Put yourself in the shoes of an importer for a moment. You are making high-end bags in a factory overseas. The order is supposed to send a week from now. You are on a tight budget, but is concerned about the quality. At what stage should inspect the product?
Many buyers have some understanding of the inspection of the product and the processes involved. But what the buyers rarely ever consider that it is time to inspect the goods. Few buyers know the difference that the type of inspection can make the outcome of their finished products. That's why in this article, you will learn about the three common types of inspections of products and when and why they are made.
Product Inspection Type # 1: Pre-production
Inspection prior to production begins earlier and inspects raw materials and components before production begins. Many buyers with concerns about the quality of raw materials elect to inspect at this stage of pre-production. Early inspection here helps the buyer to avoid quality problems later down the road before mass production.
An example of a product for which a control in the pre-production is jewelry may be necessary. The value of selling jewelry depends largely on the quality of materials used, for example, gems and precious stones. Therefore, an inspection of the product made before assembled jewelry often necessary to ensure the quality of the finished product. Composition tests probably would be done at this stage too.
Product Inspection Type # 2: During Production
During production, or "DUPRO" inspection is carried out when 20-60 percent of the production is completed. Inspection at this intermediate stage enables checking of goods during various production processes, in addition to checking the use of materials and workflow. This type of inspection is beneficial for:
- Shipments of large-scale continuous production
- Products that involve many different processes; and
- Products that are vulnerable to defects that cannot be modified in subsequent stages of production
An example of a case where during inspection of production is encouraged requiring injection molding products. Many of the products made from plastic, such as signs and displays, are injection molded. After molding, these products often go through other processes such as powder coating and assembly. A defect as "short shot" a mold cavity can be introduced during the molding process. But if the inspection is carried out at this stage, it may be too late to correct the problem and prevent its recurrence. This is especially likely if the injection process is in a different factory. During inspection of production allows a purchaser to identify problems that occur during manufacture?
Product Inspection Type # 3: Final
the final control is the type most commonly performed inspection. Final inspections are usually performed when an order is at least 80 percent completed. Inspection at this stage of production usually occurs when goods are 100 percent completed and just before they are loaded into containers for shipment. Inspection during or shortly after the final production step enables any defects found to be modified if necessary. This also allows the buyer to have the latest order and realistic expectations about the quality of work condition. For this reason, it is common for buyers to conduct the final inspection along with other types of inspection. At least, a final inspection of finished products is always advised.
Now let's return to your order. Remember, you need these tote bags to leave the port within a week. The bags are almost finished, so an inspection prior to production is on the table. And since it is expected that the bags for shipping soon, it is unlikely that an inspection of the products during production is feasible either. What is feasible and highly suggested, if any, is a final inspection. A final inspection will immediately give you the added benefit of having several days to rework any defects found. Then, if it is within your budget, you may want to perform a new inspection for defects were corrected.
A word of warning about product inspections
An article offering advice on product inspections would not be doing justice issue without mentioning a couple of caveats. Consider the following before performing an inspection of the product:
- Product inspections may introduce new defects actually an order; and
- Product inspections need to be carried out with appropriate withdrawal period before shipment.
New defects may arise as a result of the inspection because many physical handling of the goods concerned. In addition, inspections will identify product defects. But the plant needs time to rework and repair these defects. Not allowing enough time between inspection and shipment, the defects can not be modified and reprocessing can not be verified. Keep these points in mind when you are considering inspected.
