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 mean for manufacturers with a supply chain there and if trying to build a 'Zero-China' supply chain is warranted for anyone who's worried about the stability of the region. You'll also learn about how to minimize supply chain disruption by following a China … [Read more...]
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, like using competition among suppliers to drive them to offer better pricing, are relatively low-hanging fruits, whereas others like moving production to a lower-cost country are much larger projects. Listen to the content here: 🎧 9 Ways … [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 industry (virtually all tier-1 suppliers of car parts have to implement this approach.) It has also been adopted in other settings with similarly comprehensive requirements, with great success. (Note: for low- or medium-volume productions, a simpler quality plan is … [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 manufacturing process from design to production (Big Q), can the mistakes that lead to each batch containing defective pieces be found and fixed, or do we end up in a cycle of inspecting finished batches, removing 'bad' pieces, and then reworking them or scrapping … [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 with a few real examples for different types of products. 3 examples of quality inspection checklists In 2020, when personal protective equipment was severely lacking in many countries, we released some of our templates on our commercial … [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, and so on. But it doesn't necessarily designing the product itself. I actually recommend that companies avoid relying on a manufacturer excessively. In our guide to new product manufacturing in China, it is "deadly mistake No. 3". At the same … [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 can kill their new business venture and prevent them from attracting much-needed investment (and working with the best possible manufacturers). So, what do founders do wrong, and what are investors really looking for? Let's explore that so you don't make … [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, there is no assurance that the finished products will be acceptable. Let’s explore the concept of manufacturing process control here... … [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 three words: Fear of brands and retailers -- they try to collect evidence of serious due diligence, to "cover their ass" in case their products are found in a factory that burned, that hired kids, or that otherwise did something shocking. The objective is … [Read more...]
Which Communication Mediums For Dealing With Chinese Suppliers?
What are the different mediums importers might use to communicate with their Chinese suppliers? Select the wrong one and you'll find it more difficult to control your project, manage your suppliers, and get the outcomes that you expect...so even if, WeChat instant messages seem like an easy way to communicate, for example, after reading this you may think again before you fire off your next message there. It may seem harmless to communicate in whatever way seems easiest, but it can lead to … [Read more...]