ESD Program Auditing: The Auditor's Perspective

The significant benefits to be derived from a properly implemented and managed Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control Program have long been recognized within our industry. While management commitment and support is critical to the success of any ESD Program, it most often is the ESD Auditor who ultimately is responsible for ensuring that the program produces consistent and positive results. The responsibilities assigned to the ESD Auditor at the Lucent Technologies' DENPORT West facility have evolved since the program was established in the late 1980s. At present, the ESD Auditor performs not only the standard auditing functions but also is responsible for the training and supervision of the Product Business Team's ESD coordinators. The auditor also has proven to be an invaluable resource for the resolution of ESD Program problems and deficiencies. This direct involvement of the DENPORT West ESD Auditor with the manufacturing associates has proven to be critical to the success of the program. This paper is intended to outline the responsibilities of and the methods employed by the DENPORT West Auditor.