QualityInspection.org

In Linkedin, Al smith, a retired quality director who spent most of his career in tyre manufacturing companies, wrote about it and suggested 8 great manufacturing KPIs that show if a quality system is doing a good job. I liked his list so much, I reproduced it below, and I added my own comments.

AQL now stands for “Acceptance Quality Limit”. Today, acceptance sampling inspections based on that approach are used on too many products to mention: clothing, electronics, toys, homeware, you name it… And some say that this approach is outdated and less helpful for today’s manufacturers. But if that’s so, why is the AQL system still so widespread?

If you purchase goods from outside companies, and if you need to ensure that your products are of high quality, reliability, and safety, you need to focus on supplier quality management. This takes different forms for different companies, of course. Let’s take two examples: - Companies like Apple spend a lot of resources to qualify the right manufacturers, to ensure new products are developed with a low risk of issues, to monitor productions, etc. - In contrast, a buyer of gift & premium giveaways will only do a quick check (such as “does the logo look good?” and hopefully also “does the product comply?”). Despite the vast differences between companies, and based on my 15+ years of experience on this topic, the general approach tends to be the same when managing regular, key suppliers that are seen somewhat as partners in the business.

Thanks for reading our blog posts this year, sending best wishes and happy holidays! We hope you enjoy your holiday break and we'll be back with more great content in 2025.

Let’s explore a fascinating yet often under-appreciated and underused metal manufacturing method: Metal Injection Molding, or MIM. It’s time to shed some light on this innovative process and highlight its potential as part of your production arsenal for manufacturing metal parts.

A T/T payment is a common way to pay Chinese suppliers, but what is this payment type, how to make one, and what FAQs do importers have about the process? In addition, when you’re ready to pay a supplier, what kinds of payment terms might you negotiate with them?

Let’s explore a product development framework that could change how businesses approach product development: the evolution from Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) to SLC Products (Simple, Lovable, and Complete). Why should you care? Because understanding these concepts can help you balance speed-to-market with customer satisfaction.

The vast majority of Chinese manufacturers routinely subcontract some orders. The problem is, they usually do it without disclosing the reality to their customer. You don't want that to be you! Here are some tips to help you avoid this fate.

Sourcing new suppliers in Asia to outsource your product development and/or manufacturing to is a very common activity for many businesses. But for buyers who are new to sourcing from Asia, the process can be worrying. Are you able to find a supplier that is suited to your needs and can deliver on their promises? Are they a scammer waiting to trap you? These, and more questions, may be on your minds. So, with these concerns in mind, I’ve created a new video that new buyers in particular will find helpful because it outlines 4 of the key risks you face when sourcing new manufacturers in Asia (and elsewhere, too). I also share my tips on how to reduce or avoid these risks as well.

Having trawled recent news articles, we discuss the evolving trade policies for President-elect Trump’s anticipated second term. The episode unpacks the implications of renewed tariffs, explores the geopolitical consequences, and assesses the impact on businesses and consumers alike. Key topics include the legacy of Trump’s first-term tariffs, the Biden administration’s approach, and predictions for the global trade landscape. The discussion also reflects on historical data, political motivations, and the broader economic strategies shaping international relations.