This paper aims to introduce an innovative framework, named FCAUP, for planning and implementing conformity assessment based on a conceptual analogy with Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle of Quantum Mechanics. Conformity assessment is a very important issue in many different areas, such as, operations and quality management, international trade, sustainable development, and so on. FCAUP means "Framework for Conformity Assessment inspired by the Uncertainty Principle". This original procedure employs quantitative and qualitative techniques for analysis, classification, purposive sampling and execution of double inspections in order to reduce the uncertainty in conformity assessment activities. Its preliminary evaluation has been performed by means of three simulations regarding conformity assessments in manufacturing industries. Simulation results suggest that FCAUP is a consistent method to be used in several categories of conformity assessment.The most common technical procedures to assess conformity in many different areas are inspection, sampling, testing, quality management system assessment and audit. Inspection is defined by ISO 9000 (2015) as "determination of conformity to specified requirements" and a similar definition is given by Juran and Godfrey (1999). Liepina et al. (2014) stated that "conformity assessment is closely related to quality management" and discussions about quality management remain relevant in several areas as pointed out by Cho et al.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the first practical applications of FCAUP (Framework for Conformity Assessment inspired by the Uncertainty Principle) carried out using a pilot implementation in a boat trailer manufacturer company in Maryville, Tennessee, USA and a practical application in a metrology company in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil.Design/methodology/approachField studies have been conducted in two different companies: a pilot implementation during the preparation activities of the acceptance inspection of finished products and a practical application during the internal audit related to the quality management system.Findings(1) partial double inspection is advantageous in conformity assessment; (2) a structured procedure tends to reduce the risks arising from the use of partial double inspection; (3) the recommended amount of double inspections is directly proportional to the uncertainty involved in the process and it is inversely proportional to the degree of trust in a presumed conformity status.Research limitations/implicationsThis novel framework is for practitioners in manufacturing industries and test laboratories.Practical implicationsThe results of these practical applications suggest that FCAUP is a consistent approach to be used in several categories of conformity assessment in manufacturing industries and test laboratories due to the balance between result and time (cost).Originality/valueThis new framework, named FCAUP, for planning and executing conformity assessment activities has been introduced in a theoretical study published by Moraes and Silva (2018) and it is based on an analogy with the Uncertainty Principle of Quantum Mechanics.