QIMA product inspections ensure that your suppliers will deliver high-quality products.
Product Inspections
Product inspections are a vital component of a business’ quality control function.
A thorough, independent inspection allows a business to check that their product specifications and quality, functionality and performance requirements have been met. Ultimately, product inspections prevent defective products from reaching the end consumer.
Product inspections can be carried out at any stage of the production process. They are available from the initial production setup stage, right through to the pre-shipment and container loading stages.
In an ideal world, a business would carry out inspections at several stages of production. Even better would be to carry out production monitoring, where an inspector is onsite every day of production. However, due to budget constraints, many businesses will only carry out one inspection with the most common type of inspection being a pre-shipment inspection.
What happens in a product inspection?
During an inspection, a QIMA inspector will check completed products against a comprehensive checklist.
This checklist details exactly what an inspector should look for. In each inspection, this checklist is tailored according to the product in question and the needs of the client. However, checks are typically made of a product's:
- Specifications
- Dimensions
- Function
- Appearance
- Performance
- Workmanship
Packing and packaging is also typically checked and product-specific tests are usually carried out. Checks can also be made according to the stage of production that has been reached. For example, inspections carried out at the start of production will include checks of raw materials.
Off-the-shelf checklists are available that are designed to match particular products. However, where a business requires specific alternative checks, they can add to one of these checklists or create their own.
For all non-food product inspections, we use the internationally recognized ANSI / ASQ Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) statistical sampling procedure. This procedure ensures that the inspected products are a representative sample, not a sample that your supplier wants you to test. To determine the sample size and acceptance threshold, we use the acceptable quality limit (AQL) international standard.
What are the benefits of a product inspection?
- Ensure product quality at every production stage
- Check that your specifications are being adhered to
- Verify quality at the source and don’t pay for defective goods
- Avoid recalls and reputational damage
- Anticipate production and shipment delays
- Optimize your quality control budget
- Ensure that your products are safe for transit
How are inspection results provided?
Clients receive a detailed inspection report, delivered on the same day as the inspection and accessible in their online QIMA account. This report outlines the findings of the inspection, including photos of any defects found, and gives an overall pass/fail outcome.
QIMA expertise
QIMA provides independent quality control designed to protect your business interests. Our highly trained and experienced inspectors are product experts who receive regular training in their field of specialization.
QIMA inspectors can be onsite at your factory within 48 hours of booking, and reports are provided on the same day as the inspection.
Our inspections can be carried out on a huge range of types of consumer goods. This includes, but not limited to, apparel and footwear, toys, electronics and furniture, as well as fresh produce.
Take your quality management online
QIMA offers an intelligent online platform to help you seamlessly manage your quality control and global supply network.
You can easily book, cancel or reschedule inspections, make payments or download your inspection reports with just a few clicks. We also provide a customizable dashboard with all of your quality control data, so you can identify trends and make informed decisions in real-time.
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Further Reading
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With over 2,500 trained and qualified inspectors and auditors, we guarantee to be at any factory within 48 hours. We follow the strictest hiring standards, employing only university graduates, with a minimum requirement of five years experience in quality control and auditing. Each inspector and auditor is native to the area in which they work, with an unparalleled expertise in local business practices.
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