Inspection checks how an assembly was built; electrical and functional tests check defined aspects of what it does. The right plan combines methods according to the design and its failure risks.

Map methods to questions

Visual or optical inspection can identify visible placement and joint conditions. Hidden-joint inspection may be needed for packages whose connections are not directly visible. Electrical tests and functional procedures have different coverage and fixture requirements. Ask what each proposed method can and cannot detect.

Write an executable procedure

Include power supplies, connections, firmware, test sequence, measurement points and pass/fail limits. State safe handling requirements and whether test fixtures or software will be supplied. “Power-on tested” is incomplete unless both parties know what constitutes a pass and what happens after a failure.

Define records and disposition

Agree the applicable acceptance criteria, unit identification and retained results. Separate test development from recurring test execution in the quote. Specify the approval route for repair, rework and retest, including how deviations are recorded. Confirm equipment and process availability for the actual project.