We continue our exploration of the vetting process when sourcing new Chinese suppliers in this episode. You can read more about this topic in the series of blog posts on QualityInspection.org which we refer to throughout - read all of those posts here.
Now that you have done a preliminary investigation into your potential new Chinese supplier and perhaps even visited their factory to do a subjective evaluation, the next step in the vetting process is to perform a factory quality audit.
Understanding your manufacturer's grasp of quality and in-house quality systems means that you're able to assess whether they're going to be able to fulfil your quality needs down the line. Even if they're a legitimate company, this doesn't mean that they're able to produce your goods at the quality you need.
This is where an experienced auditor's keen eye and checklist can help you. A personal factory visit is useful, but do you have the expertise to look into the quality system (or lack of one) and root causes of quality issues?
So, this episode will give you a detailed introduction into how and why factory quality audits are a logical 'next-step' in your supplier vetting process as now you start to get a real understanding of your supplier's quality capabilities and reliability.
Show NotesStart to 2:00 - Introduction + China/UK weather update (!). A reminder of the vetting new Chinese suppliers mini-series of episodes (here's episode 1 to get you started).
2:00 to 9:00 - WHAT is a factory quality audit? Factory audits defined, different types, the difference between such an audit and a factory-visit where you form subjective evaluations.
9:00 to 12:15 - Talking about audit structure and standards, such as ISO 9001:2015.
12:15 to 15:33 - Explaining what a 'Quality System' is and why it's important to audit it. The effect that ancient Chinese wisdom from Sun Tzu, for example, still has on today's Chinese businesses and their approaches to quality.
15:33 to 19:15 - How the auditor will approach auditing your potential supplier. Importance of the checklist they need to follow and controlling the audit. What they do to cut through 'BS' manufacturers are likely to show or tell them.
19:15 to 35:47 - Renaud's TOP 8 CHECKPOINTS to focus on in a factory quality audit.
35:47 to 38:55 - Will potential suppliers be resistant to a factory audit which could be uncomfortable for them? How some suppliers can try to discourage visits by professional auditors.
38:55 to END - What can factory audits miss or what are their blind spots? Wrapping up the pod.
Extra information you may find helpfulDo you have Recurring Quality Issues from your Supplier? [6 tips]
ISTA Package Testing: Do It BEFORE You Ship Your Product (Feat. Andrew Amirnovin)
BONUS: Why You Need HS & HTS Codes When Importing Products
Should You Patent Your New Hardware Product?
11 Points to Check when Sourcing a Contract Manufacturer in China
The 7 Key Material/Component/Product Tests YOU are most likely to Benefit from (Feat. Paul Adams)
BONUS: UL Compliance. Does YOUR product need a UL certification?
How Apple Built a Succesful Chinese Supply Chain, and are they TOO Reliant on China?
Live from Las Vegas! CES 2023 thoughts.
The State of Logistics from China in 2023 (Feat. Kate Oliynykova)
NY Special: Sofeast Review of 2022’s Top Stories for Importers
Protecting IP and your Business when Manufacturing in China, Vietnam, India, etc.
BONUS: China Opening Up after Covid Zero, What Is Going To Happen? (Feat. Clive Greenwood & Ben King)
Tips for Reducing QC Inspection Costs
”Enterprise China” book - China’s Strategy for Economic Success | Interview with authors Dr. Allen J. Morrison & Dr. J. Stewart Black
Cost Of Poor Quality and Reliability: “Pay Me Now, or Pay Me Later.” (Feat. Andrew Amirnovin)
CNY 2023 is coming! Let’s get ready!
Factory Audits = Better Suppliers = Better Quality Products. Real Data Analysis! (Feat. Prof. Neale O’Connor FCPA)
Why YOU need to assess the Environmental Impact of Made-in-China Productions NOW
BONUS: Should we do PCB or enclosure design first? (Feat. Andrew Amirnovin)
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