Manufacturing and Quality Control blog

The overall appearance of a product is an important criteria in the purchasing decision. For hardline, electronics or electrical products, one of the most common defects identified during inspection are scratches. Some are obvious and others more discreet; therefore, during an inspection, the QC will classify each one of them, making the difference between major and minor scratch marks. When can scratch marks appear? How do we go about classifying this defect?

El manual de instrucción es de los componentes más importantes que se le da al consumidor final. Su función principal es asegurar el uso correcto del producto y una maqueta clara debe de ser transmitida tanto al proveedor junto con la orden de compra como a la compañía de inspección. Sin embargo el manual de instrucción es fundamental pero insuficiente durante las inspecciones. ¿Por qué? ¿Qué más se necesita?

The instruction manual is one of the most important details provided to the customer. Its sole purpose is to ensure the proper use of the product sold. A clear artwork should be provided to the supplier at the time of the purchase order. Additionnaly, that same artwork should be sent to the third party inspection company. The instruction manuals for inspections are compulsory but are not enough. Why? What else is needed?

I wanted to learn about the processes involved with sourcing in China and the kinds of challenges buyers might face trying to find a quality supplier. To that end, I sat down with Sourcing Specialist Terry Zheng of InTouch for a manufacturing podcast interview where he gave me an insider's view of what it's like to search for a quality supplier in China. The following is a transcript of that interview:

Can you remember a time when you were really disorganized? Now imagine the effect poor organization can have on the factory that’s manufacturing your product. Finally, consider the negative consequences that disorder can have on your QC partner when they’re carrying out a product inspection.