If you run, own or manage a business, you know how vital selling quality products is to business success. You want your customers to get products that meet or exceed their expectations and satisfy their needs. Here’s where quality inspection comes in.
What is quality inspection?
Simply put, quality inspection is a procedure or set of procedures that involve checking the various characteristics of a product and testing it to ensure it meets pre-specified standards. Usually, a product is examined and measured, and the results are compared with the specified requirements to establish whether conformity is achieved for every attribute.
During the process, an inspector keenly follows a pre-established checklist based on the specifications of a particular product. Quality inspection can be performed on semi-finished goods, the components used for production and finished goods before shipment to the consumer.
It’s advisable to outsource quality inspection to a third-party inspection company to save time, money and effort. Besides, by outsourcing, you get expert services from a company that specializes in product inspection.
Types of quality inspection
Generally, all quality inspection services can’t be adapted to the same situation, but the four common types of quality inspection include:
1. Pre-production inspection (PPI)
PPI helps to assess the quality and quantity of the raw materials and components and if they conform to pre-specified product specifications. It’s conducted before the production process starts and is beneficial to the businesses that work with various suppliers, want a new supplier, or have a large project with critical delivery dates.
It aims to eliminate mistrust between you and the supplier, ensuring no one cuts corners.
2. During production inspection (DUPRO)
DUPRO is vital in the manufacturing process as it gives you an idea of the product quality early in the production cycle. This way, you’re able to take corrective measures and re-work products before continuing with production.
Normally, DUPRO is conducted when a few finished products come out of the line.
3. Pre-shipment inspection (PSI)
Pre-shipment inspection checks the quality of products before they’re shipped to ensure production complies with the set product specifications. It’s usually carried out when 80% of the products are packed for shipping by selecting random samples for inspection.
4. Container loading inspections
Container loading inspections are rarely used, but they can be a worthwhile option in some instances. For example, if you have packaging that’s not conventional or is fragile, container loading inspections come in handy to ensure your loading plan is respected and followed.
An inspector supervises the entire loading and unloading process, ensuring your products are handled with professionalism and care to guarantee safe arrival.
Quality inspection for your business
Most businesses use one or two of the mentioned quality inspection types, but you may need all four if you’re managing a sensitive project. However, it’s essential to note that an inspector might choose different approaches depending on the specs of your product and your industry.
It’s vital to work with an experienced product inspection company like GIM for a smooth and seamless quality inspection process. Contact us today for all your inspection needs.