When looking into factories, you may notice that some are listed as ODM and OEM. Both terms ODM and OEM classify factories that supply parts or final parts. But what do these mean and what is the difference? Continue reading
Jumping from inspection to inspection within a week, I can run into four superb productions in a row with a cooperative factory and end up on the fifth day with a scandal, like this one. But for the most part, factories are making utmost efforts to provide a decent service and to offer you a competitive price. Most of these efforts are for your benefit. Continue reading
AQF has found in 2012 that Production Monitoring (PM) services are more and more used as a tool for remote management with clients’ factories. PM Inspections have been designed for 3 categories of need:
The difference between a PM and a Pre-shipment inspection is that on a PM, an inspector comes from two angles. Not only do they focus on your goods and your order, but also on the basic organization of the factory. But how do you interpret the results of this service? Continue reading
If there is one thing in China that Westerners have trouble adapting to, it is the way in which people interact. Trust is built over a long period of time, and long-term friendships are eventually established. This is why, in order to manage your factory efficiently, you must employ regular communication. Continue reading
China has always had its hands on the global packaging market; however, for the most part, it has been considered a periphery industry for China. Nevertheless, the industry has grown over the years, and the Chinese packaging industry is about to change. Continue reading
You hope to establish a long-term relationship with your factories by visiting China, and your face to face efforts have started to pay off. Yet, once you leave China and return home, there are many ways to create an even better relationship. Chinese manufacturers face a variety of issues, such as lack of workers, inflation, increase in general expenses, competition and new legislation. Because of these new issues, Chinese manufacturers are beginning to seek increased attention and cooperation with their foreign clients. Yet, once you return home, how can you maintain this cooperation and make sure the factory effectively carries out the necessary quality requirements? Continue reading
All the lights seemed to be green. The highway of your sourcing was supposed to be straight, without any risks of congestion. And yet, your relationship with your factory cannot seem to get on a good side; Communication is not smooth and you’ve got some doubts about whether you and your factory are actually on the same page. It appears even more obvious as you’ve had disappointing results in your PSI/DPI/FAI, either based on the production status or through a high % of defects found. Continue reading
Episode 1 : Put the odds in your favour
Your supplier may well inform you that RoHS is a thing you don’t have to worry about. Well, bear in mind that as the importer you are the one legally responsible for any non-compliance of your imported goods. Continue reading
RoHS became a test of major significance in July 2006, when the European Union set up the regulation. RoHS is pretty easy to understand but having a clear mind that your products are all strictly complying with RoHS isn’t as easy as ABC. Failure of just one single component is enough to make your entire order not RoHS compliant, so make sure that RoHS is part of your inspection and testing regimen. Continue reading
This week has been special for the AQF operations team. We’re launching the first inspection training of 2012, an exceptional opportunity to share our experience and learn from each other, in a positive environment.
As inspections are at the heart of our qualification, we give to inspectors endless opportunities to grow their confidence and skills. Continue reading