QualityInspection.org

Quality Assurance, Product Development, and Purchasing Strategies in China

Search Results for: developing a new product series

Vetting Suppliers In China [Podcast Series]

Vetting suppliers is important. After all, these suppliers are responsible for your company's reputation. Hopefully, everyone by now will understand the dangers of checking Alibaba or Global Sources and 'choosing' a supplier who 'looks' good, or perhaps trusting that Alibaba Gold suppliers are somehow more legitimate and trustworthy (spoiler alert: they might not be). So what does a good vetting process look like? … [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 in the 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 (companies who don't require such a detailed plan may choose one that more closely … [Read more...]

Documenting Your New Product Development Process (for Quality & Speed)

A large part of the new product development process is the series of approvals to get through. It helps prevent quality issues in mass production and it helps reduce miscommunication... both of which are the biggest causes of a slower time to market. If your company develops and manufactures new products regularly, do you have a documented process? These 3 examples from the apparel, auto, and electronics industries can help you understand how the approvals work. … [Read more...]

An Importer’s Guide to New Product Manufacturing in China

Introduction to new product manufacturing in China Table of contents Deadly mistake 1 Deadly mistake 2 Deadly mistake 3 Are YOU 'China-ready'? Element of solution 1 Element of solution 2 Element of solution 3 Element of solution 4 An Importer's Guide to New Product Manufacturing in China Introduction to new product manufacturing in China Are you designing, or developing a new product that will be manufactured in China? Unless you have done this … [Read more...]

Sourcing From China 101: The 15-Part Guide for New Buyers

I have recently published the 15-part 'Sourcing From China 101' 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” Negotiating With Chinese Suppliers: The Terms you Need to Discuss How To Keep … [Read more...]

Sourcing from China 101, Part 13: Developing a Chinese Supplier

Many importers work in one or two product categories. They buy 80% of their volume from 1-4 manufacturers. And many of them make the same mistake: they don’t try developing a Chinese supplier who they are CURRENTLY working with. Instead, they spend time sourcing NEW factories and training them to their requirements, and, consequently, they are taking risks on the first order from a new supplier each time. Is there an alternative? Sure. A supplier development program follows 5 steps. And … [Read more...]

Manufacturing an Electronic Product in China: Ideas for Cost Saving

This is the last article in our series about what it takes to develop a complex electronic product in China. We'll look at ways to save on the costs of electronic components, and how to make assembly easier. Ideally, your Chinese contract manufacturer would help you on this topic. Especially with making assembly easier, since it translates into fewer quality issues and delays. In reality, it is up to the buyer & designer to come up with these types of improvements. 1. Cost Saving … [Read more...]

Design Optimization For Production of Electronics in China

This is the next article in our series that aims at giving readers an idea of what it takes to develop a complex electronic product in China. So you have prototypes. Before you start to work toward mass production, you probably want to refine the design. It usually takes one of the following two forms: Optimizing the material selection Miniaturizing some elements (This is not exhaustive. Many other aspects can be optimized -- for example power consumption, the performance of the … [Read more...]

PCBA Schematics Design for Your Production in China

The board schematics and the choice of chipset are an important step when developing and manufacturing an electronic product. Let's look into this, in this third article in our series (part 1 is here, part 2 is here) In a complex product system, like we are discussing with the drone intruder interceptor, there will be multiple printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA), each having a specific function within the system. Some of these PCBAs will be size sensitive, which may require dedicated … [Read more...]

What It Takes to Develop a New Electronic Product in China – Part 1

More and more companies work with a Chinese manufacturing partner to develop a complex new product that includes electronic and mechanical components. We decided to start a new series of articles. It will be based on a fictitious new product. The product concept There are more and more drones, sometimes used for malevolent purposes (checking if an isolated villa can be broken into, etc.). This situation creates a need for a solution to "arrest" a drone without causing safety concerns (no … [Read more...]