During Production Inspection (DPI)

DPI, or Dupro Inspection, ensures that all processes and products are being produced to the agreed standards and timeframes

What is During Production Inspection (DPI or DUPRO Inspection)

During Production Inspection (DPI), also known as DUPRO Inspection or in-process inspection, is an on-site quality check performed when approximately 30-50% of your order has been produced. This is the earliest reliable point at which a statistically meaningful sample of finished or semi-finished units can be pulled from the line for evaluation.

DPI identifies deviations and product issues early in the manufacturing cycle – generally the first real quality check performed on the finished product itself, rather than on raw materials or components. It’s a natural follow-up when a Pre-Production Inspection flagged concerns that need to be re-verified once production is underway.

Our quality engineer will provide recommendations on the most appropriate corrective actions to keep production running smoothly, and the full inspection report will be emailed to you within 24 hours.

Highlights of During Production Inspection

Solves quality problems during the manufacturing process, before they become embedded in the entire order
Reduces the risk of late delivery caused by discovering defects too late to fix
Saves cost – a defect caught at 30% completion is dramatically cheaper to correct than one caught at 100%

What’s Included in the During Production Inspection Report?

Verification of the Production and Quality Plan
Inspection of storage conditions
Packaging and labeling inspection
Barcode verification
Inspection of semi-finished products at key process points
Workmanship and appearance random inspection, based on AQL
Function, size, and measurement checks
Reliability and safety tests
Any other requirements specified by the client

Sampling techniques will be the internationally recognized AQL Sampling procedures ANSI/ASQC Z1.4-2003 (ISO 2859-1) or an alternative sampling method you specify.

Why 30-50% Completion Is the Right Window?

Inspecting too early (before 20%) means there isn’t yet enough finished product to sample meaningfully. Inspecting too late (after 60-70%) means most of the order is already committed – if a systemic defect is found, most of the batch may need rework regardless. The 30-50% window is the sweet spot: enough units exist to catch a pattern, and enough of the order remains for corrections to actually matter. anyway depends on diddferent products, some clients may choose the DPI when about 10%-80% of the order is completed

A real-world example: during a DPI on a consumer electronics order, our inspector identified an incorrect chip batch mid-production. Because the issue was caught at 30% completion rather than at final inspection, the client was able to halt production, source the correct chips, and avoid rejecting the entire finished batch – saving an estimated $15,000 in rework costs and a 3-week delivery delay.

Why Do You Need A During Production Inspection?

During the production of goods, conducting a During Production Inspection (DPI) or DUPRO Inspection is crucial. The following outlines why you need a DPI or DUPRO Inspection:

Ensure Consistency in Quality:

Confirms that mass-produced units match the approved sample, protecting customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

Enale Prompt Corrective Actions:

Identifies issues while production is still running, so corrective action can be taken before defects accumulate across the full order.

Provide Visibility Into Defect Rates

Gives you a data point on the actual defect percentage mid-production, so you can judge whether the process needs adjustment before the order is complete.

Ensure Accuracy in Production Planning:

Helps confirm the order is on track, avoiding late-stage surprises that cause delivery delays and cost escalation.

Avoid Additional Costs and Delays:

Catching issues mid-production is consistently cheaper than catching them at final inspection or, worse, after the goods have shipped.

How DPI Fits Into Your Overall Quality Control Plan?

DPI is one stage in a broader inspection framework, and it works best in combination with other checkpoints rather than as a standalone service:

PPI verifies raw materials and production readiness before manufacturing begins
DPI catches defects mid-production, while corrections are still cheap and fast
PSI confirms the finished, packed goods meet specification before they leave the factory
CLS verifies quantity and loading integrity at shipment

DPI is particularly valuable for first orders with a new supplier, products with a history of recurring defects, or large orders where a systemic issue caught late would be costly to fix. Many importers combine PPI, DPI, and PSI across a single order to cover the full production cycle rather than relying on a single inspection point.

(For an overview of all inspection stages, check our full Product Inspection services page.)

Frequently Asked Questions

#1 Is DPI the same as a Pre-Shipment Inspection?

No. A Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is performed when the order is 100% complete and at least 80% packed – it’s a final check before goods ship. DPI is performed earlier, at 30-50% completion, specifically so that any issues found can still be corrected in the remaining production run. Many importers use both: DPI to catch problems early, PSI to confirm the finished shipment.

#2 What happens if defects are found during a DPI?

Our inspector documents the defects with photos and data, and our quality engineer provides recommended corrective actions. You decide whether to have the factory correct the issue immediately, adjust the remaining production run, or proceed with a follow-up inspection once corrections are made.

#3 Do I need both a PPI and a DPI?

Not always – it depends on the risk profile of your order. For new suppliers, complex products, or products with a history of quality issues, we generally recommend both. For established suppliers with a strong track record, a single DPI or PSI may be sufficient. We can help you decide the right combination based on your specific order.

#4 How is the sample size determined for a DPI?

Sample size follows the AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit) standard – ANSI/ASQC Z1.4-2003 (ISO 2859-1) – based on your total order quantity and chosen inspection level, unless you specify an alternative sampling method.

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During Production Inspection (DPI)

What is During Production Inspection (DPI or DUPRO Inspection)

Highlights of During Production Inspection

What’s Included in the During Production Inspection Report?

Why 30-50% Completion Is the Right Window?

Why Do You Need A During Production Inspection?

How DPI Fits Into Your Overall Quality Control Plan?

Frequently Asked Questions

Look Our Quality Hub and Enjoy it

Request a Quote

Download Sample Reports

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