Quality control in China has always been a complex conversation. However, whilst there have been some horror stories, the world’s factory has become consistent in product quality for consumer goods.
Whilst part of the consistency problem is due to quality management systems (QMS) within factories, it also depends on the controls you put in place. So how can you ensure that what comes off the production meets your expectation?
The sky is the limit regarding what processes you can put in place. They could range from simple QC inspections to a written quality program for manufacturers to follow.
Startup to scale-up – choose your quality strategy
For startup companies or small projects – a comprehensive supplier assessment on the factory QMS and inspections before shipment are a reasonable strategy.
But what happens when a company grows? At what point do you develop this startup quality plan?
Kinyu CEO Benjamin King thinks there are three key areas you need to review if you are scaling your company:
- Production quantity and value
- Brand value
- New product development
Production quantity and value
When your production volume increases, your sample size for inspections also increases. However, paying a third-party inspection firm a day rate can create a considerable cost when your production volume increases. As a result, you must review the annual cost of inspections against having your own in-house QC inspector. The reason? You could end up paying $70,000 to inspection firms when your team may have the skills for internal hiring.
Brand value
Brand value is incredibly critical. Although minor recurring issues may not necessarily render the goods unsellable, they can impact customer satisfaction. For example, if you have developed a loyal customer base and invested in your brand image, the odd defect, such as marks on packaging, can harm the value of your brand and, therefore, your company. If the issue persists, you need someone to investigate the process, to uncover where and why these problems are occurring.
New product development
Many companies start with off-the-shelf products with which the factory is already familiar. This cautious approach is because there is much more risk involved in designing a new product, especially regarding quality control.
What is the role of third-party inspection companies?
The clue is in the title – these companies are third parties, and they carry out inspections. This step is crucial in giving the buyer peace of mind. Further, third parties can be agile, cost-effective and cover all major areas in China.
But what happens when there is a recurring issue?
Inspection companies provide the report, and they point out the defects in the finished goods. What they do not do, is solve the problems. It is difficult to find a third party willing to investigate the issues, as they do not know the product as well as you do.
Therefore, you either rely on your supplier to rectify the issue or consider hiring someone in-house. Your personnel will conduct inspections, root cause analysis, discussion with the factory stakeholders, corrective action plans and continuous monitoring of the solution.
Combine innovative tech and the China Desk to build your quality function
One value-add from inspection companies is a detailed report. However, there are now innovative tech companies such as Qarma and Topo providing the software and apps so that your personnel can compile the information in real time. Such apps also record and analyse defect data to provide KPIs to factories and staff over time.
Additional services like the China Desk can be lifelines when building your in-house quality function with minimal investment in China.
The China Desk + quality software = In-house China Quality Function.
At Kinyu, we pride ourselves on helping our clients streamline their overseas processes! With our China Desk service, you can search, hire, manage and empower your staff in China. Our comprehensive offering will advise you on quality personnel, experience, and salary structure. The best part? You can combine these advisories with quality software tools, and, hey presto! You have your Quality team.
Come back soon for more detailed examples and articles on what Quality roles you can hire in China!
Follow-up articles:
The difference between QA and QC from a quality and HR perspective
Hiring in China – QC engineer/QC manager
Hiring in China – QA manager/QA engineer
