Ask three testing houses and you might get 3 different lists of applicable tests since each one interprets regulations in its own way.
FAQ Category: Quality assurance solutions
Are you responsible for the quality of the production?
If you only engage us for quality assurance services, no. Some people have a misconception and think they can pay for an inspection and use that contract as an insurance policy. In reality, we only help reduce your risks by assuring quality (and it takes much more than just doing inspections – please look at our other QA services).
If you want us to be responsible for your production, we need to work at another level, and it is driven by our Supply Chain Management department.
Can we count just 1 man-day for 1 shipment?
Yes, sure, as we usually do random inspections. But, in some cases (complicated products, high quantity, many SKUs), we’ll have to reduce the proportion of samples taken, as well as the scope of the inspection work, so much that it may no longer make sense.
We are happy to provide a quotation based on your product & order information, and based on what is important to your company.
Where can I find out more about Sofeast’s quality consulting? Sofeast
Sofeast quality engineers and technicians build robust quality processes and preventatively reduce your quality risks.
Follow this link to explore quality consulting, and learn more about what it includes, the cost, and how long it takes.
Category:Quality Consulting
What is a Quality Assurance program and why do we need one?
If you work with us on a manufacturing project we commonly provide a customized Quality Assurance program for you covering all of the QA/QC activities that fit your project’s needs.
What is a QA program?
The program will vary from project to project as we understand that your product and needs are unique, but it is a plan that guides activities throughout the manufacturing project in order to reduce risks that could lead to poor quality and will, roughly, include the following sections:
- Defining product requirements
- Planning for compliance, quality, safety, and reliability
- Monitoring during production
- Process improvement
Why you need one…
By implementing a Quality Assurance program you will:
- Identify and reduce key risks.
- Implement preventive measures such as defining product specifications, clarifying your standard and explaining it to the factory staff, finding weaknesses in your product’s designs, documenting a process control plan, etc.
- Stop problems from recurring.
- Assure that your suppliers have a framework in order to maintain great quality.
To get a better understanding of what the QA program includes, take a look at an example on this page and get a quotation for yours if you like:
Category:Quality Consulting
What is quality consulting?
Sofeast quality engineers and technicians can help reduce your quality risks in a preventive manner. They put in place processes that are better controlled, resulting in more consistent quality products. The ultimate goal is to lower your costs and reduce unexpected delays.
Explore this solution further here.
Category:Quality Consulting
Where can I find out more about Sofeast’s factory audits?
Follow this link to explore the factory audits that we offer, and learn more about what they include, their cost, and how long they take.
Category:Factory Audits
Do you need to go on-site to audit my supplier?
No, it’s possible for us to conduct a remote audit for you.
Traditional audits where our auditor visits the factory are always recommended. However, a remote audit allows the auditor to obtain a lot of useful information about the supplier’s processes, systems, and capabilities for you (as well as things they’re not doing so well at), providing fast and convenient answers.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, factories and countries are increasingly limiting access for visitors, so remote audits using video calling, email, photos, and phone interviews are a good workaround and complement on-site audits well.
Category:Factory Audits
What types of factory audits do Sofeast offer?
Factory audits are one of our core solutions and we provide them throughout China, India, Vietnam, and SE Asia.
Here are the individual audits for your information. Hit the links to explore them and get a quotation if you like:
Category:Factory Audits
Can Sofeast provide a regular re-auditing program on my supplier/s?
Yes, we can!
However, re-auditing suppliers often only covers the same points repeatedly, but in our experience, we’ve found that this doesn’t always drive improvements in a supplier. Rather, it creates a mountain of paperwork to deal with and more/better excuses for the supplier.
A better approach is to perform a layered process audit on the quality systems and on the operational & support processes in a systematic monthly re-auditing cycle for a period of time where each audit focuses solely on one theme, in more depth. This is especially important for key suppliers with whom you want a long-term relationship.
By focusing on one process or system per month, the auditor maximizes the chance that your supplier can make meaningful improvements incrementally, rather than trying to handle multiple points (on top of their usual work) which can lead to exhaustion and failure.
Category:Factory Audits