Delays in shipment are not uncommon, but preventable nonetheless. There are several possible causes for shipment delays, including: Delays in shipment of raw materials or components to the assembly factory Factory equipment malfunction Human resource issues Logistics (freight forwarder) delays Incorrect order quantity loaded (partial shipment) Product gets held in Customs So, how do you avoid delays in shipments? Pre-Production: Preventative action is the most effective way to avoid delays in shipments and reduce overall quality risks and cost. Supplier evaluations incorporate key indicators that ensure production is timely. For example, ISO 9001 based audits focus on the following: Management Responsibility Internal Audits Personnel (Training) Design Control Document Control Purchasing Contract/Order Review Production & Process Controls Process Validation Inspection, Measuring and Test Equipment Acceptance Activities Identification & Traceability Nonconforming Product Control Corrective & Preventative Action Labeling & Packaging Handling, Storage & Distribution Quality Records Corrective & Preventative Action Audits generally identify any areas of non-conformance prior to production, with corrective action improvement plans resolving issues before they can cause delays. In-Process/Pre-Shipment: With production order monitoring and expediting by a third-party, organizations have eyes and ears on-site. At Pro QC, we work closely with organizations and their suppliers to support timely deliveries. We measure and report on progress to meet shipping schedule commitments. When the shipment is ready to load, counts are verified to ensure the order is accurate. To avoid your shipment being delayed or held by Customs, it is important to make sure documentation is correct. Missing, incomplete or incorrect documentation is one of the top reasons for international shipments being delayed. In addition, make sure that shipments do not exceed country-specific weight and size limits. Additional information regarding weight and size limits can be found here. “You may delay, but time will not.” ~Benjamin Franklin
