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HOW MUCH DO QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTORS MAKE?

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According to data from  Salary.com, quality control inspectors make an average of $19 per hour. On an annualized basis, that translates to compensation of $46,043 as of fall 2021.

Going into more detail, approximately 10 per cent of quality control inspectors make less than $36,419 per year, and around 10 per cent make more than $56,909 per year. Fifty per cent make between $41,006 and $51,730 per year.

What does a quality control inspector do?

Quality control inspectors examine materials and products for problems and issues. Generally, they work in the manufacturing sector close to production lines, but can be found throughout the supply chain.

Most quality control inspectors work full time during regular business hours. In some circumstances, their employers may require them to do overtime, particularly during periods of high demand or to meet deadlines.

Quality control inspectors require a high school diploma. Some also receive on-the-job training, which lasts from a month up to a year.

What factors determine how much a quality control inspector gets paid?

As you might expect, multiple factors determine the level of compensation that a quality control inspector receives. These include education (those with more qualifications can earn more), the number of years spent in the profession, and certifications.

Pay can also depend on the type of quality control tasks that the inspector performs.

Entry-level quality control inspectors, for instance, may perform tasks such as inspection of materials, products, and parts of different stages of production. Following their observations, they recommend changes or process improvements. However, usually, they do not perform any difficult or rigorous analysis.

Generally, these individuals require a high school education or diploma, not advanced qualifications. They usually require 12 months or less of work experience. For that reason, pay may fall around $35,000 per year.

More senior quality control inspectors have the certifications, qualifications, and skills necessary to perform both checks and tests of manufacturing processes. They may compile data, analyze it and create records of production process observations. They may also make recommendations for improving processes. Quality control inspectors at this level earn between $55,000 and $60,000 per year.

The level of compensation also varies considerably by state. Quality control inspectors operating in New England states, such as Maryland, may earn as much as $62,000 per year, while those working in Arkansas may only earn $40,000 per year.

How much do quality control inspectors make compared to similar careers?

Quality control inspectors tend to earn slightly less than comparable careers, such as sheet metal workers, riggers, mining machine operators, and oil and gas rotary drill operators. However, they earn more than standard machinists, pump operators, fallers, and chemical technicians.

What is the job outlook for quality control inspectors?

The job outlook for quality control inspectors is projected to worsen over the coming years. The BLS predicts that employment will fall by 12 percent before 2030. However, it says that unemployment is unlikely. New quality control inspectors will be required to replace those lost to retirement.

Get quality control inspection services

inspectors with quality control checklists play a vital role in ensuring product quality across a variety of industries. Therefore, their work is essential.

If you’d like to benefit from what they do, including improving customer satisfaction and compliance, use Global Inspection Managing quality control services, today. Either call our regional offices or contact us using the form on our website.

WHY IS QUALITY CONTROL IMPORTANT?

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Quality is an essential factor when it comes to any product or service. It’s the market differentiator between reliable and durable products/services and mediocre items. That’s where quality control comes in.

What is quality control?

Quality control is a process through which businesses seek to ensure product quality is maintained and improved at all stages. Usually, it involves testing units and determining if they’re within the specifications of the final product. However, the techniques used vary depending on the product or the industry.

All in all, quality control aims to check the quality of a product, ensuring faulty or damaged products don’t end up with customers. With the competitive nature of business, quality control is vital to building a successful company that delivers products that meet or exceed customer expectations.

Why is quality control important?

Although the primary goal of a quality control inspector is to check the quality of products and determine any needs for corrective actions in the manufacturing process, it offers more benefits than that. This includes:

1. Consumer satisfaction

Consistent quality products are a great way of maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. This is because your business can meet its customers’ demands by selling items that are up to par. Additionally, quality control limits errors and defects, guaranteeing consumers get products that satisfy their needs.

2. Higher profits

Today, consumers are willing to pay more money for good, safe quality products as they know they’re getting value for their money. So, when your business invests in quality control, it increases its profit margins by selling durable items at a higher/competitive price to more customers.

On the other hand, consumers are more likely to do repeat business with you and recommend your products to their friends, family and co-workers, increasing your sales.

3. Safe quality

Safe quality is a no-brainer when it comes to certain businesses, particularly those in the food industry. The last thing you want is to sell food items that get your customers sick. Luckily, a simple quality control system can ensure the health and safety of all your food products, ensuring clients get better items.

This not only eliminates distrust within and outside the business but also reduces fears about safety risks.

4. Reduced production costs

When done well, quality control ensures better operations and maintenance of equipment and facilities, reducing downtime and losses. It also minimizes waste and ensures your business operates at a high level of productivity for maximum profit.

Quality control further checks the production of inferior and defective products, which significantly brings down the cost of production. Similarly, it allows your business to maximise the use of available resources to reduce inefficiencies of any kind.

Bottom line

No business should neglect quality control, regardless of its size. It goes a long way in ensuring business growth, development and sustainability and gives your company an edge over its competitors.

If you’re looking to invest in quality control, get in touch with us today. We’re an innovative company that offers quality control and product inspection services to businesses in various industries.

WHAT IS A THIRD-PARTY INSPECTION?

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If you outsource manufacturing to a domestic partner or import goods from overseas, you must ascertain that your products meet all legal requirements, specifications and consumer expectations. Unfortunately, doing this when you’re not physically present at the factory or when your supplier is halfway across the world is challenging.

That’s where third inspection companies come in handy. Keep reading to learn more about third-party inspections and why they’re vital.

What is a third-party inspection?

A third-party inspection is the assessment or evaluation of your products for quality control by an independent third-party inspection company. Basically, this means neither you nor the factory assesses the goods. Instead, you hire someone else, a third-party company like Global Inspection Managing, to conduct it.

A third-party inspection works to validate that the manufacturing processes used meet international standards in terms of quality, corporate social responsibility and environmental management. It also aims to ensure your set standards and requirements are met as manufacturers are known to cut corners to save on production costs.

Why conduct third-party inspections?

Although product quality inspections can be carried out by either you, the manufacturer or third-party inspection service, it’s wise to let the latter conduct it. Why?

First, you as the buyer may face certain limitations that are not worth the costs involved. For example, if your manufacturer is not near you, you’ll have to travel regularly for product inspections as one is never enough.

Second, you may not have the qualifications required to carry out an efficient assessment of your products and can easily miss out on some defects that affect the overall quality of your products.

Similarly, you should never let your manufacturer conduct your product inspection. Their interests may not fully align with yours, and they can easily sway your product requirements to meet their production costs.

On the other hand, third-party inspection companies are fully trained and certified to carry out quality inspections. Therefore, hiring one is your best bet at maintaining product quality and minimizing defects.

Benefits of third party inspection

Your business can significantly benefit from third party inspections in many ways, including:

1. Impartial inspections

Third-party inspection companies are in no way affiliated with your company or the manufacturer. Hence, they provide an impartial, independent and factual report, ensuring you get an accurate picture of your products and their quality.

2. Cost-effective

Most businesses assume hiring a third-party inspection provider is costly when it’s not. In fact, you’re more likely to spend more money when you or the factory inspects the goods as you’re vulnerable to defects, errors and other costly mistakes.

Third-party inspection companies can help lower the costs by getting the job done right the first time and allowing you to identify problems earlier on in the production chain.

3. Qualified inspectors

Third-party inspection companies have quality control inspectors with the right training, experience and qualifications required for quality control and product inspections. They can finish the inspection within a set period and can work efficiently.

Save production costs and avoid litigation today by hiring a third-party inspection company.

7 IMPORTANT STEPS IN A PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION PROCEDURE

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Defining PSI Inspection

Pre-Shipment Inspection or PSI inspection is when the manufactured products are selected randomly from batches and are inspected systematically. This pre-shipment testing is usually done when the production is 100% complete and 80% packed.

PSI Inspection is a mandatory and effective tool to ensure that acceptable quality level standards and specific customer requirements are adhered to. Such product inspections are often done by a pre-shipment inspector who tests the products and makes a final report based on the pre-shipment inspection checklist.

Key Objectives of Pre-Shipment Inspection Procedure

  • To determine product defect types and get an idea of the percentage of products that may have these issues.
  • To ensure that the product meets the set quality requirements.
  •  To check if the working of the product is up to the mark.
  • As a means of final check of the shipping labels, the packing and other product information.

This inspection process was introduced in 1994 as part of an official agreement to improve international trade standards under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). It was later replaced by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The “Agreement on Pre-Shipment Inspection,” details the principles that should always be applied to the inspections–non-discrimination, price verification and protection of confidentiality to name a few.

7 Steps of the Inspection Process

Step 1 – Onsite Inspection

Onsite inspections, as the name suggests, are inspections that are carried out ‘onsite or at the factory premises.  But, when restricted or regulated toxic chemicals or dyes are involved, the pre-shipment inspectors can request that lab testing be done for these products offsite in other facilities equipped for handling the chemicals.

Global businesses are always at risk of quality issues that could arise from manufacturing defects. Such errors can be detected before the shipment during a comprehensive onsite inspection where the inspector is required to visit the manufacturer onsite at the warehouse or production house. During this step, the inspector will use statistical sampling methods to select a sample for checking, and this particular number will also be noted in the quality report.

Step 2 – Verification of Quantity

The second step of the pre-shipment testing is the verification of quantity to make sure that the number of boxes or items ready for shipment is correct. In this step, the inspectors count the cartons so that only the correct number of products and boxes are sent to the shipping destination. The inspectors will also ensure that correct packing materials are being used in all cartons to ensure safe transportation.

PSI inspections are a cost-effective method to reduce risks that could occur from compliance or delays. Checking and verifying the quantity in the pre-shipment stage can help save money, effort and resources that can happen if the right number of boxes or products agreed upon are not shipped. As this can be problematic for both the company as well as the customers.

Step 3 – Choose product samples

A detailed step by step inspection process is integral in several industries including manufacturing and retail to steer clear of expensive import risks, low-quality products reaching the customers, or even huge wastages from product recalls. The third step in the pre-shipment inspection procedure is the selection of product samples.

Internationally recognized statistical sampling methods are used to select the samples from the batches for quality inspection. The defects of any of the selected samples are then compared to an Acceptance Quality Limit before being rejected.

Step 4 – Workmanship verification

A product’s workmanship is like a stamp of quality or like a unique promise from the manufacturer as to how it is different from competitor products. The fourth step of the pre-shipment procedure is the verification of workmanship. The inspector in charge of the quality testing checks the product visually for any defects or issues in the overall workmanship.

The immediately visible defects seen in the randomly selected sample are then classified as minor, major, or critical when compared to predetermined acceptable tolerance levels. These predefined levels are decided by the manufacturer and supplier in the product development stage. Overlooking workmanship issues can be damaging to the company or manufacturer’s reputation in the long run.

Step 5 – Function, Mechanical & Electrical Safety Testing

The fifth step of the PSI inspection involves the conformity verification of the products. The product’s functionality is tested to ensure that there aren’t any functional defects. Physical tests can be performed on the products to determine their strength. Some products may require detailed electrical and mechanical safety testing as well.

Mechanical safety tests are necessary for products with moving parts as these can cause potential harm to the users if not tested properly. The critical parts of the products like screws or hinges are checked in this step. Electrical safety tests are done on electronic products to ensure that the widely accepted safety regulations are adhered to. High voltage tests, leakage current tests, insulation resistance tests, or ground continuity tests are some such tests.

Step 6 – Labelling Phase

In the sixth step of the pre-shipment inspection procedure, the quality control inspector does a quality check of the product labels. This is done to ensure that the sizes specified correspond with the product dimensions and the labels. In the case of electrical or electronic products, there are some country-specific labeling and markings that need to be strictly followed.

UL Certification Mark, CE Marking (USA), VDE (Germany), CSA (Canada), BSI (UK), or the CCC Mark (China) are some such country-specific markings used. Thorough verification of the labels make sure that duplicate or fraudulent products don’t get to the hands or the customers.

Step 7 – Final Inspection Reporting

The last and 7th step of the inspection process is the final inspection reporting. Once the quality testing is done a report is drawn up with an overview of the findings, the inspection details along with the quality pass or fail result. Certain pre-shipment reports will include images of the inspection points, so the defects seen are recorded. The inspection report is then sent to the clients so further steps can be taken to rectify the errors or initiate product recalls in serious cases.

All members involved in the supply chain from the suppliers and importers to sellers are responsible for maintaining product quality and ensuring customer satisfaction. PSI Inspections are an important tool especially for importers or manufacturers to protect their investments. Some well-established third-party inspection companies like Global Inspection Managing can also handle this important pre-shipment function for you before your products leave the factory.

WHAT IS ISO 13485 CERTIFICATION?

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In today’s world, medical device manufacturers and suppliers face increasing pressure to ensure the safety and efficacy of their products. This is where ISO 13485 certification comes in. 

ISO 13485 is an international standard that defines the requirements for a quality management system (QMS) for medical devices. The standard ensures that these devices meet regulatory requirements and are safe and effective for their intended use, covering design, development, production, and distribution.

Why is ISO 13485 Certification Important?

ISO 13485 certification is crucial for medical device manufacturers and suppliers, providing a framework to meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate compliance. It is recognised globally and can help companies access international markets, establishing a competitive edge by demonstrating their commitment to quality and safety.

The certification also offers benefits to stakeholders. Patients can be assured that their medical devices meet rigorous quality and safety standards, and healthcare providers can have confidence, ensuring better patient outcomes. Additionally, regulators can use ISO 13485 certification as evidence of compliance with their regulations.

5 Key Elements of ISO 13485

There are five key elements that provide a framework for the quality control inspection for ISO 13485 medical devices. These include:

Management responsibility: This element covers top management’s responsibilities in ensuring the QMS is established, implemented, and maintained. It includes defining the QMS’s scope, appointing a management representative, and providing the necessary resources for the QMS.

Resource management: It covers the management of resources, including personnel, infrastructure, and the work environment, necessary for the QMS.

Product realisation: It encompasses design, development, production, and distribution. It includes planning, purchasing, quality control, and addressing non-conforming products.

Measurement, analysis, and improvement: This covers the processes involved in monitoring and measuring the QMS’s performance, analysing the data collected, and making improvements as necessary. It includes processes for internal supplier audits, corrective and preventive actions, and continual improvement.

Regulatory requirements: This dictates the regulatory requirements that medical device manufacturers and suppliers must comply with. It includes procedures for identifying and interpreting regulatory requirements, lab testing, establishing and maintaining compliance, and maintaining records.

Clauses of ISO 13485

The QMS framework comprises eight ISO 13485 clauses that provide detailed guidelines. These include:

Scope: This clause defines the scope of the ISO 13485 standard and establishes the requirements for companies to implement a QMS specifically for medical devices. It outlines a clear framework for companies in the industry to follow and ensures that all aspects of their operations align with the standard’s requirements. Companies can ensure that their products meet the highest standards for quality and safety, which is critical in the healthcare industry, by implementing an ISO 13485-compliant QMS.

Normative references: The primary purpose of this clause is to provide a comprehensive list of the various standards and regulations. These references are crucial in ensuring that medical device manufacturing companies comply with relevant requirements and regulations. By adhering to these standards and regulations, companies can demonstrate their commitment to quality and compliance, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of their products.

Terms and definitions: The objective of this clause is to establish clear definitions for the specific terminology used throughout ISO 13485. By providing comprehensive definitions for key terms and phrases, this clause helps ensure that all stakeholders consistently understand the standard’s requirements and expectations. In addition, it helps to ensure understanding and clarity that could arise due to differences in interpretation or usage of terminology. Overall, this clause is vital in promoting transparency and consistency in the implementation.

General requirements: This clause provides a roadmap for building a robust and compliant QMS for the medical device industry. It outlines essential elements such as documentation, resource management, and product realisation required to meet ISO 13485 standards. By following this clause, companies can ensure their products meet regulatory ISO 13485 requirements and provide assurance to patients, healthcare providers, and regulatory bodies.

Management Responsibility: This clause establishes the role and responsibility of top management in ensuring that the QMS is effectively established, implemented, and maintained. It defines the management’s fundamental obligations to align the QMS with the organisation’s strategic goals, commitment to quality and ensure the necessary resources are available to meet those objectives.

Resource Management: This clause outlines the essential aspects of managing resources, including personnel, infrastructure, and the work environment, necessary for the QMS to operate effectively. It emphasises the need for identifying, acquiring, and maintaining resources to meet the requirements of the QMS.

Product Realisation: This clause covers the various processes involved in designing, developing, producing, and distributing medical devices. It includes the different stages, from concept development to final delivery, focusing on ensuring that the devices produced meet the necessary quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements.

Benefits of ISO 13485

The certification offers a range of benefits to medical device manufacturers and suppliers, patients, and other stakeholders. Some of these benefits include:

Better Quality: ISO 13485 certification shows a company’s commitment to quality and regulatory compliance, ensuring that the medical devices meet the highest safety and effectiveness standards. It assures customers that the company has implemented a robust quality management system, which increases customer loyalty, repeat business, and positive recommendations within the industry.

Enhanced Customer Confidence: ISO 13485 certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to quality and compliance with regulatory requirements. This provides customers with the assurance that the medical devices they are purchasing meet the highest standards for safety and effectiveness. Customers can trust that the company has implemented a robust quality management system to ensure the consistency and reliability of its products. This confidence can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business, as well as positive word-of-mouth recommendations to others in the industry.

Improved Efficiency: To obtain the certification, companies must implement effective quality management processes, including designing, developing, producing, installing, and servicing. This leads to improved efficiency, cost savings, profitability, and continual improvement by identifying and addressing inefficiencies in a timely fashion.

Increased Regulatory Compliance: ISO 13485 standard helps medical device manufacturers comply with regulations for product design, risk management, traceability, and documentation. By implementing an ISO 13485-compliant quality management system, companies can ensure regulatory compliance and product safety for patients.

Access to Global Markets: This certification sets a global standard for quality management in the medical device industry. Companies that adopt it demonstrate their commitment to meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring the safety of their products. Certification can open up new markets and growth opportunities, as some countries require ISO 13485 compliance for medical device sales.

Conclusion

ISO 13485 certification is an essential aspect of the medical device industry. It demonstrates a company’s commitment to quality and compliance with regulatory requirements, leading to increased customer confidence, improved efficiency, enhanced regulatory compliance, and access to global markets. By implementing an ISO 13485-compliant quality management system, companies can ensure the consistency and reliability of their products, which is critical in the healthcare industry. 


Pre-shipment inspection companies such as Global Inspection Managing can assist companies in the medical device industry in achieving the ISO 13485 certification by providing lab testing, quality inspection services, and product inspection services in compliance with the AQL standard. By partnering with a reputable inspection organisation, companies can improve their chances of obtaining certification and achieving success in the competitive global market.

A QUICK CHECKLIST FOR CONDUCTING FACTORY AUDIT IN INDIA

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The manufacturing sector is a significant contributor to the Indian economy. As the number of factories in India increases to meet the demand for products, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that these factories adhere to strict safety, ethical, and quality standards. A factory audit checklist is one such tool that can help in achieving this. 

What is a Factory Audit in India?

A factory audit is an inspection process that assesses a factory’s compliance with ethical, safety, and quality standards. The audit is conducted by a third-party auditor who is not associated with the factory and provides an unbiased view of the factory’s working conditions and practices.

There are different types of audits that can be conducted in India, depending on the specific needs and requirements of the factory. 

  • Social Compliance Audit: The primary objective of this audit is to evaluate the factory’s adherence to labour laws, health and safety regulations, and other social responsibility standards. It involves an assessment of the working conditions, wages, and working hours, as well as the factory’s policies regarding child labour and forced labour.
  • Environmental Audit: This audit aims to assess the factory’s ecological compliance by evaluating its adherence to regulations and standards. It includes an evaluation of the factory’s practices for managing waste, monitoring air and water pollution, and conserving energy.
  • Quality Audit: The main goal of this audit is to appraise the factory’s compliance with quality standards. This entails evaluating the effectiveness of the factory’s quality control procedures, product testing methods, and inspection processes.
  • Process Audit: This audit assesses the factory’s manufacturing processes and aims to identify areas for improvement. It includes evaluating the factory’s production line, equipment, and procedures.
  • RoHS Lab Testing: RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances, and RoHS lab testing is conducted to ensure that the factory’s products comply with the RoHS directive. This directive restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. It includes the analysis of the factory’s products for the presence of restricted substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.

Why Are Factory Audits Important in India?

Audits play a crucial role in India’s industrial landscape for several reasons. As a developing country, India recognizes the significance of upholding ethical and safety standards to prevent accidents and safeguard workers’ well-being. Conducting regular audits helps identify any shortcomings or non-compliance, enabling corrective measures to be implemented promptly. By ensuring adherence to regulations, audits contribute to a safer working environment and promote ethical practices in factories across the country.

Furthermore, India’s vast population translates to a high demand for products. Factory audits are instrumental in verifying that the goods produced meet stringent quality standards and are safe for consumers. By evaluating production processes, materials, and quality control measures, audits bolster consumer confidence in Indian products, both domestically and in the global market. In a highly competitive landscape, maintaining consistent quality standards through audits becomes pivotal for businesses to establish their reputation and effectively compete in the global marketplace.

General Checklist for Conducting Factory Audit

For an effective audit, it’s important to cover all necessary aspects of the factory’s operations. Here are some key elements of a factory audit checklist in India.

  • Factory Location and Surrounding Environment

The factory should be located in an area not prone to natural disasters like flooding or earthquakes. The surrounding environment should be clean and free from pollution. The location should also be accessible and well-connected to major transportation routes.

  • Factory Infrastructure and Building Safety

The factory building should be structurally sound and have adequate fire exits and firefighting equipment. The machinery and equipment should be well-maintained and free from any defects. The factory should also have proper lighting and ventilation systems, and the floors and walls should be clean and free from debris or obstructions.

  • Worker Health and Safety 

Factories should offer a safe working environment that does not impact worker safety. To achieve this it is essential to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, and masks to workers. A well-prepared factory should also have a first aid kit and a designated area to tend to medical emergencies.

  • Employment and Working Conditions

The factory should adhere to all the legal requirements related to employment, such as minimum wage, working hours, and overtime pay. The workers should have access to grievance redressal mechanisms, and child labour should not be employed. The factory should also train the workers on the proper use of equipment and machinery.

  • Quality Control and Production Processes

To ensure quality and adherence to standards, it is crucial for the factory to have a well-documented quality control process and follow good manufacturing practices. This includes establishing clear and defined production processes that meet the required quality standards. Additionally, the factory should implement a systematic approach for inspecting and testing products at various stages of production to ensure consistent quality output.

  • Environmental Compliance

The factory should comply with the waste management and disposal regulations. The factory should have a documented ecological policy and a process for monitoring and reducing environmental impact. The factory should also have a system for managing hazardous waste and recycling materials.

  • Supply Chain Management

The factory’s supply chain management process must be robust and include proper record-keeping for raw materials and finished products. It should also have an effective system for managing and monitoring suppliers to ensure the quality of the raw materials. Additionally, the raw materials used must meet the necessary quality standards.

Why Choose a Third-Party Quality Inspection Company for Conducting Factory Audits?

While conducting an audit, it is essential to ensure that factories choose third-party quality inspection services. There are several reasons why a third-party quality inspection company is better for conducting factory audits:

  • Unbiased Assessment

Third-party quality inspection companies provide unbiased assessments of the factory’s working conditions and practices. They are not affiliated with the factory, and their main objective is to assess the factory’s compliance with ethical, safety, and quality standards. This ensures that the audit is fair and accurate.

  • Expertise

Third-party quality inspection companies have the necessary expertise and experience in factory audits. They are familiar with the legal requirements and standards related to factory audits and can provide valuable insights into areas that need improvement. They also deeply understand the production processes and can identify potential risk areas.

  • Cost-effective

Hiring a third-party quality inspection company is often more cost-effective than conducting an audit in-house. The cost of hiring an auditor and providing training and equipment can be high, and it may not be feasible for smaller factories. Third-party inspection companies can provide their services at a reasonable cost, making it easier for factories to conduct audits regularly.

  • Consistency

Third-party quality inspection companies follow a standardized process for conducting factory audits, ensuring the audit is consistent across different factories. This allows for easier comparison and benchmarking of the factories’ compliance with standards and enables factories to identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Conducting factory audits in India ensures that factories comply with ethical, safety, and quality standards. It requires a comprehensive audit checklist covering various aspects of the factory’s operations. Hiring a third-party quality inspection company is the best option for conducting a fair, accurate, and consistent audit. 

When it comes to third-party quality inspection companies, Global Inspection Managing is the ideal choice for conducting factory audits in India. We have a team of highly skilled and experienced auditors who can prepare for factory audits in various sectors, including textile, leather, electronics, and more. Our team follows a comprehensive checklist that covers multiple aspects of the factory’s operations and provides customized solutions to address specific issues. Additionally, we use advanced technology and tools to ensure our audits are accurate and reliable. 

By adhering to norms for strict quality control in India, factories can contribute to the country’s economic growth while ensuring the safety and well-being of their workers and consumers.

WHAT IS DURING PRODUCTION INSPECTION (DUPRO)?

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In today’s fast-paced business world, maintaining impeccable product quality is not just a desirable trait; it’s a necessity. Consumers have come to expect nothing short of perfection, making it imperative for companies to adopt robust quality control measures. One such method that has proven to be highly effective is During Production Inspection (DUPRO). This proactive approach involves inspecting products at various stages of production, allowing businesses to detect and rectify any flaws or defects before the final shipment. In this blog, we will delve into the significance of DUPRO, explore its multifaceted benefits, outline the meticulous inspection process, and highlight the optimal scheduling strategies. Join us on this journey towards manufacturing excellence.

What is During Production Inspection?

DUPRO, a stalwart of quality assurance, is a meticulously planned and executed procedure. Its purpose extends far beyond mere defect identification; it encapsulates a holistic approach to quality control, enabling businesses to optimize their manufacturing processes and exceed customer expectations. Let’s explore the core elements that make DUPRO an indispensable tool in the pursuit of manufacturing excellence.

When Should DUPRO Be Conducted?

DUPRO inspections serve as the guardian angels of quality control, intervening at critical junctures in the production process. To extract maximum benefits from DUPRO, it is vital to schedule inspections strategically. Here are the key checkpoints where DUPRO inspections should be carried out:

  • Initial Production Phase: The early stages of production lay the foundation for the final product. By conducting initial production inspection, manufacturers can nip potential issues in the bud, ensuring a smooth trajectory for the rest of the manufacturing process.
  • Mid-Production Milestone: As production progresses, DUPRO inspections act as sentinels, safeguarding against the accumulation of defects. This mid-production checkpoint allows manufacturers to address any emerging issues promptly, preventing them from cascading into major problems.
  • Pre-Final Assembly: The final assembly is the culmination of the manufacturing process. Conducting DUPRO inspections just before this stage provides a last line of defense against any unforeseen flaws. It allows for meticulous fine-tuning, guaranteeing that the end product meets the highest quality standards.

Benefits of During Production Inspection

Embracing DUPRO empowers businesses to take control of their product quality throughout the manufacturing journey. Here are the transformative benefits that await those who embrace this proactive approach:

  • Early Intervention for Superior Quality: DUPRO enables the early detection of quality issues, giving manufacturers the opportunity to intervene swiftly. By identifying and addressing problems during production, businesses can ensure that the final product attains a level of excellence that delights customers and elevates brand reputation.

  • Mitigation of Costly Errors:

    Proactive quality control procedures reduce the risk of costly errors downstream. By catching and rectifying issues during production, manufacturers can prevent the accumulation of defects, minimize rework expenses, and avoid potential product recalls. This not only saves resources but also protects the bottom line.

  • Strengthened Supplier Accountability:

    Implementing DUPRO reinforces the principle of supplier accountability. By establishing clear quality control frameworks, businesses encourage suppliers to prioritize excellence. This collaboration fosters a culture of mutual trust and ensures consistent adherence to specified standards, laying the groundwork for long-lasting partnerships.

  • Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: 

    DUPRO inspections go beyond meeting minimum requirements; they aim for customer delight. By consistently delivering products of unparalleled quality, businesses cultivate strong customer loyalty and earn a reputation for excellence. Satisfied customers become brand advocates, driving growth and success.

The DPI Process

The success of DUPRO hinges on the expertise of a skilled quality control inspector and a well-structured inspection process. Here are the essential steps, led by the quality control inspector, to ensure a comprehensive evaluation:

  • Defining Inspection Criteria: Establish clear and detailed criteria that align with product specifications. These criteria encompass functional attributes, aesthetic appeal, safety regulations, and performance benchmarks. They provide the foundation for accurate assessments during inspections.
  • Determining Sample Size: Utilize statistical methods and industry standards to determine an appropriate sample size for inspection. This ensures that the selected samples are representative of the entire production batch while maintaining statistical significance.
  • On-Site Inspection: Engage a qualified and experienced inspection and quality control team to conduct on-site inspections. The team meticulously evaluates the selected samples, utilizing visual assessments and specialized equipment for functional and performance tests. Any deviations or non-conformities are documented promptly.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: A detailed inspection report is compiled, capturing all findings, non-conformities, and recommended corrective actions. This comprehensive document serves as a vital reference for manufacturers, enabling them to address issues promptly and make informed decisions.

When to Schedule DUPRO Inspection?

To maximize the effectiveness of DUPRO inspections, it is important to schedule them strategically. Key points to consider when determining the inspection schedule include:

  • Critical Production Stages: DUPRO inspections should be conducted during critical production stages where quality issues are likely to occur. This includes the initial production phase, mid-production, and prior to the final assembly. Inspecting at these stages helps identify and rectify issues before they propagate and become more difficult to address.
  • Timeframe: Manufacturers should allocate sufficient time for the DUPRO inspection to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the production batch. Rushing through the inspection may lead to overlooking critical issues, compromising the quality control process.
  • Frequency: The frequency of DUPRO inspections should be determined based on the production volume, complexity of the product, and supplier track record. Higher production volumes or complex products may require more frequent inspections to maintain quality control effectively.

Conclusion

When it comes to achieving excellence in During Production Inspection (DUPRO), you need a trusted partner by your side. That’s where Global Inspection Management (GIM) comes in. As a leading provider of comprehensive inspection management solutions, GIM is your ideal ally in streamlining and optimizing your DUPRO processes on a global scale.

During Production Inspection (DUPRO) is an essential quality control measure that plays a significant role in ensuring product quality throughout the manufacturing process. Businesses can proactively address quality issues, optimize production processes, and exceed customer expectations by conducting product inspections at critical stages. The benefits are far-reaching, encompassing enhanced product quality, cost reduction, supplier accountability, and elevated customer satisfaction.

By embracing DUPRO, companies demonstrate their unwavering commitment to delivering flawless products that resonate with their target audience. Let DUPRO be the cornerstone of your quality control and inspection framework, propelling your business towards unmatched success in the competitive marketplace.

Partnering with GIM means unlocking the full potential of DUPRO during a quality control process. Seamlessly coordinate inspections, foster supplier collaboration, streamline your workflow, gain data-driven insights, enjoy real-time visibility, establish standardization, and evaluate supplier performance—all with the support of GIM. Choose us as your trusted DUPRO partner and embark on a journey towards manufacturing excellence that elevates your product quality to new heights.

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AUDIT AND INSPECTION

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In today’s competitive business environment, quality management is of utmost importance for organizations to ensure that their products or services meet the highest standards. Audit and inspection are two essential processes that organizations use to assess their quality management practices and ensure compliance with predetermined standards. Although people often use these terms interchangeably, it is essential to note that these are distinct processes with significant differences in their nature, scope, outcomes, and complexity. This blog will explore the key differences between audit and quality control inspection to help organizations understand their unique characteristics and choose the right approach for their quality management needs.

What Does Audit Mean?

An audit is a systematic and independent examination of an organization’s financial records, internal controls, and operational processes to determine whether they comply with established policies, procedures, and regulations. Internal or external auditors, trained and certified, conduct audits to assess an organization’s financial and operational performance.

Audits typically involve a comprehensive review of an organization’s financial statements, accounting records, internal controls, and other relevant documents. Auditors collect evidence, conduct interviews, and perform analytical procedures to evaluate the financial information’s accuracy, completeness, and reliability. The objective of an audit is to provide an opinion on the fairness and reliability of an organization’s financial statements and to identify areas of improvement in internal controls and operational processes.

Audits can be classified into various types, such as financial audit, operational audit, compliance audit, and information technology audit, depending on the nature and scope of the audit. Organizations conduct ethical audits periodically, usually annually, to ensure compliance with legal requirements, internal policies, and industry regulations.

What is Quality Inspection?

On the other hand, quality inspection examines products or services to determine whether they meet the specified quality standards and requirements. They are typically conducted during different stages of the production process or before shipment to customers. Internal or external inspectors, who are trained and certified, perform inspections to assess the quality of products or services.

Service and product inspections involve checking the physical characteristics, functionality, performance, and other attributes against predetermined quality standards or specifications. Inspectors use various tools and techniques, such as visual inspection, measurement, testing, and sampling, to determine whether products or services meet the required quality criteria. The objective of an inspection is to identify defects, non-conformities, or discrepancies in products or services and take corrective actions to ensure that they meet the specified quality standards.

An inspection can be classified into different types, such as incoming inspection, in-process inspection, final inspection, and pre-shipment inspection methods, depending on when they are performed during production. Independent third-party inspection agencies can also conduct checks to provide unbiased assessments of the quality of products or services.

Key Differences between Audit and Inspection

Audit and inspection are not merely similar, but fundamentally distinct processes with crucial differences. While they both involve evaluating products or services, audit and inspection have unique characteristics that set them apart from each other. Let’s take a look at audit vs inspection.

Inspection is an action, while an audit is a process: Inspection is a focused action that involves evaluating products or services against established quality standards or specifications. It serves as a point-in-time assessment, aimed at identifying any defects or non-conformities in the products or services being evaluated.

On the other hand, an audit is a systematic process of evaluating an organization’s financial records, internal controls, and operational processes. It involves a comprehensive review of financial information, internal policies, and industry regulations over a period of time. Auditors collect evidence, conduct interviews, and perform analytical procedures to assess an organization’s financial and operational performance.

Inspection is qualitative, while an audit is quantitative: Inspection zeroes in on the physical characteristics, functionality, performance, and other vital attributes of products or services. It employs visual inspection, meticulous measurement, rigorous testing, and thoughtful sampling to determine whether they meet the required quality criteria. The outcome is usually qualitative, clearly indicating whether products or services pass or fail based on predetermined quality standards.

On the other hand, an audit focuses on financial records, internal controls, and operational processes of an organization, which are mostly quantitative. Auditors review financial statements, accounting records, and other financial data to assess financial information’s accuracy, completeness, and reliability. The outcome of an audit is typically quantitative, providing a detailed analysis of an organization’s financial and operational performance, identifying areas of improvement, and providing recommendations for corrective actions.

Inspection is like a glance, audit a deep dive: 

Inspection is a relatively straightforward process that involves checking products or services against predetermined quality standards or specifications. Trained inspectors typically carry out inspections by following predefined procedures and criteria. They may utilize various tools and techniques, such as visual inspection, measurement, testing, and sampling. However, the process is generally straightforward, clearly focusing on identifying defects or non-conformities.

On the other hand, auditing is a complex process that requires in-depth knowledge of financial and operational concepts, principles, and regulations. Auditors need to thoroughly understand an organization’s financial records, internal controls, and operational processes and use professional judgment to assess their effectiveness. Auditors may also need to perform extensive data analysis, conduct interviews, and review a large volume of documents, making the audit process more intricate and time-consuming compared to the inspection.

The audit gives recommendations, while the inspection creates action: Another difference is the outcomes. An audit typically results in a formal report that includes the auditor’s opinion on an organization’s financial statements and provides recommendations for improving internal controls and operational processes. The purpose of the recommendations is to assist organizations in identifying and addressing weaknesses or deficiencies in their financial and operational systems to improve their overall performance.

On the other hand, the outcome of an inspection is usually an action or decision regarding the quality of products or services based on predetermined standards. Products or services are considered acceptable and released for further processing or shipment if they pass the inspection. However, if products or services do not pass the inspection, they are considered non-conforming, and prompt corrective actions must be taken to address the identified defects.

Conclusion

Both factory audit and inspection play critical roles in ensuring quality management within an organization. They provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving processes, identifying non-conformities, and enhancing overall performance. Organizations must choose the right partner for audit and inspection to ensure that their quality management processes are robust, reliable, and effective.

Global Inspection Management (GIM) is a trusted audit and inspection service provider offering expertise, experience, comprehensive services, advanced tools and techniques, customized solutions, independent and unbiased assessments, timely and efficient services, and global coverage. With our professional audit and inspection services, you can strengthen your business’ quality management practices, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.

So, whether you need financial audits, operational audits, compliance audits, incoming inspections, in-process inspections, final inspections, pre-shipment inspections, or other quality management services, GIM can be your reliable partner in ensuring your organization meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

Choose GIM for your audit and inspection needs, and experience the benefits of professional, reliable, and comprehensive quality management services. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can support your organization’s audit and inspection requirements.

C&A SUPPLIER LIST IN CHINA

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C&A supplier list in china: Some imperatives for China’s manufacturers

C&A Supplier list

As labour price rise and decelerate development dampens the merit of China’s quickly rising supplier output to deliver steady productivity benefit, supplier there will require striving for global levels of direction superior. Energy capacity is a special chance for these companies (see “Seizing China’s energy- competence chance: A matter study”), but away from the just one. Companies expect to various themselves on the other side low-price labour as well as can target their try upstairs (to harness innovation and product-growth Endeavour) or downstream (to pet supply-chain insolubility) or both, depending on the features of a contest in their sectors.

1. Achieve manufacturing excellence

Lean and Six Sigma are not latest to China. Company managers in domestic and multinational firm alike have worked difficult to bring manufacturing-amazing tools and approaches to the realm’s shop floors. But for every many tries, vital capacity remains, primary because company managers in China often target on “difficult” technical equipment at the expenditure of “bland” ones involving mind-sets and Dealing. An immediate lanky-manufacturing change at one kingdom owned enterprise, for instance, fell less of its capacity goal when managers and head failed to complement the otherwise classic technical transformation with the essential bland skills—including leadership—that would have built the transformation stick.

2. Look upstream

For manufacture believing in innovation, the triple whammy of rising costs, complexity, and competitive pressure means that the old method of evolutive production in China now risk becoming liabilities. Staying emulative will need domestic firm and multinationals alike to change, begin with the mind-sets and behaviour that have pervaded production –growth activities in China.

The firm that sustains to base their manufacturing planning only on China’s rock-bottom salary and stratospheric domestic development rates are in for a vulgar awakening. Latest out dare will need latest emulative priorities.

China’s emergence as a supplier power plant has been astonishing. In seventh place, trailing Italy, as immediate as 1980, China not just overtook the United States in 2011 to become the world’s great manufacturer of supplier best but as well as used it is giant manufacturing engine to promotion living task by doubling the country’s GDP per person over the last ten. That accomplishment took the industrializing United Kingdom 150 years.

Today, however, China faces latest out dare as economic development slows, salary and other reason price rise, price chains become extra difficult, and extra complex and required. Moreover, numbers of pressures are rising repugnant the soil surface of an extra elemental macroeconomic tangibility: the nearly indispensable decadence in the relative role of the supplier in China as it gets affluent. Manufacturing development is soon than aggregate economic development, for instance, and evidence advice that the country is beforehand defeated certain latest factory investments to less -cost location, like as Vietnam, sparking anxiety regarding China’s manufacturing emulative.

Needless to say , working in this competitive era and finding the right supplier and performing a china company check is quite challenging. To fulfil the desire of end customers,  the maintenance of quality matters a lot. Asian sub-continent especially China and India has the potential for business, which becomes the core reason that business from different niche are eyeing on the elevated market of these two nations. China is the emperor of raw material and manufacturing goods. Hardly any country that can compete china in manufacturing sector and India is one of the most favoured nations to establish the business. One can see the booming industry of retail and ecommerce here.  The retail giant Walmart has recently acquired 77% shares in Indian Ecommerce Giant Flipkart. Do you know why Walmart has taken this step? Well, by overtaking the Flipkart, Walmart is now spreading its footprint in ecommerce marketing.

This big didn’t happen suddenly, it is obvious that Walmart has analyze the potential of Flipkart and observe that the suppliers and vendors attached to this ecommerce companies are consistent and revenue generator.

Moreover, every business has the rule to meet the expectations of end consumers. The quality and efficiency in manufacturing in raw material and production final goods for consumer is always needed.  A company or person, who is looking for supplier in Asia for his /their goods, will always consider the reputation and quality of the manufacturing unit. Is there any reason left to choose the inferior material or choosing unreliable suppliers. Don’t worry we are a transparent company and always concerned about our consumer, we never hesitate to disclose our trustworthy suppliers, so you can take a look on the list of suppliers that are working with us successfully and adopting elevated quality standards

Conclusion

Concluding all this, we move on the other side the advertisement expects and ecstatic hope for Chinese creation as an absolute, to benefit extra balanced images of this diversified sector.

C & A suppliers list in China :

Name Address Product  Category No of workers
AinaKids Baby Care Textile Co Ltd
Baode Ind Zone Dong Shili Chengdong Town Yongqiao District,234000,Suzhou City Anhui Province
Apparel Accessories
1 1000
Anhui Ehong Clothing Co Ltd
15 02,233300,Bengbu
Apparel
1 1000
Changshu Kailan Knitting CO Ltd
No8 Penhu RoadDongnan Industrial ZoneChangshuJiangsuChina,215500,Changshu Jiangsu
Apparel-Accessories
1-1000

WHAT IS QUALITY CONTROL IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY?

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Quality is an aspect that is important to every sector, but quality control in the food industry is especially crucial because of the impact it can have on the health and lives of millions. As per reports from The Business Research Company, the global food and beverages market is expected to grow to $7,942.08 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 5.8%.

Owing to the size of the industry, food safety and quality assurance are strictly regulated by industry guidelines and the law of food manufacture, distribution and sale.
Companies should adopt a holistic approach when it comes to quality. ISO 9001 is a well-known quality standard respected by companies and consumers across the globe. The laws in place help to a great extent in preventing health hazards and fraud to customers.
Selling adulterated, filthy or contaminated food is a criminal offense making it imperative for companies in the food sector to consistently maintain adequate quality standards.
People only buy from food companies that they perceive as good for themselves and their families. A single mistake in food safety and quality assurance can harm the reputation or brand image removing trust from the equation.

What is quality control in the food industry?

Food is something that can directly affect the health and well-being of people and so quality has to be ensured in every stage of production. The main goal of food quality control procedures in this industry is to make it fit for human consumption and to meet industry guidelines and customer needs.

Before we talk about the importance of food quality control, it is necessary to know the difference between quality control and quality assurance in this industry. Quality control is different in every sector and is highly dependent on the product.
In the case of food or beverages, quality control is to make sure that consumers do not fall sick from the products. For this samples are taken from the production line for performing different types of chemical or microbiological tests. Whereas quality assurance is what checks in detail if the product matches the labeling and if the correct processes are consistently used to make the products.

Importance of food quality control

Quality control in the food industry is a very dynamic and challenging aspect because the sector deals with sensitive products. Quality issues can lead to unhappy customers, profit losses, huge wastage and product recall as well. It is crucial for every food business to comply with important food quality control procedures and to never overlook food safety.
Apart from making sure that your consumers never fall ill from the intake of your food products, here are the other reasons that ascertain the importance of food quality control:

  • To help control and reduce production costs or even extra expenses arising from refunds, recalls, compensations or lawsuits.
  • To ensure that people trust your products and that your brand image is boosted.
  • To increase sales that can come from high demand and better brand reputation.
  • To improve production methods in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • To ensure all your employees are on the same page with regard to quality and their morale is enhanced.

How to ensure quality assurance for Food Industry?

In the food industry, the scope of quality assurance and food safety is much more extensive when compared to quality control. Quality assurance can involve a range of quality control activities like inspection, testing or monitoring of the products along with the additionalsteps required to steer clear of food safety hazards or serious quality issues.
Food quality should be ensured across all stages like development, production and distribution. For this, the procedures must be carefully planned and meticulously designed with an idea of the likely problems at every step of the process.

Food safety and quality assurance can be ensured using both reactive and proactive methods. Proactive or preventative quality control prevents production aberrations and can include inspection of machines or equipment, employee training on the quality standards, and regular maintenance of tools used in production. Proactive methods can help to improve
overall product quality and also foresee issues at early stages before they turn into costly mistakes.
Quality control in the food industry can also be done with reactive methods. Quality-related issues should be identified and acted upon quickly before long-term damage is done to the brand image. This can be made possible with regular audits, up-to-date customer feedback records and a system to track and correct defects. Having a detailed record of data pertaining to past issues can also be helpful for future improvements to production
methods.

Key food quality control procedures

Quality control in the food industry has a direct impact on customer satisfaction, company reputation and also on the company’s bottom line. Here are some of the basic food quality control procedures that are commonly used in the food industry:

Ingredient specifications –

The quality of the ingredients used is critical to making sure that the finished product meets quality standards. Check the purity, identity and moisture content of raw materials and the condition and place they are sourced from.

Approved supplier list –

The supplier list for raw materials with ingredient name, supplier name, address and code number should be regularly updated and reviewed.

Incoming goods inspection –

Inspect the raw materials visually and for moisture content and pH levels, when they arrive at the manufacturing facility to make sure all specifications are met.

Production formulation –

Maintain a detailed list of ingredients, ingredient code, percentage formula, batch yield and effective dates as references for future product development—also, necessary to ensure product consistency.

Manufacturing procedures –

In this procedure every detail of how the product is manufactured and how the ingredients need to be transported or stored is recorded.
The standard operating procedures should be followed exactly to avoid quality
issues.

In-process records –

In-process records aims to track every single production detail in real-time, so issues can be identified easily and the finished products can meet every specification required. Everything from weight, time, batch size, appearance, moisture level, etc. are recorded.

Conclusion

In the food industry, maintaining the highest standards of quality is crucial for companies to stay relevant and ahead of their competitors. Food manufacturing companies are always looking to improve their quality control practices with the latest technologies across their operations and supply chain. Implementing the right checks at an earlier stage can save a lot of time, money, effort and resources in the long run. Doing this can also help streamline your production processes on the whole.

Third-party inspection companies like Global Inspection Managing have a good
understanding of the importance of food quality control. We have got years of food inspection expertise under our belt, and are well-known for our efficient and detailed inspection service on a global scale. We offer specially-tailored food inspection services for fresh produce, seafood, meat & poultry and beverages.

For food inspection, we strictly adhere to the ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1), an international sampling process, and the rules set out by the World Health Organisation’s Food Code (also known as the Codex Alimentarius). Global Inspection Managing also offers rapid food analysis services and regular laboratory testing and certification contracts for foodstuffs at all stages of their life cycle.