Let's say you develop a custom product (based on your own design) with a manufacturing partner in China. After 2 years, they push for a price increase because their costs are going up. And let's say you cannot raise your purchasing … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2018
Are Preventive Maintenance and Process Control the Same Thing?
I wrote an article a few months ago about manufacturing processes and their control. I illustrated this with the process of making a cup of coffee. A lot of things go into it: How to make a good cup of coffee? By using: The … [Read more...]
Sourcing from China 101, Part 11: Build A Good rapport with Suppliers
Up until now, I have written lessons about “hard” issues: screening suppliers, writing specifications, negotiating the right terms, and inspecting quality. But I feel I should take a moment and focus on “soft” issues, and in particular, … [Read more...]
Checking for Forward and Backward Traceability in a Factory
When investigating quality problems, we are often faced with the same issue: lack of traceability. Let's say some metal pieces don't fit well and this is found at the assembly stage. It typically unfolds as follows: We look at the … [Read more...]
How To Cooperate With Your Chinese Supplier, Part 1: Be Prepared for Many Chinese Factory Closures This Coming CNY
It is coming again. Chinese New Year (CNY for short). All Chinese manufacturers will close sometime in early February and re-open slowly toward the end of the month. The more they rely on migrant labor, the longer the break (on … [Read more...]
Sourcing from China 101, Part 10: Always Verify Quality Before Shipment
Once the products hit your dock and once you have paid 100% of the order, there is little you can do in case products are not up to your specifications. Chances are, you have already paid the supplier in full. And the supplier will … [Read more...]
Supply Chain Management: Quality Inspections’ Role
Do you sometimes feel that your company, your suppliers, and their own suppliers, are on different planets? Does information spread with difficulty through your supply chain? Nothing unique here. It is quite typical if you work with … [Read more...]
Sourcing from China 101, Part 9: Check Quality Early In Production
I’ll assume you have found and audited a good manufacturer. They have communicated well up until now, and you feel confident about them. But should you feel confident? Several things can go wrong: They might be too busy and farm … [Read more...]