Quality Inspection
How to Implement a Quality Control Program in Manufacturing
In 2022, Vehicle manufacturers alone issued over 400 recalls. Those recalls affected more than 25 million different vehicles across the United States. Manufacturing in general consists of different processes used to create a variety of products. A quality control program for manufacturing companies is meant to ensure that there are no defective goods that get sent out to the public.
Essentially, it’s a way to not only protect your business but your business’s reputation, your revenue, and your consumers. Quality control improves customer satisfaction. It’s also meant to guarantee that high quality is achieved for not only one of your product lines but all of them.
Businesses that don’t have a quality control program are at significant risk of facing detrimental downtimes. Irreparable reputations, lawsuits, and losses in earnings are also concerns. To better safeguard your manufacturing quality and workflows continue reading as we lay out each step to help you implement your own quality control program.
Learning What a Quality Control Program Is and Why It’s Needed
Quality control is the process of continuous improvement. It’s the use of best practices and guidelines for compliance as well. The point is to have a set of standards that help your company deliver high-quality products without any defects.
Not everything will always go as planned and mistakes will happen which is the reason for QC. It will allow you to catch any defects or harmful components within your products before exposing the public to them.
In a way, it’s similar to having a second chance to check your work and because things do happen, some averages allow for potential mistakes. The industry average for minor defects of products for example is 4%. For more major or critical defects though, you can expect the industry average to remain around 2.5% which doesn’t give much space for significant shortfalls.
This is where manufacturing quality control takes place. It keeps what you produce from falling within this range altogether.
While there is room for mistakes, the general idea is to have none. More specifically, there should not be more than 1% of defective products in one completed batch.
Try Thinking About It in Another Way
Think about it this way, if you have 2,000 products that are completed, only 20 of those products are allowed to be defective. Keep in mind that you don’t want to get close to that number of defective products.
Knowing how many products are coming out defective from one production line can help you to better determine your defective rate. This is something that can assist in outlining any potential trends. Being able to pinpoint what issues are occurring, at what rate, how often, and what type of issue it is can keep your company from having repeat incidents of defective products.
These are the reasons that a quality control program is needed. Businesses without a QC program won’t get far without running into customer concerns. Diminished performance will also be a concern. They will also be at risk of falling below both their direct and indirect competition.
Understanding How the Process Works
The process of quality control involves testing units of your products. The point of this is to determine if the finished product falls within the specifications outlined for it.
This is a form of mediating your product lines. Mediation allows you to make necessary corrections throughout the process. Something like this is helpful to catch before an entire production run is complete.
A good way to grasp the concept is that for every step involved in your production process, there is one for your quality control workflow. For example, start by obtaining samples from a product line.
Then compare it with finished products. This will give you a good comparison to see how uniform your processes are.
Instead of having a parallel program that is one continuous step, breaking it into multiple checkpoints to match the phases within your process is more efficient. This will also save your company more money. It will also help to determine the root cause of certain problems more quickly.
You Have to Understand the Difference Between Quality Control and Assurance
It’s also important to know that quality assurance is not the same for every industry. Manufacturing QA processes will differ from food and drug manufacturing or pharmaceutical manufacturing. For OEM manufacturers, your QA process will focus on comparing parts and end designs. It will also focus on ensuring the parts that you’re using match the specifications for it.
You also want to realize that quality control and quality assurance are two completely different things. Quality assurance takes a look at every action and process that would be required to guarantee the end result that you prefer. Whereas quality control takes a look at quality requirements on a smaller level.
It focuses on the quality of the parts you are using and the components you are creating. Quality assurance will make quality control methods simpler and while they are different they do play hand in hand. QA in most cases will come first and you would implement a QC program afterward.
Assurance consists of a combination of different guidelines and activities to ensure quality. Control involves processes that ensure your product meets those assurance standards.
Putting the Needed Phases Together
There are a few primary steps that you have to follow when drafting a quality control program for manufacturing processes.
- Inventory your products and outline the manufacturing quality standards for those products
- Determine your method of quality control; acceptance sampling, process control, etc.
- Configure how many products you will test at a time; batch numbering
- Implement a training plan for employees before launching the program
- Create a system for defect reporting and communications
- Implement quality improvement steps for all reported defects
Outlining Your Standards
Creating the standards for your quality control program creates the structure of the program. To start, you should review your industry standards. This will help you to establish a baseline.
Also, consider conducting competitive market research and comparing your products with your competitors. This will lay out where you may fall short or where you may be pulling ahead. Doing this will give you an idea of what you hope to expect for your end product.
Outline the most important measures related to the production lines you run. This means that you should consider your capacity utilization and potential production downtimes. Also, take into account your real-time throughput and the overall effectiveness of your equipment.
Knowing your essential KPIs is important for reporting and forecasting. It will make product modifications, data visualization, and potential expansions simpler.
Which Method of Control Will You Use?
What you want to keep in mind is that you don’t have to choose one method of control although it would help to have a primary option. Control charts are significantly useful for manufacturing companies.
The main reason is that they help production managers to visualize changes over time. Using a quality management system will also help with this.
Using control charts is also a way to leverage the data that your business generates. This will help you to make better-informed decisions for your products.
Acceptance sampling is another measure of control that you should consider. Batching your products allows you to sample a certain number of them to get an idea of the impending quality of the rest. Process protocols are another popular option used by manufacturing companies. This mapping methodology helps you to improve the overall design of your implementation process.
It does this by giving you indicators to evaluate through every step of your program. A better way of looking at process protocols is as a master set of rules for your program. It helps to ensure effectiveness and safety by having one way to perform certain actions.
Number Your Batches
Numbering your batches compliments acceptance sampling. You are picking a certain number of products at random. They can be either raw products or completed products and you would use them as samples to represent your full production line.
Doing this allows you to form an educated estimation of larger grouped products. This method is also a good way to determine whether your product lines are meeting the acceptable quality level (AQL) that you will establish in your quality standards.
The reason why accepting sampling is popular among manufacturing companies is that it helps to limit the waste of resources. It also reduces the risk of negatively altering your cash flow and also saves the production team time.
Plan for All Employees Is What Will Make the Program Successful
Creating a training plan for your employees will help everyone to learn the new quality control procedures that are being put into place. Not only will this announce the new standards for employees to expect of your production lines but it will give you an employee’s idea of what to look for and what to flag.
Setting acceptable manufacturing ranges will make the implementation of the program simpler as well. It’s also going to make the implementation faster and will set things in place for developing a quality control program that compliments your quality assurance standards.
A Communication System Is Needed to Ensure Improvement During Defective Incidents
Implementing a communication system to report defects or system failures will close the loop. It also enhances the safety as well as the efficiency of your system. You should encourage communication between not only your production employees but your engineers and design staff.
This should also involve the safety assurance staff and line managers. The point is that everyone should be on the same page when defects are noticed. This is because it will take everyone that actively participates in the production process to implement the changes outlined in your quality control procedures.
To make all of this work you need communication and this should be done in at least two ways. One method of communication should be an initial line of verbal reporting.
This should involve relaying defects to all necessary teams. The secondary method should involve written or digital communications so that reports are easy to generate as needed.
Act When and Before an Issue Occurs
Product defects can result in a lower productivity rate. This also causes additional costs. These costs come from having to fix, repurpose, or discard damaged products.
Customer loyalty will likely see a loss or a decrease as well. To combat this you have to be a step ahead of your workflows. This will involve evaluating your processes at not only the product level but your equipment as well.
Consider the training of your employees and their post-training performance. It’s also useful to dedicate a maintenance schedule for your product lines. This helps to guarantee safety and to prioritize defect prevention.
The key to making your quality control program work for you is to act when or before an issue occurs. This means being proactive after one defect gets reported. A primary way to control defects is by catching what you can in the product design phase.
Following that, ensure your manufacturing process is flexible. It should also be adaptable to change if needed. After this, you want to launch extensive inspections when needed and establish preventative measures when defect reports come in.
The Sustainability of the Program Will Be Up to Your Team
A quality control program that works is one that everyone knows, gets trained on, and works together to sustain. Your QC efforts will depend on your products, company standards, and industry restraints.
The best place to start is by outlining what you can and can’t do and what you prefer to have as an end result. The best place to end is with higher quality products and a sustainable program that can be interchanged between extensions of your business and different product lines. To learn more about streamlined manufacturing services, get in touch with the Shield Works team.
Top Benefits of Quality Inspection Services for Product Assembly in China
In today’s globalized marketplace, China has emerged as a manufacturing powerhouse, producing a vast array of products for companies worldwide. As businesses rely heavily on Chinese manufacturers for product assembly, ensuring the quality of these products is crucial. This is where quality inspection services play a vital role. Quality inspections provide an independent assessment of the product’s conformity to specifications, helping companies maintain high-quality standards. In this article, we will explore the top benefits of quality inspection services for product assembly in China.
Ensuring Product Quality
One of the primary benefits of quality inspection services is ensuring product quality. Manufacturers in China often face challenges related to inconsistent quality standards, counterfeit products, or deviations from agreed-upon specifications. A quality inspection carried out by experienced professionals can help identify and rectify these issues, ensuring that products meet the desired quality standards. This significantly reduces the risk of receiving defective or substandard goods, ultimately safeguarding the reputation of businesses.
Minimizing Product Defects and Returns
Product defects and returns can be costly for businesses, leading to financial losses and customer dissatisfaction. By implementing quality inspection services, companies can minimize these risks. Inspections can identify potential defects, such as faulty components, improper assembly, or cosmetic flaws, before the products are shipped. By addressing these issues at the manufacturing stage, companies can significantly reduce the number of defective products reaching the market, thereby saving costs associated with returns and replacements.
Compliance with Regulatory Standards
Adhering to regulatory standards and certifications is crucial for businesses operating in various industries. Quality inspection services help ensure that products meet the necessary regulatory requirements and comply with industry standards. These inspections cover aspects such as safety, labeling, documentation, and environmental regulations. By partnering with inspection agencies familiar with the specific regulations in China, companies can ensure their products meet all the necessary compliance standards.
Supplier Performance Evaluation
China’s manufacturing landscape is vast and diverse, with numerous suppliers offering product assembly services. Quality inspection services provide an effective means of evaluating supplier performance. By conducting inspections, companies can assess the capabilities and reliability of their suppliers, ensuring they meet the desired quality standards consistently. This evaluation process helps businesses identify and address potential issues early on, fostering stronger relationships with reliable suppliers and mitigating risks associated with poor supplier performance.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
Product quality is directly linked to customer satisfaction. By implementing quality inspection services, companies can demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-quality products to their customers. Consistently delivering defect-free products enhances customer trust and loyalty, leading to positive brand perception and increased customer satisfaction. Quality inspections provide the necessary assurance that the products meet or exceed customer expectations, ultimately contributing to long-term customer relationships and repeat business.
Conclusion:
Quality inspection services play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and quality of products assembled in China. By leveraging these services, businesses can mitigate risks associated with product defects, comply with regulatory standards, evaluate supplier performance, and enhance customer satisfaction. In an increasingly competitive market, maintaining high-quality standards is vital for businesses to establish a strong reputation and gain a competitive edge. By partnering with reputable quality inspection agencies, companies can effectively monitor and improve the quality of their products, fostering trust among customers and stakeholders alike.
Work With a Western-owned Product Assembly Supplier in China
Many overseas companies may feel more comfortable working with a Western-owned product assembly supplier in China. This is because they think that a company with Western management background has higher standards and more positive reactions, so they don’t need to worry about the product quality.
If you’re looking for a company that has all your security needs covered, look no further than Shield Works.
We are a British-owned and managed company that specializes in the high-quality and competitive rate of contract manufacturing and product assembly services. We follow a rigorous process to ensure quality and consistency from order to delivery. Start your journey by reaching out today for more information and see how we will be able to make them worth every penny!
How to Ensure Quality Control in Your Chinese Manufacturing Process
Sourcing products from China has become a popular option for businesses looking to reduce their production costs. However, ensuring the quality of the products can be a challenge due to the variability in manufacturing processes and quality control measures among Chinese suppliers. Product defects can lead to negative consequences for businesses, including loss of customer trust and revenue. In this article, we will discuss some tips to avoid product defects and ensure quality control in your Chinese manufacturing process.
Finding the Right Supplier
The first step in ensuring quality control is finding a reliable supplier. Conducting thorough research is critical to finding a supplier that meets your quality standards. Online directories like Alibaba and Global Sources are great places to start your search. It’s important to research the company information, product information, and reviews from other buyers.
Requesting product samples is also important before committing to a supplier. This will give you a good idea of their product quality and allow you to test them yourself. If possible, visit the supplier in person to inspect their facilities and products. This will give you a better idea of their manufacturing process and quality control measures.
Implementing Quality Control Measures
Once you’ve found a reliable supplier, it’s important to implement quality control measures to ensure that the products you receive meet your quality standards. Here are some tips for implementing quality control measures:
Set Clear Quality Standards
Before production begins, set clear quality standards with your supplier. Make sure they understand your requirements and expectations. Providing clear and detailed quality specifications and reference samples are key to ensuring your supplier understands your requirements.
Conduct Inspections
Conducting inspections throughout the manufacturing process is essential to ensuring your supplier is following your quality standards. This can include pre-production inspections, in-process inspections, and final inspections. It’s critical to ensure that the supplier adheres to the specifications you have provided.
Test the Products
Once the products are finished, test them yourself to ensure that they meet your quality standards. This can include functional tests, safety tests, and durability tests. Make sure to test the products against the specific requirements you have established.
Work with a Third-Party Inspection Company
Consider working with a third-party inspection company to conduct inspections and tests on your behalf. This can provide an objective assessment of your supplier’s quality control measures. Third-party inspection companies are experienced and have the necessary equipment to detect quality issues that you may miss.
Dealing with Product Defects
Even with the best quality control measures in place, product defects can still occur. It’s important to have a plan in place to deal with product defects. Here’s how to deal with product defects:
Identify the Cause of the Defect
Once you’ve identified a defect, work with your supplier to identify the cause. This can help prevent similar defects in the future. If necessary, revise your specifications to prevent similar issues in the future.
Take Action to Prevent Future Defects
Once you’ve identified the cause of the defect, take action to prevent similar defects in the future. This can include updating your quality control measures or finding a new supplier. It’s important to take proactive steps to prevent future issues.
Additional Tips of Maintaining Supplier Relationship
On top of technical aspects, maintaining a good relationship with your suppliers is also important. Here are some additional tips.
Communicate Clearly
Communication is key when working with Chinese suppliers. Make sure that you are communicating your requirements and expectations clearly and regularly. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms that may be difficult to translate.
Build a Relationship
Building a relationship with your supplier can help to ensure that they prioritize your needs and requirements. This can be done by visiting their facilities, attending trade shows, and maintaining regular communication.
Be Flexible
Chinese suppliers may have different ways of doing things, and it’s important to be flexible and open to new ideas. Consider working with your supplier to find a compromise that meets your needs and their capabilities.
Manage your Supply Chain
Managing your supply chain effectively can help to prevent quality issues. This includes managing your inventory, ensuring timely deliveries, and working with your supplier to resolve any issues that arise.
Stay Up-to-Date
Stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and regulations. This can help you to identify potential quality issues before they arise and ensure that your products are compliant with relevant regulations.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that the products you receive from China meet your quality standards and are free from defects. Remember, quality control is an ongoing process that requires regular communication, collaboration, and monitoring.
To avoid negative consequences, businesses sourcing products from China must prioritize quality control. The key steps include finding a reliable supplier, implementing quality control measures, dealing with product defects, and maintaining a good relationship with the supplier. Remember that quality control is an ongoing process that requires regular communication, collaboration, and monitoring.
If you work with an experienced third-party quality control company, it’ll be much easier. One like Shield Works, with 18 years of QC experience and a professional QC team based throughout China and Southeast Asia. Contact us now!
Is Your 3rd-Party QC Up to Snuff? How to Avoid Quality Control Pitfalls in China
3rd-party quality control, or QC, is vital to maintaining standards in any industry, but especially so in the China sourcing industry. However, many buyers fail to realize that 3rd-party QC is only as strong as the people performing it and the processes they follow. Use these tips to make sure your 3rd-party QC agents are up to snuff and can help you avoid quality control pitfalls in China.
Define Your Product Requirements
Be clear on how you want your product to end up and be specific on all the metrics. It’s not just about quality of raw materials, but also what that means for finished products: Is it meant to last 5 years, or is it disposable after a few months?
It’s important to make sure you have a clear vision of what you want before approaching any factories. For example, are you looking for someone who can create a prototype quickly and cheaply so you can get feedback from potential customers, or do you need high volume production with a tight turnaround time?
Defining these requirements will help you find the right QC partner. You should also research their past work as well as industry reviews. There are plenty of 3rd-party QC companies out there; use them if needed to ensure quality control standards are met.
Understand Your 3rd-Party QC Companies
It is important to have a clear understanding of the quality control process and what type of 3rd-party QC company you are hiring. Use the following questions when interviewing your potential vendors:
1) What is your quality control process?
2) Who performs the inspections?
3) Where are these inspections performed at?
4) What type of inspection do you perform (i.e. 100% inspection)?
5) What experience do you have with this particular product line or industry segment?
It’s always better to get everything straightened out upfront, which is also another effective way to maintain a good relationship with your 3rd-party QC company. After all, they will be working with your products on a day-to-day basis so it’s important that they feel comfortable knowing exactly what their role entails and that they know how you want them to do their job and that you are comfortable with how they do it!
Make Your Communication Simple But On-Point
Although most of the QC inspectors in China can speak English fluently, it is still better to make your language plain and simple. After all, there are still some inevitable cultural barriers. Make sure you clearly communicate what you want and provide detailed instructions on how you want them to do it.
Be clear about what mistakes or problems you want them to look for or find out. A specific set of specifications may be necessary if it’s your first time working with this factory.
Maintain communication with them. Email is not as common of a messaging tool in China as in the west. WeChat is the most widely-used IM app there.
Develop Your QC System
There are three major factors that should be considered into the process of developing your own QC system, which will benefit you in the long run of your business.
1. Know what you’re looking for
Make sure that the standards you’re looking for are spelled out and that your vendor is on board with them, too. This will help prevent any miscommunication down the line.
2. Create a checklist for your quality control process
Make sure you’re including every step of the process so there are no surprises when it’s time to pass inspection.
3. Choose an inspector that knows your need
Someone who can provide the kind of feedback that you need on your product, such as if it should be rejected or not, or if it needs more work before it’s ready to move on to the next step in production or shipping.
Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to keep your quality control on track. Don’t be discouraged by problems if they arise! They can be obstacles for any growing business, and most of all, don’t forget about checking a second opinion. It can help you take necessary precautions and avoid future errors altogether.
Evaluate the Results
Your QC process is not over yet although after mass production. You should always evaluate the results of your quality control process by sampling your goods. You can do this by taking a sample of every 100th unit or randomly selecting every 100th unit, counting the number of errors, and using these figures to calculate a rate of defects per hundred (called defects per hundred).
The defects per hundred tells you how many defects there are in 100 pieces of a certain product. If your defect rate is high, it means that you need more time for corrective measures and new quality control procedures before starting the next round of production.
When evaluating your results, don’t stop at a defect per hundred rate. Look for patterns and reasons for each defect you find.
The next step is to evaluate your quality control process as a whole. If you notice one specific defect occurring frequently, then there is something going wrong in production that needs addressing immediately.
Conversely, if you notice different types of defects occurring often, it could be because there is something wrong with your entire quality control process.
Shield Works is highly experienced in 3rd-party QC with 17 years under the belt. Talk to us today, and know more about how our team can safeguard the production of your product!
5 Tips to Make Quality Control More Affordable for Your Business
Quality control can be an expensive aspect of running your own business, but it doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. In fact, following these five tips will help you make quality control more affordable so that you don’t break the bank while keeping your customers satisfied with their experience using your product or service.
1) Use 3rd-party QC Services
It is typical for 3rd-party QC services to charge fees for their services, but their work can also streamline communication between you and your factory. As a result, you’ll still need to conduct regular inspections yourselves throughout each month while your 3rd-party inspector is at your production facility.
You can prevent problems from going undetected until after goods have been shipped to customers by using 3rd-party inspectors regularly during production cycles. Quality control in China can save you thousands of dollars if you make a little extra effort now.
2) Creating Good Relationships with Suppliers
No one’s going to succeed at a China manufacturing operation without strong supplier relationships. It’s as simple as that. When suppliers have on-time, high quality product, meet customers’ requirements, and have some flexibility when needed, you can have confidence in presenting your products in front of customers.
But if a supplier flubs orders, doesn’t pay attention to detail, or other poor quality factors, it will eventually affect your brand. It’s not good. Though the issue of how to obtain the perfect supplier doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, there are ways to lower the risk and make sure it is within your budget.
Solidify a strong relationship with your supplier to ensure things will run smoothly and that your money is better spent on quality control and less on disaster clean-ups.
3) Be Clear On Your Metrics
One important purpose of having an amicable relationship with your supplier is to ensure smooth communication with your supplier, so you can be precise about your standard of quality. You need a clear understanding of the metrics that are relevant in this process. They are not all universal but there are some standards that are considered common denominators like color, shape, and size consistency.
These qualities need to be consistent across each batch or box coming from the manufacturer because these qualities vary between different batches and boxes based on the manufacturer’s processes and equipment used. And this affects product cost and customer satisfaction; if there is variation in one area then it will lead to other areas being out of whack too!
4) Get Critical Feedback While Your Product Is Being Manufactured
A big mistake many entrepreneurs make when manufacturing a product is assuming that everyone is as invested in its success as they are, when they’re likely to be working with other people to assemble different components. Without meeting directly with vendors or having them to directly collaborate with your team, it can be hard to spot errors, such as low-quality materials or things that don’t match up correctly.
The easiest way to catch these and other errors is by asking vendors for critical feedback from suppliers or manufacturers as soon as possible during production. It’s not possible to be perfect all the time, but communication can minimize problems during the production phase, which saves time and money in the long run. So if you want to get quality control more affordable for your business, it’s essential that you plan ahead of time how to handle mistakes and issues so you can work out any kinks before production starts.
5) Be Involved in Every Step of The Way
Your involvement in the production process not only brings oversight but also enhances your understanding of your product. If you are hands-on, it will be easier to pinpoint where improvements need to be made and find the source of a problem.
You may not be able to come on site but having someone represent you there is a great way to maintain presence. A 3rd-party QC service is a great option in this case.
Invest in a good QC service and treat it like you would your own. You want someone that is not only thorough but also honest. You should expect to spend money on QC, so don’t be cheap when hiring a service provider. Remember, you are looking for a partner, not just an inspector.
Quality control is one of those things that might seem insignificant compared with overall costs and time, but it can make a significant contribution to your bottom line in more than one way. QC services in China are available at Shield Works with our own professional team members with over 17 years of experience! Don’t hesitate to contact us!
3rd-party Quality Control Service in China: Your Key to Protecting Your Product
A lot of people are considering sourcing their products from China, and this isn’t without good reason. However, one concern that many people have with sourcing from China is whether the product they purchase will be safe to use once they get it in their hands. Thankfully, there are ways to ensure that your product arrives safely, including the use of 3rd-party inspection services in China. This article will discuss this important part of any China sourcing process in greater detail and provide you with tips on how to choose an ideal 3rd-party inspector for your project.
Why it’s important
It is of the utmost importance to control quality in manufacturing. It’s common knowledge that quality control is crucial for any product, but many people overlook how important 3rd-party quality control services in China can be in ensuring product safety. Get quality control services from a qualified 3rd-party like C2W. With quality control services, you will never worry about getting faulty products again. Invest in trusted 3rd-party quality control services today if you want quality products every time!
Reason to choose a 3rd-party quality control service
You can ensure your product arrives at its destination without any defects or flaws by using a 3rd-party QC company, and you will also show potential customers that you care about quality and safety. Whether or not you hire a 3rd-party quality control company comes down to the fact that a 3rd-party inspection does not change your product safety standards. Prior to shipping your product out of China, you will have an expert ensure that all of your requirements are met. There is a greater chance of making a mistake along its route toward distribution, resulting in money and time loss on your part.
How to pick the right one?
When you find a company with experienced 3rd-party quality inspectors, be sure to take a good look at their certifications. 3rd-party certification and ISO 9001 compliance should come up. Professionals who are trained for audits, inspections, and analyses: a certified professional is worth it and all that counts is how much experience the professional has. Once you’re in the process of selecting inspection services, be sure to inquire about the companies’ methods. You will want to know what systems of internal quality control the company follows and whether inspectors will use a random sample or a statistical model.
You’ll want to ask about turnaround times. Inspections are not cheap, but then neither is a recall or a lawsuit from faulty products. There’s no point in rushing your inspection or ordering one that doesn’t offer enough quality assurance for your standards. Do it right from day one. And don’t forget – if you’re still worried about a product after it gets its certificate of quality, don’t be afraid to ask for another inspection. This will show your commitment to quality and protect both you and your customers down the line.
What do they look for?
Inspectors may study an array of features of a product and its packaging including how it was constructed, what materials were used, how it was packaged and labeled, whether it complied with safety standards, and so on. If a product was intended for children or if it was inherently unsafe, inspectors would look for warnings labels or other ways to inform consumers of potential hazards. Items such as stuffed animals are also subject to inspection to make sure they’re safe for children to play with. Inspectors check that children won’t choke on them or hurt themselves. Lots of people have one electric device tested by checking to see if sparks fly and also to see if there’s anything exposed that could give you an electric shock.
What can you expect from them?
In China, there are many 3rd-party QC companies offering QC services. How do you know which ones are good? In addition to being qualified, a 3rd-party quality control company should possess a wide range of certifications related to quality control. Ask for references if you are unsure. Do not just rely on their word. Furthermore, it is important for your supplier to work with them as well, so that there are no errors caused by miscommunication along the way.
Inspectors from 3rd-party QC companies should be able to speak and read English. As mentioned before, it is important for your supplier, as well as your customer, to understand exactly what was inspected and what problems were found. If there are any disputes over defects found on a product during an inspection, you will want a translation that is easy for everyone involved to read and understand.
You should also make sure that they have inspectors with years of experience working on products similar to yours. It is all too easy for an inexperienced inspector who doesn’t know much about your product or industry to miss some kind of defect – even one that could easily impact how well your product works once it gets used by customers.
Major Takeaway
In China, your manufacturer may tell you that hiring a QC service is unnecessary because their products come with quality warranties, but when things go wrong, that warranty means nothing. A 3rd-quality control service will protect you against defective manufacturing and ensure safe delivery of your goods. There aren’t all 3rd-party inspectors created equal, so consider how often they’ve worked on your product and choose one who you trust.
Contact us today to learn more about quality control services for Chinese goods, or to speak with one of our experts in the quality control industry!
Can We Trust 3rd-Party Quality Control Services in China?
When you’re considering outsourcing your manufacturing to China, you may want to consider having an 3rd-party quality control (QC) agency check and test your products before they are shipped out of the country. But product quality Chinese suppliers provide can really vary sometimes. In order to combat this, manufacturers hire 3rd-party quality control services to inspect their product before they are shipped. But can we really trust them?
The importance of quality control in Chinese manufacturing
Generally speaking, quality control is essential for any manufacturing process, but it is especially important in China. If a company is not careful with its QA practices and starts producing poor-quality products, then the costs will skyrocket and profitability will fall dramatically.
For example, if a company produces one thousand defective units of product per day to be sold at $6 a piece and the cost to produce each unit was $2 then the total profit would be $4 per day ($4k per year). However, if 10% of the units are defective then the total profit would drop to $0 ($0k per year) because even though there are 1000 units produced they cannot all be sold at full price because some are defective. In other words, the more defects you have on your products, the lower your revenue will be.
That’s why it’s so important to have a good quality control system in place before production begins so that you don’t have these problems down the line. You are there for less headache but more cost-efficacy, not the other way around. Quality control is also important because consumers want assurance that the products they buy will work as advertised.
Doubt about Chinese 3rd-party quality control service providers
The quality of products made in China used to be questioned a lot. Companies often experienced difficulties with ensuring product quality and it was difficult for them to have peace of mind when they started manufacturing their products in China. It was not until the emergence of third-party inspection services that companies had some relief from this problem, but many companies still have doubts about whether or not these service providers are really independent.
It is because Chinese 3rd-party quality control service providers do not always act independently, and instead may act as agents for certain suppliers who are more powerful than others. Their goal is not only to improve product quality, but also the reputation of those suppliers who pay them well.
Can I trust them now?
The past can’t be denied. But thankfully, with the boom of advanced manufacturing in China and higher standard of quality required, 3rd-party quality control service there has become much more truly “independent”. They are equipped with a variety of professional skills for inspection and testing.
The most important thing is that these service providers are not dependent on individual factories but rather they offer their services to multiple factories as well as other buyers or clients.
You will also find that they often use various inspection methods to analyze products, including high-tech equipment such as X-ray machines, which are typically only available at highly specialized labs in the United States. All this means it’s easier than ever before for foreign buyers to purchase goods from reputable suppliers who employ such a service provider.
As for their job scope, these professionals will conduct inspections on all aspects of the product: shape and form, weight, color and appearance, size, packaging labels etc. If anything looks off (whether it’s an incorrect measurement), then your order might get rejected.
Moreover, because each factory may specialize in different types of items (such as electronics or food), hiring a QC service provider provides some assurance that any factory producing your product type is running according to modern standards. As long as you have faith in your own evaluation process and checklists from home office or another reputable company within your industry while visiting potential suppliers in person too—you’ll have nothing to worry about!
So yes, you can trust the 3rd-party QC providers now, just as how big names like Apple and Panasonic do!
How to choose an appropriate QC provider
It can be difficult to determine whether or not a 3rd-party quality control (QC) service provider in China is trustworthy. Here are a few tips to help you choose a reputable QC provider:
1. Do your research. Make sure to read online reviews and check out the company’s website about who they currently work with or have ever worked with, before making a decision.
2. Consider your needs. What type of products do you need to have inspected? What is your budget? Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start narrowing down your options.
3. Get in touch with the QC provider. Ask questions about their services and see if they would be a good fit for your business.
4. Request quotes from multiple providers and compare. The cost of a 3rd-party QC service is generally going to vary depending on your needs. For example, a full inspection for new products may cost more than a spot check for recently-produced goods. Some companies will even have an annual or semi-annual discount package that you can opt into. Once you have quotes from different providers, compare their prices and see if there are any special deals being offered by one company that you can take advantage of.
With the current travel restrictions, since they can’t be physically there to inspect, 3rd-party QC service in China has gradually become a popular option for many businesses with outsourced manufacturing there, which many of them have later found a pleasant surprise.
Shield Works is one with 17 years in this area as well as its own professional QC team and partnerships with certified labs. Contact us if you’d like to know more about our QC service!
Qualities to Look for in a China 3rd-Party Quality Control Service Provider
When you’re manufacturing in China, it’s essential to have 3rd-party quality control to ensure that your products are up to your standards. But which companies should you be choosing from? The answer can be found in these three qualities of the best China 3rd-party quality control service providers out there.
Prompt Communication
One of the most important qualities you should look for when choosing a quality control service provider is prompt communication. This means that they should be responsive to your inquiries and requests in a timely manner. They should also keep you updated on the status of your order and any changes that may occur. A reliable China 3rd-party quality control service provider will not leave you hanging or waiting for updates about your orders, as this could result in delays.
When picking out a potential quality control service provider, make sure they are open and honest with you during their initial communications. If they do not answer all of your questions thoroughly, it might be best to find someone else who can.
Dedicated Staff
One of the most important qualities to look for when choosing a quality control service provider is whether or not they have a dedicated staff. This team should be knowledgeable about quality control procedures and able to handle all aspects of the process from start to finish. They should also be available promptly enough to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Another important factor to consider is whether or not the quality control service provider has an in-country office. This is important because it allows them to be on the ground in China, which gives them a better understanding of the local culture. It also means that they are more likely to have connections with suppliers and factories since they’re in close proximity.
If this doesn’t sound like something your current supplier offers, then you might want to switch providers.
A Wide Range of Products
You should look for a quality control service provider that has experience with a wide range of products. This way, you can be sure that they will be able to handle whatever product you need them to inspect. They should also have a good understanding of the manufacturing process and know how to spot potential problems.
If they are not well versed in your industry, it could take them much longer to find any issues. For this reason, it is important to find a quality control service provider who specializes in your industry as well as inspection type.
Good Prices
You want to be sure that you’re getting a good price for the services provided. A quality control service provider should be able to offer you competitive prices that are in line with the market. It’s important to do your research before deciding on any company. Ask other businesses who they use and compare prices before making your decision.
You also want to make sure that you get a fair deal when it comes to pricing. A high price tag doesn’t always mean better quality, so don’t be afraid to ask about how the rates were determined. In some cases, you might even find out that there are hidden fees or expensive fees after looking at the total amount of money you’ll have to pay at the end of a project. Another thing is if they charge by hour or by job, because this will affect how much time it takes them to complete their work and also what they’ll charge per unit of work completed.
Innovative Solutions
You should look for a quality control service provider that is innovative and always looking for new ways to improve their services. They should also be able to provide you with customized solutions that fit your specific needs. A good quality control service provider will do whatever it takes to make sure that the products they are inspecting meet or exceed your standards. They are able to work around any problems, such as issues with how the product was manufactured, or even communication barriers if necessary.
They also have to be well trained in inspection techniques so that they can find any defects before the goods are sent off. Some of these may include chemical tests, sensory evaluations, and destructive physical inspections.
Does Not Need Face Time
One of the most important qualities to look for when choosing a quality control service provider is that they don’t need face time. This is important because it means that they’re able to work independently and don’t need constant supervision. They should also be able to communicate effectively and have a good understanding of Chinese suppliers. A company with these qualities will be better equipped to handle the needs of your company than one who requires hands-on direction, which may not always be possible or even necessary.
There are many things to consider when choosing a quality control service provider in China. Make sure to do your research and ask around before making a decision. To sum it up, the most important qualities to look for are experience, flexibility, customer service, consistency and professionalism. With so many providers to choose from, you should be able to find one that meets all of your needs. Shield Works is one with 17 years of professional experience as well as its own quality control team, which guarantee you worry-free inspection service all the way through. Reach out if interested!
How to Guarantee an Optimal Product with Quality Inspection in China
There is a reason that so many of the products that we enjoyed say “made in China” on them. China has recently been exporting about $2.5 trillion worth of goods and services every year! That is almost one-fifth of their entire economy!
Some people think of Chinese goods as being of low quality. Of course, with a country as large as China, the truth is that you can find both poor quality and extremely high-quality goods coming out of Chinese manufacturing.
The important thing is to make sure that you know how to find quality goods when you buy from China. That is why it is so important that you know how to ensure that you enjoy a quality inspection in China. Read on to learn all about the most important things to do to make sure that you enjoy successful quality inspections of your Chinese goods!
Find Someone to Help You Assess Product Quality
One of the most important things you need to understand is the difference between quality control and quality assurance. Quality control is all about inspecting the finished product. No matter how good the production process is, that does not mean anything if a simple examination of the end product shows that it suffers from serious flaws.
On the other hand, not all flaws show up on immediate examination. That is what quality insurance is for. Quality assurance is about examining the manufacturing process.
You are going to want to find experts to help you with both. When it comes to quality control, you want to make sure that you find somebody who is familiar with Chinese goods.
Some people are experts in assessing product quality for products that are manufactured in America or Europe. However, not all of the expertise that applies to goods from those locations will apply to goods manufactured in China.
On top of that, the person that helps you assess product quality for your Chinese goods will need to be able to understand the workers and leaders at the manufacturing company. In general, it is best to work with Chinese companies that will employ native Chinese experts with a deep understanding of Chinese manufacturing.
Understand Different Levels of Quality
It is also important that you find someone to help you with product quality who can help you understand what quality you should be looking for. Some goods need to be absolutely pristine. Even minor flaws disqualify them from distribution.
In contrast, there are a number of goods that are acceptable as long as they suffer from only minor or cosmetic defects. Lastly, there are even some products that are worth something even if they have significant defects as long as those flaws do not keep them from performing their basic function.
Make sure to work with a China inspection expert in product quality who can track the differences between these levels of quality. That way, they can help you strategize about how to manage them.
Find Inspection Agencies to Help You With Quality Assurance
As we have discussed, not all flaws in a product are detectable just by examining it. Sometimes, flaws don’t manifest until you use a product a handful of times. Then, it suddenly stops working.
You can detect a whole different range of flaws by examining the production process rather than the products themselves. That is what quality assurance is all about.
This part of ensuring that you have high-quality goods benefits even more from working with inspection agencies that really understand China. You are going to need someone who can go into the manufacturing sites and examine the production process. They will also need to be able to intimately understand company leaders and the employees who run the production process.
They will also need to be familiar with Chinese manufacturing processes. All of these are reasons to work with a Chinese quality inspection company.
Make Sure People Follow Correct Product Inspection Processes
During the product inspection process, make sure that your inspectors confirm that the products are being made according to your specifications. That includes things like being the correct size, color, having the correct packaging, and so on.
Throughout the entire product inspection process, it is important that your agent check many different products rather than just one. The exact quality verification process will vary depending on the nature of the product.
Here, it is again helpful to work with qualified professionals who already know what they are doing. They will know which verification processes to use for which products.
Make Sure Your Suppliers in China Use Quality Shipping
It is not enough that the quality of goods is high at the point of production. They can still potentially suffer serious problems with quality. The shipping process must also be of high quality.
You might have a great manufacturing company that produces pristine televisions. But the shipping process might riddle them with cracks.
As a result, you will also need an expert who can assess the shipping process. Of course, it is not always possible to guarantee that goods will not suffer any damage during shipping. But at the very least, you can confirm that the process for shipping does not systematically create flaws.
Enjoy the Benefits of Quality Inspection in China
We hope learning about how to ensure a quality inspection in China has been helpful for you. Working with manufacturing in China comes with a huge list of benefits as long as you can avoid the disadvantages that sometimes come along with it. The right quality inspection services in China can solve this problem and help you enjoy efficient manufacturing.
To learn more about how to make sure you get only the highest quality of goods from Chinese manufacturing companies or to speak with experts in quality inspection of Chinese goods and processes, feel free to reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!