Pre-qualification:
- Supplier audits: Conducting on-site audits to assess the supplier’s facilities, equipment, production processes, quality management systems, and social compliance practices.
- Documentation review: Requesting and reviewing relevant documentation like certifications, test reports, and production procedures.
- Supplier references: Checking references from other companies who have worked with the supplier.
During production:
- In-line inspections: Conducting inspections at various stages of production to identify and address potential quality issues early on.
- First Article Inspection (FAI): Inspecting the first batch of production to ensure it meets specifications before mass production begins.
- Random inspections: Conducting random inspections throughout production to ensure consistency and quality.
Final inspection:
- Pre-shipment inspection (PSI): Performing a final inspection of the finished goods before shipment to ensure they meet all agreed-upon quality standards.
Additional measures:
- Laboratory testing: Testing products in independent labs to ensure they comply with relevant safety and quality standards.
- Quality agreements: Establishing clear quality agreements with suppliers that outline expectations and consequences for non-compliance.
- Continuous improvement: Regularly reviewing and improving quality control procedures based on data and feedback.
It’s important to note that the specific quality control measures used will vary depending on the product, industry, and risk level.