PSI is a key component in QC programs
by Helmut Maertin - QPI Ltd on Nov.03, 2011, under China QC Inspection Blog
A Pre Shipment Inspection (PSI) is a key component in any thorough QC program.
They should normally follow a predefined checklist, which details the specific elements that need to be inspected and the importance (minor, major or critical) of non conformance.
The PSI is normally conducted as Final Random Inspection (FRI) typically at a pre-determined AQL level that defines the percentage of the product checked, and acceptable level of non-conformance.
The PSI can be conducted as a full 100% inspection, though that can often be prohibitively expensive. Especially if conducted with a thorough check list. (As the checklist details the number of elements to be inspected, and thus influences the time needed.)
Where 100% inspection or some type of “in factory testing” is required it can sometimes be more effectively completed as DUPRO (During Production Inspection) with an independent inspector supervising testing conducted by the factory staff.
The FRI / PSI is very widely implemented and rightly so. Once the factory is paid and the goods are shipped there is often little or no (effective) recourse with the supplier.
It should only be relied on when the client is confident that the factory is reasonably honest, has a good grasp of and capability to produce what is required.
Some possible shortfalls with a Pre Shipment Inspections that many clients fail to consider are:
– It does not protect the clients deposit (in the case of an unscrupulous or unreliable factory) – supplier vetting is required
– It will not ensure goods are made to standard, specification or other requirements – testing, DUPRO etc is required
– There is a risk of switch out after the inspection (in the case of an unscrupulous factory) – container loading inspection.
In a procurement environment, the PSI will simply define the scale and scope of the problem and protect the client from paying full balance for, shipping and receiving deficient product.
…or worse, if the product is shipped direct from the factory to the manufacturers final client!
Typically if a problem is found during a Pre Shipment Inspection, there will be strong pressure to meet a shipment deadline. That pressure is normally similar for both the client and the factory.
The client normally has some delivery deadline, particularly if it is seasonal, sold to a major retailer, tied into a promotion, designed to sell with other products, etc, etc
The factory is keen to clear their warehouse space for other product, and get paid!
It invariably leads to complications, all of which can be mitigated through better product specification in conjunction with DUPRO inspections.
Please contact QPILtd for assistance in planning your QC program when placing your orders!
