Following October 2022's 20th Communist Party Congress in which Xi Jinping made various statements about the state of China and its future plans, some of which spooked Western observers, let's investigate what China's current politics might … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2022
9 Ways For Importers To Cut Costs
If you ask any importer if they'd like to reduce their operating costs they're almost certainly going to say yes! But what are the options? Renaud has 9 cost-cutting options for you here regardless of where you're manufacturing. Some, … [Read more...]
What Is the APQP? (Advanced Product Quality Planning Process)
The APQP, or Advanced Product Quality Planning, is a proven approach for developing a new product to be made in high volume and under strict quality, timing, and cost requirements. It was developed by the North American automotive … [Read more...]
The Concept of Quality: Little q VS Big Q.
Take a deep dive into the concept of quality. A lot of importers focus narrowly on if the products they're getting from their manufacturers/suppliers are within tolerance (little q). But without a wider view that looks at the entire … [Read more...]
Quality Checklists: 3 Examples for Inspections
Over the years, we have provided feedback to many clients on their product specification sheets and their quality checklists for inspections. Rather than a step-by-step guideline, the most useful is usually to provide them … [Read more...]
How & When To Transition from a Product Development Team To a Manufacturer
A good manufacturer is good at... running mass productions without unpleasant surprises. That includes the careful validation of the manufacturing & testing processes for new products, good process control, good management of suppliers, … [Read more...]
The Blind Spot That Turns Investors Off Your New Hardware Product Idea
Founders with a new hardware product idea often keep it under wraps as much as possible, pushing to get to market as early as possible driven by the fear of being copied. That's a valid concern, but it can lead to a serious blind spot that … [Read more...]
Understanding The Role Of Manufacturing Process Control In Your Factory
Turning raw materials and components into a finished product can be a complex process. It usually requires more steps than a layperson would think of. And, if the manufacturer does not set up appropriate controls along these process steps, … [Read more...]
Social Compliance Audits: Fear, Lies, and Corruption
Over the weekend, I came upon a webinar that gives a relatively nice overview of the issues surrounding social compliance audits, particularly in Asia. It was shot by a new company called Mosaic. If I had to summarize it, I'd use these … [Read more...]