3 Ways Product Inspection Helps Importers Meet Shipping Deadlines

by Megan Young on 23 Nov 2015 | 0 Comments
Many importers worry about meeting commitments they’ve made to their customers. What’s the solution? Product inspection helps importers meet deadlines.

Topics: Product Inspection

3 Must-Do Procedures for Handling Golden Samples for Manufacturing

by John Niggl on 20 Nov 2015 | 0 Comments
Here you’ll learn three best practices for sending the samples you’ve approved for production back to the supplier to prevent issues.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

Essential Dishwasher Testing for Kitchenware

by John Niggl on 17 Nov 2015 | 2 Comments
Whether you are using ceramic, stainless steel, silicone or Pyrex polymer kitchenware, any item that claims to be dishwasher safe should go through the same method of testing during a product inspection before the goods leave the factory. Here you'll learn everything you need to know about dishwasher testing for kitchenware.

Topics: Special Inspection Tests

How Can Six Sigma Lower Costs and Improve Quality?

by Chao Wang on 16 Nov 2015 | 3 Comments
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

When Should You Combine SKUs for Product Inspection?

by George Huang on 12 Nov 2015 | 0 Comments
You don’t want inspection to cost you an arm and a leg. Should you merge SKUs for product inspection or keep them separate? A commonly used method to simplify QC and lower its cost to you, the buyer, is to combine SKUs for product inspection. If you combine SKUs you will typically see lower inspection costs and faster reporting. But that doesn’t mean combining SKUs is always the best move for assuring the quality and standards of your product.

Topics: Product Inspection

Top 5 Common Mistakes Made During Product Inspection

by Stacy Bruce on 10 Nov 2015 | 12 Comments
Inspectors are people, and people make mistakes. That’s why it’s important that procedures exist to insulate you from any problems resulting from an inspector’s mistakes. By being aware of these mistakes commonly made by inspectors, you can be vigilant to find and report any mistakes you see. Now let’s explore the mistakes that can be made during product inspection and the protocols and standards that professional inspectors follow in order to give clients the best possible service and most accurate and transparent reports.

Topics: Product Inspection

Top 5 Common Fake Products in China

by Crystal Ge on 9 Nov 2015 | 4 Comments
It’s no secret that China has become the world’s workshop. An article in The Economist reported that as of early 2015, China was producing about 80 percent of the world’s air-conditioners, 70 percent of its mobile phones and 60 percent of its shoes. At the same time, China also produces a massive amount of fake products. Here's a look at the 5 most common fake products you'll find.

Topics: Travel Tips & Advice, lab testing in china

Lean Manufacturing Initiatives: Basics, Benefits and Obstacles

by Chao Wang on 5 Nov 2015 | 1 Comment
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

How to Use Retailer Standards for Social Compliance

by Vicky Yu on 28 Oct 2015 | 0 Comments
Most major retailers have their own set of standards for social compliance. But generally, you’ll see some overlap in areas of focus like local law, labor practices, working environment and others. Let’s take a look at a couple international retailers' social compliance standards and some differences in their standards for supplier selection and auditing processes.

Topics: Social Compliance

How Often Should You Visit Your Suppliers?

by George Huang on 26 Oct 2015 | 0 Comments
How often should you visit your suppliers? The short answer: Not very often. Why? Doesn’t visiting your supplier offer you valuable insight and an opportunity to voice any concerns to the supplier face-to-face? Visiting can be valuable just to “give face” to a Chinese supplier and factory, an important cultural and societal sign of respect. However, do not expect to gain anything of manufacturing value by visiting for than once or twice a year.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

4 Critical Quality Controls For Cosmetics Packaging