Tag: 3pq

Pro QC’s VP/Americas, Michael L. Hetzel, was recently asked to join Awarely at the AON Center in Chicago to discuss the latest trends in logistics and supply and expand on Pro QC’s expertise in providing quality control and engineering services.

The interview begins with identifying the largest trend, which Michael discusses as the supply chain architecture changing.  He discusses the start of companies moving their supply chains to manufacturers more in proximity to market.  Our competitive advantage at Pro QC is that we are able to anticipate and respond to these changes and have personnel appropriately positioned. Michael adds that we “reduce a challenge for our client base by being able to be present wherever in the supply chain structure that it makes sense to help them manage quality and conformance.”

When discussing the benefits and value of using a 3rd party quality provider such as Pro QC, Michael focuses on scalability and flexibility. He also adds that “we are also more dispassionate than your own employees.”  There’s the benefit of a “fresh look.” In addition, using a 3PQ saves time. By doing this, we reduce the risk of waiting for replacements and the associated cost.  “Being engineering based, but also multinational and western owned allows us to understand what the expectations are between countries. The cultural translation is actually a very significant value that we bring.”

A previous Quality Q & A newsletter article featured tips for audit preparation.   In the reprinted content below, Pro QC’s Supplier Development Manager discusses how each party can expedite the process.

 

Preparation for a factory audit can be broken down by responsibilities of the client, supplier (factory) and third party (Pro QC). Communication and documentation are key actions that increase the likelihood objectives are met.

The Client:  

• Inform the supplier to let them know an audit will be scheduled and provide additional contact details as available. Consider the length of time requested by the supplier, in addition to any initial hesitations noted.
• Evaluate the expectations of the audit and relevant necessary components that should be incorporated into an on-site checklist or other evaluation tool.
• It is not considered appropriate to surprise a supplier with a visit to perform an audit.

The Supplier:

• Inform related internal people about the scope, agenda and contents of the upcoming audit.
• Complete and submit the Supplier Profile and Booking form that will be supplied to you by the Pro QC Project Coordinator.

Pro QC International (3PQ):  

• We work with the client to understand their expectations and the product and specific standard(s) involved.
• We select a suitable audit checklist or develop a customized one if necessary.
• We select the auditor best suited to the requirements noted and provide him/her with necessary training and recommendations to follow.
• We provide an audit notification letter along with an agenda of the audit, the booking form fro scheduling and the Supplier Profile form to the supplier to inform them of the audit activities so that they can inform and prepare their internal attendees.

Michael L. Hetzel, Pro QC’s VP/Americas, recently conducted a brief interview discussing our services, 3PQ and the benefits and value we offer our clients.

Don’t compromise quality with outsourced manufacturing…

Check it out here: Michael L. Hetzel Interview