What is an inspection?
An inspection is the verification of product quality to a pre-defined quality specification; before, during or after the production process. Ideally, prior to the manufacturing process, the supplier facility and raw materials can be inspected to identify if the process and materials themselves meet specifications. During the manufacturing process, products are typically inspected to verify that quality requirements and specifications are being met. After production, goods can be inspected prior to packing and loading to ensure an approved final product is being shipped and received according to the buyer’s requirements. Inspections throughout the various stages of production can assist both buyer and manufacturers and prove a viable cost savings to costly mismanufacturing and losses while optimizing an efficient supply chain with quality products.
What is a factory assessment?
A factory audit assesses the production capability and performance of a factory against proven quality principles. In this, the key criteria assessed are policies, capabilities, procedures and records that would indicate the factory’s ability to deliver consistent quality management , rather than at one given time or only a particular product. Core areas and processes addressed by a factory audit assessment include;
1. Quality Management System
2. Good Manufacturing Practice (Factory Environment Standards)
3. Product Control
4. Process Control
5. Personnel
What are the key benefits?
Our factory assessment services can help:
• Evaluate capabilities of potential new vendors as part of the selection process
• Identify key strengths and weaknesses of your existing vendor base
• Monitor and track progress over time to drive quality throughout the manufacturing process
• Provide an independent assessment tool that retailers, buyers and vendors can use together to make improvements