QualityInspection.org

Quality Assurance, Product Development, and Purchasing Strategies in China

How to Improve Product Quality from your Supplier? (6 tips) [Podcast]

In this episode… Renaud explores how to improve the product quality you're getting from suppliers who you sourced and are now actively working with.  This is a continuation of our series of podcast episodes on how to do your own sourcing from China, covering every topic from initially finding them through to going into mass production.  Almost no production will be completely free of defects, but if you follow the advice here you should be able to reduce quality problems to a … [Read more...]

What Are Quality Standards? [Podcast]

In this episode… Renaud explores what quality standards are here. There is a combination of physical samples and written resources that outline and clarify your product quality expectations to your manufacturer and quality inspectors. There are different levels, from most basic to advanced...you'll see how, together, they keep everyone aligned and reduce quality risks from early in your cooperation with a supplier.    Just hit the play button to start listening..! Listen to the … [Read more...]

Quality Control Plan: Defining Expectations Before Production

Depending on the context, "quality control plan" means different things. Let's look at the three types of quality control plans: The product quality control plan to include in a contract with a Chinese supplier The QC plan for a new product being brought to market The process control plan that decomposes production in each process step (often called control plan) They come up at different stages in the life cycle of a product: First let's look at the plan that becomes … [Read more...]

Nonconforming Products or Materials: What Are the Options?

I wrote extensively about quality inspections, the way the AQL limits lead to a pass/fail result, how to set up corrective actions in order to prevent the same issues from coming back, how to set up a QC plan to prevent issues and detect them as early as possible, and so on and so forth. One thing I haven't covered is the breadth of options available when nonconforming products or materials (in other words, products that are not up to your standard) are found. … [Read more...]

What is a Receiving Quality Inspection, and How to Set Yours Up? [Podcast]

In this episode… How do you assure that the parts and materials (inputs) your manufacturer receives from their sub-suppliers are good quality and won't lead to defective finished products? You perform a receiving quality inspection on the incoming inputs! Renaud explains what a receiving inspection is, why it's beneficial, and, most importantly, how you can set yours up right here! First...a quick update on how Covid lockdowns in China could affect your supply chain...   Just … [Read more...]

Manufacturing Pilot Runs Are Great With Quantified Objectives

I have pushed many companies to ensure manufacturing pilot runs take place before they go into mass production. It makes a lot of sense for electrical & mechanical products that are either totally new or new for that factory that is about to work on them. However, I frequently get questions about what to expect, and what to test & inspect... … [Read more...]

How to Check Material Quality To Ensure Product Safety

We recently published a guest article written by Brad Pritts, one of the most experienced quality professionals I know, on the Sofeast Blog -- that article is Can I trust Chinese steel products? It is a great case study. Unfortunately, I can't write anything similar about our clients' projects because of strict NDAs, and there aren't many good studies publicly available on the internet. So I'll share some of his points from that post here and add some of my own comments... … [Read more...]

Final Inspections: Crucial For Checking Product Quality Before Shipment [Podcast]

In this episode… Renaud dives deep into the reasons why importers from China should be performing final inspections before their products are shipped. Final inspections done at random represent a unique chance to check the quantity, quality of finished products, and packaging and labelling before shipment. Unlike inspections during production, they're performed quite near the shipment date after production is finished. So, let's see what their benefits are right here...   Just hit … [Read more...]