Systems & standards
Factory Production Control (FPC) Review
Independent review of Factory Production Control systems, manufacturing controls, traceability and objective evidence.
FPC · EN 1090 · Structural Steel & Aluminium
What it is
Why FPC matters
Factory Production Control provides the documented and operational framework through which a manufacturer controls production and demonstrates continuing conformity of its products. Government guidance and current construction-product oversight place increasing emphasis on manufacturers being able to demonstrate compliance, maintain appropriate production controls and provide reliable product information.
For manufacturers, the important question is therefore not simply whether an FPC manual exists. It is whether the system works in the factory and whether the resulting records provide a clear, traceable link between requirements, production and the product placed on the market.
EN 1090
FPC for structural steel and aluminium
For structural steel and aluminium products within the applicable scope of EN 1090-1, Factory Production Control is a central part of the conformity-assessment framework. UKAS accreditation schedules identify EN 1090-1 product conformity certification under AVCP System 2+, including initial inspection of the manufacturing plant and FPC and continuing surveillance, assessment and evaluation of FPC.
For steelwork, the wider EN 1090 framework also connects FPC with execution requirements, welding controls and the manufacturer's declared Execution Class. UK industry guidance identifies FPC implementation, a Responsible Welding Coordinator and welding quality-management arrangements as important elements of the EN 1090 conformity framework.
Specialist focus
EN 1090 specialist focus
Where the review relates to structural steel or aluminium fabrication, the scope can be structured around the applicable EN 1090 requirements and the manufacturer's declared product and execution scope.
- Applicable product scope and declared characteristics
- Execution Class and production scope
- Factory Production Control arrangements
- Welding coordination and welding-quality controls, where applicable
- Welding procedures, qualifications and associated records
- Material identification, certificates and traceability
- Inspection and testing arrangements
- Equipment, measuring and calibration controls
- Non-conformity and corrective-action controls
- Product identification, documentation and release controls
The exact review scope must be established against the manufacturer's products, processes, declared scope and applicable conformity-assessment requirements. DAN AUDITS does not assume that one generic EN 1090 checklist is appropriate for every manufacturer.
Related frameworks
FPC and ISO 9001: related, but not identical
An ISO 9001 quality-management system can provide a useful framework for many FPC controls, and in some circumstances requirements may overlap. However, ISO 9001 certification does not by itself demonstrate conformity with the product-specific requirements applicable to EN 1090.
The FPC review therefore focuses on the controls and objective evidence relevant to the product and applicable conformity-assessment framework, rather than simply mapping an ISO 9001 system against FPC headings. BSI describes EN 1090-1 FPC as a product-conformity requirement and notes that an existing ISO 9001 system may partly fulfil relevant FPC requirements.
Technical capability
A third-party audit perspective
DAN AUDITS' FPC review capability is grounded in third-party certification-audit experience and management-system audit competence, applied to the specific production-control and conformity requirements within the agreed scope.
The service is an independent review. DAN AUDITS does not issue FPC certificates, act as a UK Approved Body or notified body, perform the formal product conformity assessment, or make the certification decision.
What it is not
Clear boundaries
- No FPC certification
- No UKCA or CE conformity marking issued by DAN AUDITS
- No product certification or certification decision
- No appointment as an Approved Body, notified body or certification body
- No engineering design approval
- No welding procedure qualification or welder qualification certification
- No guarantee of a certification outcome
- No creation or retrospective manufacture of conformity evidence
What we review
- FPC scope, structure and documented arrangements
- Production processes and defined production controls
- Incoming materials, identification and traceability
- Inspection, testing, measuring and calibration arrangements
- Production records and objective evidence
- Control of non-conforming products and corrective action
- Product identification and traceability through manufacture
- Technical documentation and records supporting declared characteristics
- Welding-related controls and evidence, where within the applicable scope
- Responsibilities, competence and control of relevant personnel
- Subcontracted processes and externally provided products or services
- Internal monitoring, review and continual control of the FPC system
Typical evidence reviewed
- FPC manual and controlled procedures
- Production and process-control records
- Material certificates and traceability records
- Inspection and test records
- Calibration and equipment records
- Welding procedures, qualifications and welding records, where applicable
- Personnel competence and responsibility records
- Non-conformity and corrective-action records
- Product identification and release records
- Technical/product documentation
- Internal checks and management review records, where applicable
What you receive
Clear, practical outputs
- A written independent FPC review
- Structured findings against the agreed review scope
- Identification of inconsistencies, missing evidence and points requiring clarification
- Assessment of the link between documented controls, production activity and objective evidence
- Clear areas requiring attention before formal assessment, surveillance or reassessment
Who it is for
Who this review is for
- Structural steel and aluminium manufacturers
- Fabricators operating within an EN 1090 scope
- Manufacturers preparing for initial FPC assessment
- Existing manufacturers preparing for surveillance or reassessment
- Organisations changing products, processes, facilities or declared scope
- Manufacturers reviewing the effectiveness and evidence base of an existing FPC system
UK context
UK construction-product context
The UK construction-products framework is currently evolving. GOV.UK confirms that construction products are subject to the current regulatory framework and that wider reforms to testing, certification, product information and enforcement are being developed. Manufacturers therefore need to ensure that the requirements applicable to their particular products and market are established before relying on a generic compliance statement.
FAQs
FPC review: common questions
What is Factory Production Control?
FPC is the manufacturer's documented and operational system for controlling production and maintaining evidence that products consistently meet the applicable requirements.
Is FPC the same as ISO 9001?
No. There can be substantial overlap, but FPC is tied to product conformity and the applicable product standard and conformity-assessment framework.
Does EN 1090 require FPC?
For products within the applicable EN 1090-1 conformity-assessment scope, FPC is a central part of the conformity framework.
Can DAN AUDITS certify our FPC?
No. DAN AUDITS provides an independent review and does not act as the relevant conformity-assessment or certification body.
Can you review an existing ISO 9001 system against FPC requirements?
Yes. Where appropriate, the review can examine which existing controls and records support FPC and where product-specific requirements remain to be addressed.
Does every EN 1090 manufacturer have the same FPC requirements?
No. The applicable scope depends on the manufacturer's products, processes, declared characteristics and conformity-assessment requirements.
Start with a short intro call
If you manufacture structural steel or aluminium, or operate another product-specific FPC system, DAN AUDITS can establish the applicable review scope and assess the documented controls and evidence before formal assessment. Independent, fixed-fee, and commission-free.