![Why Conduct On-Site Social Compliance Audits? [Podcast]](https://qualityinspection.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/WhyConductOn-SiteSocialComplianceAuditsPodcast.jpg)
In part 6 of our mini-series of podcast episodes about vetting Chinese suppliers, I'm discussing social compliance audits. After regular factory audits are done on a prospective supplier, it may make sense to assess their social … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2020
Supply Chain Risk Management, Part 5: Moving Manufacturing to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, or India (Pros & Cons)
One of the main conclusions of many companies is as follows: 'diversifying our supply chain outside of China is a must in order to reduce risk'. There are two main reasons for this. First, the USA has been leading the charge against … [Read more...]
The End Of Just In Time Manufacturing? [Podcast]
![The End Of Just In Time Manufacturing? [Podcast]](https://qualityinspection.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TheEndOfJustInTimeManufacturingPodcast.jpg)
A number of blog posts, such as this one, have been popping up lately casting doubts on whether just in time manufacturing can survive post-coronavirus. They share some pretty strong words: Recent trade tensions between the US and … [Read more...]
Chinese Manufacturer Selection: Beware of Excessive Automation
Chinese manufacturers are often proud of their expensive and high-tech equipment, which is not always good news for buyers. But first, let's see why it can be a good thing. … [Read more...]
The Importance Of On-Site Factory Quality Audits [Podcast]
![The Importance Of On-Site Factory Quality Audits [Podcast]](https://qualityinspection.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TheImportanceOfOn-SiteFactoryQualityAuditsPodcast.jpg)
In this episode of the podcast, I discuss factory quality audits as a part of the new Chinese supplier vetting process. Loosely based on this article, you'll understand where these audits fit into the vetting process and the more formal … [Read more...]
Free Samples from Potential Chinese Suppliers: A Positive Sign?
If you find 30 potential suppliers that all seem capable of making the product you want, how to pick the best one? With B2B platforms like Alibaba and Global Sources, many buyers ask themselves that question. And an easy answer is "I … [Read more...]
Some Chinese Factories Are Going Bankrupt: How To Know Which Ones
Some Chinese factories have suffered serious blows recently. Large American companies are moving manufacturing outside of China, often abruptly. Many manufacturers were hit in 2020 by very soft demand and cancelled orders. Their … [Read more...]
Chinese Suppliers Harder To Work With than Last Year, 2020 Survey Respondents Say
2020 has been a tough year for so many reasons: The COVID-19 pandemic, the continuing US/China trade war, the drive to exit China for some manufacturers, a global recession beginning, and more. But what effect has this had on the … [Read more...]