If the quality Inspection is carried out while production in the factory is going on, then it will be known as an IPQC inspection, the full name is in-process quality Inspection. During this stage, the quality engineers are going to check the complete process of production by step, which includes:
The setting up of the process
Key components and materials used
Implantation of working instructions
Ensuring all parameters are checked during semi-finished as well as the finished products.
In case, there happen to be any follow-up issues during the pre-production inspection then it will also be implemented during the IPQC Inspection.
During this stage, the entire status of what non-conformance was noticed will be corrected. All the actual status of all non-conformance issues will be noted down and reported to the concerned department to take corrective actions for necessary improvement.
By performing such IPQC inspection, you will be able to identify any problem that must have arisen during the production stage, and you get a chance to correct it immediately so that, you can avoid any delays in clearing the product after the final inspection.
A typical example of an IPQC inspection
Let us take a simple example of this kind of IPQC Inspection procedure, while the axle of a car is getting manufactured.
During production, it is necessary to take certain measurement parameters so that it can be ensured that the length and diameter can properly fit into the wheel and also can connect properly to the bearing as well as the driveshaft.
If the operator at the lathe machine who is supposed to set the shape of the axel has not done it properly, then the shaft diameter will never fit into the wheel or may not connect to other parts of the car properly.
This axle shaft will then be installed just to understand whether it has been made with the wrong size and whether all the other products that have gone through the same process were insufficient.
All these types of mistakes can be avoided through IPQC inspection so that you can catch this diameter mismatch issue at the time when the shaft is getting completed, rather than during the installation.
It is very important to observe the manufacturing process continues as even the slightest variation could result in a faulty product.
These quality checks can be carried out at any point before the process is finished and after the input parts have arrived. To ensure alignment, these inspections verify the measurements of your machinery or equipment with those of the product specifications.
Types of IPQC inspection
What inspection procedure to be followed during your IPQC inspection will be at the discretion of the one who is going to manage the quality, however, typically three types of intervals are generally used for deciding when an in IPQC Inspection will be necessary. These are:
1. Time-based intervals
Inspected after every two hours to two days based on the type of product or the quality requirements.
2. Quantity-based intervals
The products will be checked after producing a certain quantity for example after every 10 units are produced.
3. Freely-defined intervals
Simply based on the intuition of the quality inspector, he can choose to inspect at any time during the production.
While manufacturing is still taking place, the aim of in-process quality inspections is to communicate any recommendations for improvement or remedial action. This makes it easier to spot issues as they happen and implement corrective measures rather than starting the procedure from scratch.
You can track, streamline, and assure the accuracy of the inspection process with the use of an automated in-process inspection system.
Implementing these in-process checks at various stages of the process can help prevent last-minute delays in shipment and save waste material before it becomes useless.
Why in-process quality checks in China are so important?
The quality control procedure in the manufacturing industry makes sure that the entire product is created in accordance with established specifications.
As a result, Western businesses that import items from China assess the Chinese manufacturer's capacity to produce things that meet their standards for quality.
Internal reviews of the product that the Chinese manufacturer runs at China at the production level are already there. Customers should, however, use a third party to perform their own personal inquiries.
The products are evaluated or examined for variations that can be fixed throughout these reviews. As a result, the items are problem-free. The objective of third-party quality control evaluations is to uncover flaws early on before it is too late or a problem develops.
Finding problems early on in the production process allows for inexpensive repairs instead of stating the problem when the production is finished.
It is great to experience no problems at all. You must choose a dependable provider and provide thorough and understandable specs. Discuss the permissible and unacceptable ranges of deviation. In the contract, you must mention this.
Issues will inevitably arise and may manifest at any time. The following two stages where IPQC inspection will be quite effective and ensure no faulty products reach end users.
1. During in-process checks
The inspection is carried out to find any departure from the product standards during manufacture or the in-process checks to make sure all the parts are uniform.
After 20% of production, it is carried out. Early detection of a problem and solutions helps to save waste and avoid costly delivery delays.
Because the first few pieces are typically not flawless specimens, the checks are not performed too early. After verifying these components, the processes are frequently modified.
2. During pre-shipment inspection
When performing a quality check, quality inspectors randomly select an item to inspect to see if the recommended improvement was followed. Additionally, the package and labelling quality are rigorously examined to determine whether the customer's demands are correctly printed.
Why hiring a Chinese sourcing agent can be useful?
China has an exclusive business culture. For outsiders who don't know their language, navigating through their complex corporate environment might be challenging. The most important factor is picking a reliable sourcing agent in China who can put you in touch with a perfect manufacturer.
1. They understand well about manufacturing supply chain
Due to the sourcing agent's familiarity with the manufacturing supply available in China, you receive a thorough overview of all potential suppliers needed for your project.
The sourcing agent is aware of the supplier's advantages and basic factory information. Many Chinese OEM manufacturers are either inactive or not visible online.
2. Can save time dealing with details
There are a lot of manufacturers on the web. It takes time to buy samples, screen, and negotiate costs with multiple manufacturers when seeking a trustworthy Chinese supplier on your own.
Following your search for the ideal manufacturer, further factors to take into account include:
MOQs
Inspections
Modifications
Freight
Forwarding
Customs
Final delivery.
Selecting the ideal manufacturer is a difficult task. Your business and prosperity could be at risk if you make a small mistake.
3. Can connect with a reliable manufacturer
Before settling on one, the sourcing agent will consider many manufacturers. The sourcing agent will serve as a translator because the Chinese supplier frequently struggles with English.
The source agent has a clear mind on how to find a manufacturer in China and able to provide the manufacturer’s information.
This makes it easier to prevent misunderstandings between you and the manufacturer from the beginning.
4. Can verify manufacturer’s credentials
Request the manufacturer's credentials prior to signing a contract or engaging in negotiations. Keep in mind that all of their documents will be in Mandarin.
Due to the possibility of receiving false documents, you must confirm their legitimacy.
Although translators are expensive, since the sourcing agency is working for you, they are aware of the original certificates and specifications that the manufacturer is required to meet by law.
As a result, there is far less likelihood of being duped.
5. Help during negotiations
Negotiations are essential, and the sourcing agent is skilled at getting the best possible price without sacrificing quality. Many believe that haggling with the manufacturer for lower pricing can compromise the quality of the product.
It is feasible because the output of low-quality balances out cost reductions. The sourcing agent effectively negotiates with Chinese suppliers since they are familiar with the language and the local regulations.
They are skilled at keeping all parties engaged on the same page so that the contract may be signed.
6. Smooth customs and shipping process
The agent makes sure that the order is carried out and completed in full agreement, that all required taxes and customs are paid, and that it is subsequently sent to the designated location. The likelihood of confiscation at customs is reduced.
Conclusion
Conducting IPQC inspection will enable you to minimize your risks of importing from China, save on your production costs, and reduce delivery times. A trustworthy sourcing agent can make a lot of difference in the quality of products that you are going to import from China.