sidewall, not the lid; leaves room for thaw/mix stickers (5.5).
    • Cartons: One face + one adjacent face for easy scanning on the rack.



    5.1.4 Data yourecord must capture (bythe materialfollowing type)

    essentials to ensure compliant storage and process stability:

    Material Type

    Required Data Points (Must captureLog)

    WhyRationale

    MSD componentsComponents (ICs, BGAs, QFNs, etc.)BGAs)

    PN, lot/date,Lot/Date Code, MSL, packSupplier state, qty/UoM, supplier, COC#, finish if notedCoC#

    Drives the moisture clock and storagedry cabinet control (5.4, 5.2)

    Non-MSD SMT passives

    PN, lot/date, qty/UoM, supplier

    Traceability & quality trends

    THT parts (axial/radial, DIPs, power)

    PN, lot/date, lead form, qty/UoM

    Hole fit and wave/selective planning.

    PCBs (bare)Bare Boards)

    PN, rev,Revision, finishFinish, lot/date,Lot/Date bow/warp check, qtyCode

    SolderabilityEstablishes solderability expectations &and fitfit.

    Solder paste/fluxPaste/Flux

    PN, lot,Lot, expiryExpiry Date, storageStorage tempTemp, qty/UoM

    ColdEssential for cold chain &compliance and print readiness (5.5).

    Adhesives/coatings/cleanersStandard Components

    PN, lot,Lot/Date expiry,Code, storageQuantity, tempUoM

    ProcessFundamental stabilitytraceability &for safety

    Mechanicalsquality (fasteners, shields)

    PN, lot/date, plating/grade, qty

    Torque & corrosion expectations

    Cables/harness subs

    PN, lot/date, test cert if any

    Box build readinessanalysis.

    5.1.2 The Receiving Rhythm: Inspection and Labeling Flow


    The physical process moves in a continuous, controlled flow: Unpack – Inspect – ID – Route.

    Inspection


    &

    Integrity

    1. 5.1.5Stage StatusSafely: statesPlace materials on an ESD-safe bench. Handle component packaging gently; never cut near Moisture Barrier Bag (whatMBB) seals.
    2. Visual Check: Confirm the systemshipping shouldcarton say)is
      • SEALEDintact —(no Factorycrushing, packpunctures, intact;or moisturewater clock not startedmarks).
      • OPENPhysical Integrity: —Unpack Packthe opened;item moistureto its unit level (reel, tray, tube). Perform the integrity check:
        • MBBs: Must be sealed. floorHIC life(Humidity runningIndicator Card) and desiccant must be visible and undamaged. (5.4)Do not open MBBs at receiving.)
        • Chemistries: Jars/cartridges must be intact, and the expiry date must be well in the future.
        • PCBs: Check the vacuum seal and confirm the correct finish and revision.

    UID Labeling Standard

    The UID label must be printed from the MES/ERP only after the integrity check is passed and the record is complete.

    • Placement Rule: The UID goes on the immediate container (reel hub, tray corner, jar sidewall).
    • DRY-PACKCritical (RESET)Constraint: —Place Resealedthe afterUID qualifiedbeside, bake;not timerover, resetthe supplier's lot code, MSL triangle, or any original quality markings. Covering essential supplier data breaks traceability.

    Final Routing

    Materials are routed immediately based on their sensitivity: MSDs – Dry Cabinet (5.4).2); Paste/Flux – Cold Storage (5.5); Others – ESD Racking.

    5.1.3 Immediate Risk Stop: Quarantine and MRB Authority

    If any incoming material fails an integrity check, is damaged, or its identity is questionable, the process stops. The operator must issue a

  • Red Tag and move the material to QUARANTINE — Hold for review/MRB; do not issue.
  • SCRAP — Not for use; dispositioned in MRB.

    • These states sync to labels so operators don’t guess.immediately.


    What
    Triggers


    5.1.6a Quarantine (whatRed earnsTag):

    a
    • Any redphysical tag)damage

      Quarantine immediately if you see: (crushed cartons, torn MBBs,MBBs).

    • Missing missing HIC/desiccant, wrong revision/finish, expired paste/flux, mixed lots in one reel, wrong quantity vs PO,HIC or desiccant from an MBB.
    • Wrong material received (PN or Revision mismatch).
    • counterfeit red flagsExpired solder paste or flux.
    • Signs of counterfeiting (spelling errors, over-stickers, odd fonts,fonts).
    over-stickers—see

    Managerial 6.5).Action (IMD/MRB)

    Quarantine requires two simultaneous actions:

    1. Action:Logging: photoCreate →an Incoming Material Defect (IMD) ticket →in segregatedthe shelf/binsystem, →including supplier/qualityphotos notified.of the issue. This data feeds directly into the Supplier Quality Rating (SQR).
    2. Authority: Nothing leaves quarantine without formal disposition from the MRBMaterial dispositionReview Board (MRB).


      The
      receiving


      operator's

      5.1.7responsibility is to stop the material and notify Quality/Engineering.

    Acceptance cuesCues (fastFast table)

    Table)

    Area

    Accept Criteria (Go)

    Reject Criteria (Stop)

    Identity

    PN/revRev match the PO; labelsLabels legibleare legible.

    PN mismatch; unknownUnknown revrevision.

    Condition

    Carton and inner packs clean/intact

    Crushed, wet, punctured, seal wrinkled

    MSD packsPacks

    MBB sealed; HIC & desiccant visiblevisible.

    Torn MBB; noNo HIC/desiccant present.

    Condition

    Carton and inner packs clean/intact.

    Crushed, wet, punctured, seal wrinkled.

    Chemistries

    Expiry date is in future;the storage temp statedfuture.

    Expired; missingMissing temp;storage swollen/leakingtemperature label.

    PCBSystem lots

    Correct finish/rev; wrap intact

    Wrong finish; corner damage

    SystemStatus

    UID label printed; MES showsstatus is SEALED.

    Handwritten labels only; noNo MES entryentry.


    5.1.4
    Common Traps and Reliable Fixes


    5.1.8 Common traps → smallest reliable fix

    Trap

    Symptom

    Smallest Reliable Fix

    Opening MBB "just to check"

    Moisture clock starts early, wasting floor life.

    Do Not Open. Rely on visual check through the bag.

    Covering supplier data with UID

    Can’t read MSL/lot later during kitting.

    Place UID beside,beside, not over, supplier labelslabels.

    Opening MBB “just to check”

    Moisture clock starts early

    Don’t open at receiving; visual through bag

    Cutting near seals

    Micro-tears, slow moisture ingress

    Cut away from seams; use safe knives

    Mixed lots in one bincontainer

    Traceability is broken and confused.

    Separate UIDs by lot;lot number; always re-bin withand labelslabel.

    No photos on damage

    Supplier disputedisputes stallsthe claim, delaying replacement.

    Photo all six sides +and close-ups before move

    Pastemoving to room temp

    Cold chain broken

    Move immediately to fridge (5.5)material.


    Summary:
    Stop


    –

    5.1.9ID Pocket– checklists

    At the dock

    • Carton intact? If no → photo + quarantine
    • PN/rev/qty match PO; unit correct (REEL/TRAY/TUBE/EA)
    • Read labels; record lot/date, MSL, expiryStore. (if any)
    • Integrity: MBB sealed with HIC + desiccant; jars intact

    System & labels

    • MES/ERP record complete; state = SEALED
    • UID label printed and placed without covering supplier info
    • Put-away location assigned (dry cabinet / fridge / ESD shelf)

    Quarantine triggers

    • Damage, wrong rev/finish, expired chemistries, torn MBB, missing HIC/desiccant, odd/counterfeit signs


    Consistent logging, labeling, and fast quarantine ensure materials enterUse the system clean,as verified,your andgatekeeper. risk-managed. Following thisThis discipline secures traceability, protects sensitive parts, and keeps themaintains production floor stable and interruption-free.stability.


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