When it comes to the preparation of QC checklists and defect classification, importers regrettably make the mistake of leaving out all relevant parties such as suppliers and QC companies from this very important step which can easily be called as one of the most important stages of the whole manufacturing experience.
The participation of suppliers as well as the QC company in the preparation of QC checklists with the importer can be considered as a clear path to collective knowledge of a product and its specifications, packaging, common defects and recommended on-site tests.
So why teamwork in this case is recommended and what are the ways that a teamwork in the preparation of checklists can result in more effective inspections?
The development of your QC checklist can be started early in the process, and the most recommended time for defining defect classifications and quality control checklists is during the design of the product.
Before mass production starts, have a thorough discussion with your suppliers on quality control and product requirements
Requirements and criteria should be discussed before a contract is signed with the supplier once by doing that, you will send a clear message to the supplier that producing quality products is your top one priority and you expect quality to be built into your product.
Before mass productions starts, point out to the supplier the quality level of materials, components, packaging and packing methods you require for the product. If you are producing garments, prepare a tech pack and specify tolerances in the size charts. If you are producing consumer electronics, prepare a CDF that clearly specifies the list of components with detailed specs and brands required.
Suppliers often have their own quality system but that does not mean that it fits to your standards for quality
Ask your supplier for a detailed explanation on how quality is managed on their end and if needed, adapt it to match your expectations. Get into details on their measuring methods since it’s not very uncommon that suppliers do not have the appropriate equipment for a specific on-site test so you won’t end up finding out only when it’s time for inspection.
If the product is not tested according to your approved checklist, the results can vary from incomplete inspection to logistics delays and poor-quality goods. But by teamworking with your vendor to come up with the checklist will give them the chance to open up and be honest about their testing capabilities resulting in a more suitable agreement on the ways your product will be assessed.
Add your QC company to the QC checklist discussions
QC companies assists in a way to ensure that there’s a common ground on how to inspect your products in a similar way that your supplier can help your products are made according to your plan.
Once the factory gives you a detailed explanation on how they manage the quality control of your product, and once you have drafted the checklist according to your own requirements, pass this information on to the inspection company.
Reliable third-party quality control companies possess enough experience and know-how to recommend the most suitable tests for a wide range of products. If you have little experienced in importing, or the product you are designing is new to your business, it is possible that you may miss some valuable points that need to be checked. Or in some cases, measuring methods introduced by importers and/or factories can be out-of-date and inspection companies can introduce new ways and methods of achieving better measuring results.
Based on the detailed requirements as well as the official checklist which you, the supplier and the inspection company participated as a team in the elaboration of, you may include all these points in the contract with the supplier so you will have guarantees of a more accurate price and a more precise production time. Furthermore, the supplier will certainly be willing to pay extra attention to the quality of your products.
This can be one of the easiest ways you can be confident that the inspectors will entirely be looking for defects with the same criteria you would!
For more information on how quality control companies can assist you, please feel free to contact us at info@v-trust.com
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