In today’s world, most other manufacturers overlook the reliability and quality of products and services. While initially, quality control inspection in manufacturing wasn’t a big deal, the developed problem-solving processes and analysis frameworks help to determine and control consistency and value. It has made it easier for businesses to implement and scale best practices. 

What Is Quality Control Inspection?

Quality Inspections are procedures involved in checking, measuring, and testing product or service characteristics and comparing the results with the specific requirements if they conform to compliance. These procedures are executed by skilled personnel and Quality Control Inspectors. For efficiency in the inspection process to standardize quality, they use a special tool called a quality control checklist. It addresses both product requirements and inspection criteria as;

• • It helps to outline quality standards and product requirements the manufacturer is expected to meet.

• • It provides objective criteria for inspecting the product to meet the consumer’s expectations.

While importers make most inquiries on the clearest way to communicate their product specifications, QC inspectors evaluate orders before shipment. For this case, a practical quality control checklist is essential as it provides written guidelines on products’ contents, barcodes,  packaging, color, appearance, functions, possible defects, and special requirements. 

Although similar product inspection checklists generally have the exact inspection requirements,  each importer usually has its own set of restrictions for its product. For this reason, ensuring the QC checklist defines the quality standards and product specifications are essential. For effectiveness in this, here are crucial things QC impactors need to keep in mind;

Products Requirements

Most importers place all their emphasis on product requirements to be included in their quality control checklist. They spend more time specifying their requirements for the product, other than other aspects of working with their supplier. However, many inspections fail since the order doesn’t meet the importer’s product requirements. Most suppliers don’t meet standard requirements since they must understand them fully. That’s why QC inspectors use the QC checklist to clarify product requirements by addressing; Material and construction, Weight and dimensions, Markings and labeling, and Color requirements.

Packaging Requirements

Other than product requirements, experienced QC inspectors understand the need to clarify how the products should be packaged. Product packaging protects a product during transit, which is part of the product appearance and perception it brings to consumers. So, it’s essential to keep an eye on specifying packaging, especially in manufacturing high-end or fragile products. With precise packaging requirements ahead of production,  it becomes easy to prevent undue damage to the product while protecting your brand’s name and consumers.

On-Site Product Test

Some manufacturers overlook on-site product tests and checks in their Quality Control Checklist, especially for smaller companies without a dedicated QC  Inspector. Without a clear outline of the procedure for on-site tests and the related pass or fail criteria,  it becomes difficult for  QC staff to apply the right standard for the product. It will lead to inaccurate result reports and the need to re-inspect the product using the correct criteria.

Defect Classification

While a professional QC Inspector conducts product inspection, the primary factor always included in their report is any quality and quantity found in defects. A product passes or fails inspection concerning the frequency of such issues found, their severity, and the exporters’ tolerance of issues. QC inspectors should beware of common quality defects in products. However, other problems are experienced with the effect they have not seen before. The best approach to address these issues is to look for them during the pre-shipment inspection. 

Collaboration With Supplier And Importer 

If a supplier chooses to work with a QC inspector,  there’s an opportunity to collaborate on the proper inspection method beforehand. Professional QC Inspectors have the knowledge and experience that significantly contribute to the quality assurance procedure of the product. They should ensure collaboration to develop a checklist to avoid surprises during an inspection and present an accurate QC report. 

Conclusion

With these essential things Quality Control Inspectors need to keep in mind, it helps them uphold client loyalty and the brand’s reputation along with the ultimate objective to cut suppliers manufacturing costs and boost efficiency. It also gives suppliers and importers insight into how inspectors use inspection checklists.