Manufacturing in China Quality Control

In China, quality control is an absolute must. Quality control assures that a client’s products arrive on time and in perfect order.  Additionally, competitive prices, fast response time, and inspections of products at different stages of the production process are part of good manufacturing quality control.

It is important to understand that before production even starts, either you or your agent visit the factory to make sure that it is up to par and can produce the requested products to your standards. By random sampling the raw materials and components to be used in your production, you’ll determine quality.

If you want your manufacturer to do comply with your specifications, you’ll need an agent to do a factory audit. This will enable him to recognize the capabilities of the Chinese manufacturer before placing an order for production. He’ll also need to evaluate its production capability, manpower, skill level of workers, manufacturing environment, machinery and equipment and other related elements. An audit of this nature could provide you with a clear picture of your prospective manufacturer.

The report will include factory profile, factory organization, production equipment and capacity, quality assurance system, technical standard, research and development, supplier management, hygiene, environment and security, and social accountability.

It is, therefore, essential that the product quality be audited. Even though the companies in China manufacture products that are safe, it is imperative that due diligence be done in order to ensure quality. Here is how it can be done.

1. Visit the Factory in Person
2. Check the Company’s Background
3. Communicate Standards
4. Monitor the Manufacturing Process

Don’t forget that communication is key. If your company has determined that the manufacturer has high quality standards, your company should develop and maintain a good relationship with the manufacturer. This relationship will make it easier for both companies to understand each other’s business culture and to resolve problems in case they arise. By building a relationship your company can feel comfortable doing business with the manufacturer and they can clearly understand your company’s standards.

Keep in mind that you have to get involved and monitor the manufacturing process. You or your qualified representative should monitor the manufacturing process in person to ensure quality, especially if it is your first time working with the company. Even if you have taken the steps aforementioned, you need to ensure that these standards are met. As you may be aware, problems may arise, and having someone on site will be able to resolve any problems during the manufacturing process more efficiently.

Make sure the quality control encompasses the following:

• Sample inspection for any defects or deviation from quality parameters
• Locating the root causes of production defects
• Have someone advise of practical and effective ways in which these can be rectified
• Inspection and detection of poor quality at different production stations and stages
• Have someone identify supplier weaknesses in the production system that leads to defects

• Have someone access the product and/or component quality prior to assembly
• Issue an In-line Inspection Report with digital pictures

As mentioned before, communication is key. Therefore, throughout the entire quality inspection and control process, you/your agent and the manufacturer must maintain constant communication to relay information, samples, and pictures for approval before, during, and after production. By doing this process, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches down the road.