Define the buying decision first, then agree the scope, evidence and conditions for the work.
Product inspection checks quantity, workmanship, dimensions, function, packaging and marking at agreed stages before, during or after production, and at loading.
Factory audits examine whether quality systems, capacity, social responsibility, environmental controls or supply-chain security operate in practice within the agreed scope.
Inspection examines a specific lot or production stage. An audit examines evidence about how a supplier’s production and management processes operate. Start with the decision you need to make: release this lot, or assess a factory before placing an order.
A supplier may need both. An audit does not replace inspection of the goods in a particular order.
For a new product, new supplier or a process with significant early risks, pre-production or during-production checks can help identify problems earlier. A pre-shipment check describes the ready goods within its agreed scope; loading supervision addresses the actual loading stage.
Share the production and packing status, available quantity and intended shipment date before booking. Confirm the site conditions for the selected scope and discuss a change of scope or date if they will not be met.
Provide the PO or PI, models and quantities, specifications or drawings, a BOM where relevant, packaging and label/barcode files, an approved sample or reference photos, and any buyer-specific requirements. State which revision governs acceptance.
Include the factory address, site contact, preferred inspection date and current readiness. Acceptance limits should be agreed before the inspector arrives.
Turn requirements into checks: measurement points and tolerances, functional test methods, pack contents, label revisions and defect classes. If sampling will be used, agree the sampling plan and defect decision rules before execution.
Identify items that require checks of every unit separately. Sampling describes the inspected sample and agreed scope at that time; it does not guarantee every item or later production. Compliance tests or certification needs require separate scoping.
Read the order and model identifiers, available quantity, readiness, sample scope, governing specification revision and site limitations first. Check whether key measurements and functions are supported by methods, samples, data and photographs.
Match each significant finding to its description, count, class and evidence. List unresolved items before shipment release; the buyer decides whether to accept, correct or reinspect based on risk and agreed requirements.
Supply the factory profile and business records, organisation and headcount, quality procedures, equipment and capacity records, plus your audit checklist if available. Confirm whether the objective is quality systems, capacity, social responsibility or another agreed area.
Interviews, a site tour and sampled records help test whether controls operate. A certificate or equipment list alone does not establish effective operation or capacity for your order.
Each finding should be traceable to an observed fact, an applicable requirement and supporting evidence. Ask the factory to identify the owner, cause, corrective action, completion target and verification evidence.
A submitted action plan is different from a verified completion. A revisit or additional checks should be agreed according to the risk and scope.
Share the product or audit scope, factory location, lot size and model mix, readiness, requested date and delivery requirements. TTSQC can then confirm the executable scope, fee and scheduling conditions for the project.
Prices, report delivery timing and availability on a specific date require project confirmation. A complete request helps reduce repeated information requests.
TTSQC (Testing Technology Service Ltd.) provides product inspection and factory audit services. Send your project information to service@tts-global.net.