Manufacturing and Quality Control blog

You might realize that inspection of your goods prior to shipping is one of the only ways you can rest easy, knowing the quality of your products meets specifications. But what if you could get better quality without product inspection? You might be surprised to learn there are other steps you can take to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.

Topics: Product Inspection

Importing from abroad can be stressful. But choosing a product inspector doesn't have to be. Here are five of the most important questions you should consider asking when selecting a product inspector.

Topics: Product Inspection

When the important variables are controlled within the processes, your chance of getting closer to the “perfect” product will be much higher. We’ve discussed lean manufacturing and the 5S method. Let’s look at a real-life, practical application of a Six Sigma methodology. You’ll learn how one company was able to improve a process and exceed their target goals significantly.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

All of your suppliers are probably aware of lean manufacturing but most in developing countries implement few, if any, lean initiatives within their operations. This is one reason why third-party inspection is so important if you are manufacturing. We've discussed the 5S method of improving efficiency. Now let’s talk about lean manufacturing as a broader term.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

As a buyer that has hired or considered hiring third-party QC for inspections or a factory audit, have you ever wondered how your instructions and requirements reach the person that carries out the service? In this article, we break down the structure of a typical QC company into the four key positions directly involved in making sure your products are inspected efficiently.

Topics: QC Processes and Terminology

Trust serves as the foundation to a healthy business relationship, no matter what field in which you find yourself working. The problem arises when you need to build a trustworthy relationship with representatives of a supplier on the other side of the world who do not speak your language. Trust is necessary between a buyer and their supplier in order to survive in global business. But in China, you should be extra careful when choosing business partners. Part of being careful means carrying out product inspections, and the best way to be careful is by being having China QC.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

What is a supplier review and what sets it apart from other types of factory audits? You know that factory audits are a recurring topic throughout our articles because we’re a QC company and that’s our bread and butter. However, we have never gone back to the basics and covered what a supplier is, and why it is so important. That’s why in this article, we will give you an introduction to one of most common types of factory audits in China.

Topics: Quality Q&A

If you ever come to China, you might be surprised to find that China has one of the most advanced and efficient transportation networks in the world. A major overhaul of the country’s infrastructure in recent decades has made traveling domestically easier and cheaper than ever. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways your China QC team is getting from point A to B.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

Why would anyone want to buy through a trading company when they can cut out the middleman? Can’t I save money by going factory direct?

Topics: Sourcing

Finding a Chinese supplier to manufacture a product is easy nowadays. Current technology allows you to find hundreds of factories, in a moment’s notice, that are very eager to earn your business. The hard part is getting the actual products you order. Here are three issues you will want to avoid when sourcing in China.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice