Manufacturing and Quality Control blog

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.

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.

If you've yet to be involved with a factory in China that has abruptly shut its doors for good, then consider yourself lucky. More and more factories in China are shutting their doors. Your factory could close at any time without refunding your order deposit or shipping your goods.

Garment manufacturing is one of the complex form of production. Many factors affect the final aspect of garments: the fabric, the sewing, the design, etc. During a garment inspection, various tests are performed to check that the goods are well produced and the customer will be able to wear them normally. The measurement test and the fitting tests for garment inspections are the two testing methods utilized the most for this purpose.

Do you rely on product inspect to verify quality? Are you rushing to inspect your product before the shipping deadline? How much notice do you provide your inspection company before inspection is booked?