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 helpfulIP Protection when buying from China (Feat. Dan Harris, China Law Blog)
Exploring Plastic Injection Molding Pilot Runs
The Rise Of The Dragon: Exploring China’s Technology Dominance
10 Common Problems From Chinese Suppliers (& How You Can Deal With Them)
Quality Fade: Silent AND Deadly!
PCBA Protection: How to Care for the Heart of your Electronic Product
Traceability In Manufacturing: Far More Than Just A Safety Net
Boeing's Serious Issue: Bad Manufacturing Habits
Manufacturer's & Buyer's Risks in China: Mitigation and Insurance Tips
Chinese e-Bike/Scooter Battery Fire Risks Are No Joke! (Feat.Clive Greenwood)
Apple Vision Pro Cracking Up! Reliability Problems, So Soon? (BONUS)
Plastic & Metal Development Prototypes: Uses & Limitations
Handing Over To Manufacturing: Best Practices
Technology & Innovation in Freight Forwarding (Feat. Amit Rosenthal, CEO of Proboxx)
What's A Good QA Auditing & Inspection Program For New Products?
Why NOT doing ESD testing on new electronic products is scary!
Impact of Yemen's Houthis On Global Shipping in Jan '24 (BONUS)
The Experience Effect: The Key to Mass Production Cost Reduction & Efficiency
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 Near Disaster! Quality & Reliability Issues?
Cost Vs Quality - How Manufacturers Can Find A Balance
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Aligned Money Show
Gorse Culture PODcast : The H.R. Detective Agency!
HCI Leadership Revolution
The Ramsey Show
Planet Money