What are our quality engineers doing on-site during inspections?

04 Aug 2014 | Pro QC What are our quality engineers doing on-site during inspections? Contact Us We receive questions relating to quality inspections and the inspection process quite often. One of the most common questions we receive concerns the benefits of inspecting products for quality prior to shipment. The short answer is that inspections reduce overall quality risks and cost! Another question we receive often relates to what happens during a product inspection? What do our quality engineers do on-site? For us, each product is treated differently depending on specifications and/or other client requirements. We work closely with our clients to develop the specifications that help guide our inspectors on-site. However, there are a few consistent components that include: Quantity Verification Is everything packaged? Our general rule is 100% produced and 80% packaged for a pre-shipment, final inspection. Failure to meet expectations for quantity can result in a “missed” inspection result. For more information regarding the difference between first-article, in-process and pre-shipment inspections, read our article here. Packaging – Labeling (Master Carton + Retail) Is the packaging free of any defects? Is a drop test required for packaging integrity evaluation? This reduces the likelihood of damage during transit. Does the packaging meet the client and/or other specifications? Are there any safety concerns, such as suffocation warnings required on certain polybags? We have written a few articles regarding packaging that provide more detail here: The Importance of Packaging 5 Reasons why Packaging Integrity Matters Workmanship – Visual Are defects within the Acceptable Quality Limits? A random sample is pulled to evaluate for cosmetic/workmanship defects. Inspectors use a checklist to assist with defect identification and classification. Defects noted are categorized as either major, minor or critical. We have written a few articles regarding classifying defects and determining AQLs that provide more detail here: Classifying Defects: Is it Major, Minor or Critical? Acceptance Sampling isn’t Scary How do select AQL levels? Functional – Assembly – Testing Does the product work as indicated? A reduced sample is usually pulled for functional testing, as applicable. Inspectors verify that the product assembles and functions as indicated by any inserts/manuals. Inspectors verify applicable measurements such as dimensions and weight. For textiles, it may be stitched per inch, or other as determined by the type of product. Photos Inspectors take detailed photos of the facility, product, packaging, labeling and defects noted. Clients can compare our photos with their samples or otherwise have photographic evidence. Additional articles we have written that provide more insight into this topic include: Understanding the Inspection Process Product Inspection Strategy Evaluating Inspection Reports Inspecting Textiles & Garments What happens during a pre-shipment inspection? Tags: engineerfactoryinspectionsprocessqcqualityshipment You May Also Like What Happens After a Failed Pre-Shipment Inspection? Pro QC Holds Special Seminar on Welding Inspection Standards in China to Strengthen Technical Expertise Pre-Shipment Inspection for Textile Workwear in Honduras Click Below to Improve Product Quality with Pro QC Contact us Get a Quote or Book a Service We will be happy to give you more information about our quality solutions. Please fill in this form to contact us. We will respond as soon as possible. If you would like to submit your CV, please click here. Contact Us by Email Contact Us by Phone North America +1 206 397 1145 Mexico +52 55 9990 7885 Colombia +57 601 9190355 United Kingdom +44 330 094 5589 France +33 9 7303 6784 Germany +49 15630 810151 Australia +61 2 8252 7691 India & South Asia +91 227 189 7407 Asia & Asia Pacific +886 2 2832 2990 We use cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse, you agree to their use. Customize settings Accept all Decline all Privacy policy Cookie policy × Cookie settings Please select the categories of cookies you would like to allow. Essential cookies are always enabled.