How’s the Product Inspection Process?
Buying can be exciting but daunting at the same time. Coming across something that matches your exact needs and specifications is not easy. How do you find out if a particular item is what you are looking for? Performing a thorough inspection by AQIService.com as third party inspection services is the best way to do that, but did you know that there is a specific way you should do it to attain good results? This article aims at giving you a step by step guide on how to perform product inspection and clear with the inspection process
1) Inspection Preparation
The first step to take before an inspection is to prepare and manage your expectations. For starters, you should get a golden sample from the manufacturer or supplier. This way, you can find out precisely what the manufacturers can produce. It is a kind of benchmarking. Probably you had provided the supplier with your product specifications in advance. By specifications, you will outline the features that you are looking for in the item in terms of quality, size, and other characteristics. This way, the inspector will have a clear idea of what you want to be checked.
What’s more? If you are hiring an inspector to do the job for you, make sure to inform the supplier in advance and let the two parties exchange contacts. This way, they will both agree on the ideal or convenient time to carry out the inspection.
2) Check the Production Status
By status, it means checking how far the manufacturer has gone with the production. This will help you know if you can rely on the supplier to deliver the goods to you on time. Take an example of a scenario where you made an order, and delivery is supposed to be in two days. If the manufacturer is not even halfway with the production by one day before delivery, the chances are that the production will not be winded up on time. Your work as the inspector is to be the buyer’s ears and eyes and let them know everything that is happening around and ensure that the supplier stays on the schedule. You should visit the production area regularly and check how far the producer is or how many items are complete. Also, as the inspector, it is your job to check the pallets and cartons and ensure that the quantity matches the client’s specifications. (More: During Production Inspection Service)
3) Random Sampling
Unless it is a single item that will require a one-time inspection, you will give your judgment based on the examination of sample units. Undertaking an AQL sampling is advisable, so you can determine the acceptable quality limit before the whole product is completely assembled.
4) Product Inspection
Now that you have sampled the products and SKU, it is time to bring the items to the inspection area and start the actual inspection. You can follow your own procedures and protocols provided they are professional and proven to give quality results. (More: Did you prepare an inspection checklist for quality control?)
5) Check the Packaging Details
Packaging requires inspection too. Some of the aspects to look for here is the carton packaging and shipping packaging and ensure that they meet the required standards. The packages have distinctive markings and dimensions. It is your work as an inspector to check and verify that they packages meet the specifications and let both the supplier and customer know if there are any deviations. An experienced inspector can use a Pantone color swatch to inspect the colors unless you have been offered a packaging sample for comparison.
What’s more? Inspect the product barcode and make sure they are scannable and that they match the buyer’s records. You should also check the weight of the packaging and ensure that the actual results match the approved specs.
6) Perform Visual Inspection
This step involves inspection of the appearance and dimension of the items and ensuring that all the necessary accessories are included. Take a few units from each carton and compare each to verify that they are alike. Take the example of shoes. The inspector should be able to confirm that all the shoes are of the right color, specified sized, no defects and that they match the specified artistry quality. If there are defects or if the shoes do not match the requirements of the buyer, they should be sorted and taken back for corrections.
More about the 3 Defect Classification in Product Inspection
7) On-Site Testing
On-site testing is a kind of more technical inspection. It is different from the product to product inspection. The inspector needs to undertake generic procedures that differ from one type of product to the other. For example, the Hi-Pot is for electronics while the carton drop test is mainly done on products on shipping cartons. Others are more specialized and may only apply to specific products.
On-site testing involves testing the functionality of the items to make sure that they can reach optimum functionality. The inspection company may need the supplier to provide them with specialized tools to perform this type of test. You, however, need to inform the inspector in advance and let them know that you intend on carrying out the test.
8) Review defects and Writing Report
The final step involves reviewing defects and writing a report. In this step, the inspector should take photos of all defective products and include the issues in a written report before sending it to the buyer. If necessary, the inspector may take a video. The inspector should also inform the supplier about the initial and final inspection results. The supplier may even accompany the inspector through the inspection process. The buyer will then discuss the found issues with the supplier so they can agree on corrective actions that will convenience both the buyer and supplier.
The buyer should send a copy of the final report to the manufacturer.
(Download: Quality Inspection Report sample)
9) Final conclusion
Whether you are both the buyer and the inspector or you wish to hire an inspection company, it is vital to understand the inspection process. This is the best way to make sure that the products you buy to meet your specifications. Generally, the process involves;
- Preparation in advance
- Checking the production status
- Random Sampling
- Workmanship/Packaging Inspection and On-site Testing
- Defects review
- Writing a report
All of these steps are crucial, and none of them should be skipped. Contact AQIService.com for your questions now.
