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 helpfulCould Rising COVID-19 Cases In China Before CNY '21 Affect Supply Chains?
Andy Bartlett | Good Project Management With Chinese Suppliers From A Product Designer's Perspective
Why Do Importers Need Product Reliability Testing?
How To Validate Your Supplier's Factory's Production Capacity (From Abroad)?
Manufacture in China, Vietnam, India, or Elsewhere in 2021?
Tips For Continually Getting Good Results From A New Supplier | Vetting Chinese Suppliers (Part 11)
Why The Bill Of Materials (BOM) Is A Key Document For Importers
The Impact Of Chinese New Year On Importers & Tips To Prepare For CNY 2021
3 Types Of Quality Control Plans & Why They're Needed BEFORE Production
Pricing, Negotiation, Contracts | Vetting Chinese Suppliers (Part 10)
Exploring Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
How To Perform In-Depth Due Diligence On Your Supplier | Vetting Chinese Suppliers (Part 9)
The Basics of Quality Management for Buyers
Factory Testing Facilities | Vetting Chinese Suppliers (Part 8)
What Is Compliance Testing And When Is It Appropriate?
Analysing the (NPI) New Product Introduction Process & its Benefits
Exploring Process Audits | Vetting Chinese Suppliers (Part 7)
How & why to create a valid China manufacturing contract
All You Should Know About Management System Standards & Auditing Them
7 Manufacturing Challenges Due To Lack Of Transparency In China & How To Mitigate Them
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