Plastic injection molding is one of the most common production processes here in China. And most Chinese manufacturers are not very good at setting up and maintaining their presses and their molds... If the right polymer is used, and if the factory adopts the right process control measures, there is a low probability for things to go wrong. I have met many manufacturers that don't understand that... There are a multitude reasons for parts to be rejected. Some of the more common defects are … [Read more...]
OEM, ODM, Contract Manufacturers: Choose your China Supplier Wisely
By Fabien Gaussorgues Do you prefer to work with an OEM or an ODM? What are their pros and cons? And what is a CM? This is particularly important if, as the importer, you want to develop a product that is different from what is already on the market. The advice in this article is especially suitable for mechanical and/or electrical products. First of all, what do those acronyms mean? Here are simple definitions: Original Design Manufacturer: the supplier provides the design and … [Read more...]
Fabric Suppliers & Dyeing Houses in China: a Source of Headaches!
Many fabric mills have closed, as part of Beijing's anti-pollution inspections: Some of them were operating a dying and/or printing process without a license Some had a license but but were found noncompliant with the current regulations The manufacturing of the base raw materials (the oil-based fabrics, the dyes, etc.) has also been affected by the new environmental policy. What does it mean? Less supply for the same demand of fabric for making apparel, home textile, and other … [Read more...]
How To Start Working with an Inspection Company Without Ticking Suppliers Off
Many buyers are fed up with quality issues that went unnoticed and ended up being shipped out, and they know something needs to change. One obvious way to contain issues is to check quality before shipment. At same time, they are afraid of shocking the manufacturer with a mark of distrust. They are afraid everything goes downhill from there. Are you in this situation? Then this article is for you. I collected the tips I usually offer to the new clients of our quality assurance … [Read more...]
Factory Audits and Product Inspections: Similarities and Differences
I wrote 2 articles about the similarities and differences between product inspections and factory audits on the SynControl blog. I thought it would be interesting to mention this here, too. Here are the main points I mentioned. Main similarities: factory audit vs. product inspection They are done on-site, at the production facility. There are exceptions to this (e-audits, review of a few samples...), but they are exceptions. There are bribery risks. Following a code of conduct is a … [Read more...]
Quality Auditor vs. Consultant Working on Improvements
Many people think auditors go on site, look at the situation, and suggest improvements. However, it is not that simple. Auditors acting as consultants can cause several types of issues. And yet, the line between these 2 roles is often very thin... I have spent time working in each of these roles, and I wrote my observations below. Let's look at each separately. What is the purpose of an audit? To establish to what extent an organization complies with a set of requirements (often based … [Read more...]
How To See if a Chinese Manufacturer Is Capable of Improving in the Future?
Last week I wrote about the best way to have a Chinese supplier take responsibility. However, the most important question, I feel, is how to work with manufacturers that will keep improving over time. And it all starts from supplier selection. If, at the sourcing stage, you don't try to work with people and companies that will tend to improve, you are sabotaging all your other efforts. Here are 5 areas I'd look at. 1. Is there professional management? Or is it operated by the owner and … [Read more...]
5 Ways To Have a Chinese Manufacturer Take Responsibility for Quality Issues
Many importers lament that Chinese suppliers don't take any responsibility when quality issues are found after shipment. Ten years ago, I would have confirmed that it happens less than 0.1% of the time. These days, it seems to become more common. I talked about this with a client last week, and here is what came out of our discussion. I listed 5 ways to increase your chances, as a buyer. 1. Work with a manufacturer Again, ten years ago, I would have suggested to work with a trading company … [Read more...]
Global Supply Chains: Transparency Drives Compliance Risks Down
The French Chamber of Commerce organizes the Made In Asia conference every year. I missed last year's edition, but I attended this year. The theme was transparency in sourcing. Here are my notes. What drives transparency in the supply chains? A speaker from Puma pointed to these 4 major forces: Consumer safety regulations such as REACH. Bad press, or the risk of bad press -- show the reality to avoid wrong accusations or over-generalizations Social media -- a different beast from … [Read more...]
China Sourcing 101: the 15-Part Guide for New Buyers
I have recently published the 15-part series for new buyers who are starting to work with Chinese suppliers (and for more experienced people who want to double-check whether they are working in a smart way). The 15 articles are listed below: Do You Need a Sourcing Agent? How to Identify Potential Suppliers? How to Verify a Manufacturer Second Choices vs. “Never Again” Negotiation: The Terms you Need to Discuss Keep Some Leverage with Suppliers Pre-Production: Describing … [Read more...]
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