A third-party quality control service operates as a support for your supply chain. Whether you source locally or internationally, quality control requires constant attention. When your product must meet certain requirements to sell, verifying the capabilities of your suppliers is critical.
When it comes to quality control and assurance, your business should embrace the best services for your product’s needs. Quality control checks give updates for whatever steps in production you choose to inspect. Sometimes that means inspecting materials before they ship from the factory, and other times before production begins, or any number of inspections between the two. Through early identification of issues and swift implementation of corrective action plans, quality control services deliver sustainable value to their clients.
What is Quality Assurance?
Quality assurance (commonly referred to as QA) is a set of principles, processes, and protocols a company sets in order to ensure that the quality of the products and services they offer are reliably high and are compliant with organizational and regulatory standards in your area.
Once the model for high quality has been set, QA steps in to serve as a template to guide workers in meeting quality objectives for each individual product and for each instance a service is rendered. A quality assurance system is meant to increase customer confidence and a company’s credibility, while also improving work processes and efficiency, and it enables a company to better compete with others.
Inspections
Companies that experience large quantities of defects and other forms of waste produced during manufacturing, often implement manual inspections to ensure product quality. Quality control procedures and audits of supplier relationships are critical for avoiding continual inspections on the production line.
- First Article Inspections (FAI)
This inspection takes place at the factory floor right after the manufacturer starts producing the first mass production samples. A complete, independent and documented physical and functional inspection process is conducted.
- Pre-Production Inspections (PPI)
Prior to production, our quality control inspection of raw materials and components will confirm whether these meet your specifications and are available in quantities sufficient to meet the production schedule. Factories are often suspected of lowering their costs by purchasing substandard materials, and this can be disastrous for the buyer.
The pre-production inspection also focuses on the processes followed as production starts. This is a useful service where you have had issues with materials and/or component replacements, or you are working with a new supplier and many outsourced components and materials are required during production.
- During Production Inspections (DPI)
During production, the products are inspected to verify that quality requirements and specifications are being met. DPI usually takes place at the factory once about 20%-50% finished products have come out of the lines. If quality issues are found, what is already produced might be re-workable, and corrective actions can be taken for the rest of the job. This process is useful in cases of repeated defects in production. It can help identify where in the process the problem occurs and provide objective input for solutions to resolve the production issues.
- Pre-Shipment Inspections (PSI)
After production is completed, a pre-shipment inspection can be done to verify that the goods being shipped have been manufactured according to your requirements. PSI puts pressure on suppliers and gives power to buyers. Its objective is really to confirm a shipment’s quality, rather than catching issues early. This is the most common service ordered and works well with suppliers you have previous experience with.
- Container Loading Check (CLC)
Container Loading Check ensures that the correct styles, sizes and quantities have been loaded correctly and safely onto the container. We will check that your order is complete and securely loaded into the container before shipment. This is the final opportunity to confirm compliance with your requirements in terms of quantity, assortment, and packaging. Container Loading Check can be useful if the buyer has a precise loading plan and needs it to be respected very precisely (e.g. some cartons are too fragile to be placed at the bottom), or if the packaging is not conventional (e.g. some garments hung on bars, with no carton protection).
Benefits of Quality Control Inspections
Quality Control Inspections at various stages of the production process can help you monitor product quality to ensure requirements are being met and to support on-time delivery.
- Efficiency
Service levels are agreed before inspection starts. All processes of normal inspection, cargo replacement and re-inspection will be monitored by us closely so there is no surprise on cargo delivery.
- Flexibility
Inspections can be done per purchase order or supplier shipment. Depending on customer needs, random, priority and re-inspections can be provided
- Cost and Time
Operations through OOCL Logistics allow inspections to be done in the facilities used for cargo management. This reduces additional transportation costs and time associated with other audit service providers.
- Strict Compliance to Customer’s Inspection Standards
We ensure all staff examine and handle the carton and product audits following the same process and procedures, at all origins and destination facilities.
- Qualification of Inspector
You have the control to specify the qualifications needed to inspect your cargo. Your cargo will only be inspected by qualified and trustworthy inspectors who are experienced in the inspection required for your products.
Why Are Quality Control Inspections Important?
Quality expectations and the range of safety requirements that you must achieve become more complex every day. When your product fails to meet your quality specifications for market acceptance, the result can be loss of customer confidence, revenues, delayed shipments, wasted materials, and the potential risk of a product recall. Performing inspections during the production cycle prevents poor quality products leaving the factory. Auditors should catch and address quality issues before they damage a brand or retailer’s bottom line or reputation.
The FLEX Logistics Team is Here to Help!
The potential for companies to capitalize on this burgeoning market is high. It is imperative that companies consider the trends that will continue to influence the industry and the technologies that will help address them. With the right technology and approach, brands and retailers can stay ahead of competition, win consumer loyalty, and drive ongoing business success for years to come.
Our team understands the importance of getting your products to the market. That is why we aim to understand your business and build lasting relationships with you and your team. Whether you are looking to add a new warehouse to your existing operations, growing and need to increase your distribution efforts, or starting a new company, FLEX has the solutions to meet your supply chain needs.
Contact us today to discuss your current and future warehousing and logistics needs. We will work together with you to understand your requirements and develop a solution that will set you up for future success.