Design record

A design record is the controlled product definition that states what an item is required to be. In manufacturing, it commonly includes the drawings, 3D models, specifications, parts lists, notes, tolerances, material requirements, and revision level used to make, inspect, and verify a product.

Design records are used as the technical baseline for production planning, inspection planning, first article inspection, supplier flow-down, and traceability. In an aerospace FAI context, the design record is the source used to identify required characteristics and related product accountability items such as materials, special processes, and functional tests.

A design record is not the same as a production record or inspection result. The design record defines the requirement; production and quality records show what was done and what evidence was collected against that requirement. When digital product definition or model-based definition is used, the controlled digital model and associated specifications may be part of the design record.