4 Core Functions of a Product Inspection Company

by John Niggl on 13 Apr 2015 | 0 Comments
Should I hire a 3rd-party to inspect my products? This is a common question among buyers. And it helps to understand the basic functions of a product inspection company in order to answer this question. In this article, I’ll give you a rundown of the main functions – and a couple limitations – of a 3rd-party inspection company.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

6 Steps to Maintain Quality Chinese Manufacturers

by John Niggl on 9 Apr 2015 | 0 Comments
What are the best ways for a Western company to monitor quality at a contract Chinese manufacturer? What groundwork should you lay before working with a Chinese supplier? You'll learn the answers to these questions and more in this bulletin article.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

Importancia del manual de instrucción para la inspección

by AQF Quality team on 9 Apr 2015 | 0 Comments

es-importancia-del-manual-de-instruccion-para-la-inspeccionEl 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 importance of instruction manuals for inspections

by AQF Quality team on 9 Apr 2015 | 0 Comments

importance-of-instruction-manuals-for-inspectionsThe 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?

How to Handle a Supplier’s Complaint Against Your QC Company

by Steve Mogentale on 8 Apr 2015 | 0 Comments
Most importers have heard a supplier complain about an inspector asking for special treatment or maybe even a bribe. And while this is unfortunate – and maybe even true – importers need to be cautious when evaluating such claims.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

China Sourcing Challenges and Processes

by John Niggl on 3 Apr 2015 | 0 Comments

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:

Topics: Sourcing

3 Reasons to Separate Defects During Product Inspection

by John Niggl on 1 Apr 2015 | 0 Comments

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.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

Don’t Get Shut Down by Social Compliance

by Megan Young on 30 Mar 2015 | 0 Comments
Why should you make social compliance a priority for your suppliers? How effective is auditing at making sure your suppliers are compliant? Just because more factories have been audited does not mean that the conditions at Chinese factories have actually improved though. Now you, as a buyer, need to decide if you will force your suppliers to actually improve.

Topics: Social Compliance

6 Essential Tools for Product Inspection

by Vicky Yu on 24 Mar 2015 | 1 Comment
What tools does your QC company use during product inspection? How can you be sure that your inspection company is using the right tools? So what is one way you can assess whether or not your inspection company is delivering accurate reports? Take a look at the tools they're using to conduct inspection.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice, product inspection tools

3 Key Ingredients of a Quality Control Code of Ethics  

by Megan Young on 20 Mar 2015 | 0 Comments

As a buyer of imported goods, have you considered the possibility of corruption making its way into your supply chain? Corruption can take many forms, but it’s often during product inspections where buyers show real concern.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

4 Critical Quality Controls For Cosmetics Packaging