Samsung Electronics operates internationally accredited testing laboratories qualified for standards testing, including product safety, communication standards, and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) evaluations, to ensure product safety and quality. We also effectively respond to newly regulated standards in various countries by expanding our investment in facilities and securing technological capabilities.
Notably, we have implemented a double safety design for products and parts to prevent the spread of damage in the event of accidents, such as product fires. Additionally, we perform thorough safety verification by considering customers' unusual usage methods or use in harsh environments. Major parts, including large batteries, power supplies, and chargers, which have a high risk of accidents, undergo intensive safety inspections.
We offer a variety of training programs to help employees in South Korea and overseas strengthen their understanding of quality and enhance product safety capabilities. Through CS School, our company-wide training institute, we provide competency development roadmaps for various technical fields. Employees can build their capabilities through specialized courses in topics such as product reliability, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Product Liability (PL), component material safety, battery and power safety, and TRIZ (Theory of Solving Inventive Problem) for creative problem-solving. To further establish credibility and gain recognition for their technical expertise, employees also complete training and obtain certifications such as the Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) and Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) from the American Society for Quality, as well as the Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI).
As an ISO 9000-certified company, we apply documented standards to all tasks and processes to ensure the highest level of quality. We regularly perform quality inspections and improvement at our manufacturing sites within and outside South Korea, as well as at suppliers that produce and deliver parts to Samsung Electronics.
When developing new products, we operate a phased customer satisfaction certification system to proactively secure product quality that meets customer expectations. Through the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, we track past failure cases and issues from the planning stage to prevent their recurrence. For new technologies and functions, we conduct durability, reliability, and real-world usage tests using new verification techniques. Production is only approved once the required customer quality standards are met.
Beginning in 2025, we have introduced a company-wide three-stage gating system covering the pre-development, commercialization, and mass production stages, with each phase led by dedicated teams across the company. This system includes pre-development design reviews and quality approvals to mitigate potential risks associated with new technologies. In the commercialization stage, we have strengthened physical analysis and on-site inspections of key module suppliers. In the mass production stage, we rigorously assess whether process and shipment quality targets are being met. These efforts reinforce our quality assurance system to ensure flawless product quality for new products.
For parts produced and supplied by our suppliers, we manage quality through the SQCI (Supplier Quality Control Innovation) System. In cases of part quality issues, such as quality failures, the presence of hazardous substances, or low evaluation ratings, we impose penalties. These may include order amount adjustments or suspension of transactions, in line with our Quality Warning system for suppliers.
| Number of Offenses | Action Taken |
|---|---|
| 1st Strike | Issue a warning letter based on supplier quality warning criteria |
| 2nd Strike | Suspend orders for the relevant item for at least three months |
| 3rd Strike | Suspend transactions with the supplier for at least six months |
We apply standardized on-site management procedures across all production sites to prevent defects and achieve consistent quality. We also conduct internal audits annually at all our manufacturing sites within and outside South Korea. Through the Samsung Electronics Quality Awards (SQA) system, we evaluate quality levels and assurance systems to ensure consistent manufacturing of products that meet customer expectations. Furthermore, we perform daily checks on production equipment and facilities based on the items listed in our preventive maintenance checklist, and the results are recorded in the quality management system.
In addition, we operate a job certification system for new hires and current employees transitioning to new roles. This system evaluates and certifies their training and understanding of work standards. We also conduct preventive maintenance training to ensure proper responses to any changes in equipment, parts, or other elements on the production line.
We operate a customer satisfaction certification system to ensure that our products meet customer requirements by evaluating performance, reliability, safety, and other factors at each stage of development. Only products that meet all evaluation criteria are released to the market.
We manage all market quality information from around the world in a real-time database through the QINGS (Quality Information Network of Global Samsung) system. If any product quality issues arise, the system activates early warnings and initiates emergency corrective actions, such as halting production.