Factory Audits & Supplier Development Services

In China, Pro QC International performs various types of factory audits. Whether it's a social compliance audit, a quality system audit, manufacturing process audit or C-TPAT audit, our qualified staff is up to the task of giving you full insight into the supplier's set-up and operations. A small investment up front in a factory audit can save you a lot of issues down the road when projects have started and problems surface.

Supplier Identification

Pro QC assists clients in identifying new suppliers globally. Whether it’s an initiative to enter a new region, demand due to growth, or a reaction to poor performance, our team works with you to develop a checklist of specific requirements and then conducts an extensive local search identifying best matches, requesting quotes, etc.

Initial Supplier Evaluation

When new suppliers are considered, we offer an Initial Supplier Evaluation that provides a one-day on-site assessment covering the primary QMS components and general capabilities:

• Management
• Engineering
• Quality Control / Quality Assurance
• Incoming Receiving Inspection
• Manufacturing
• Packaging
• Non-Conforming Materials
• Corrective Action
• Inspection & Test Equipment

Manufacturing Process and Quality System Audits (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14000, TS 16949 & GMP etc.)

Pro QC’s supplier audits evaluate all manufacturing process control systems for existing or new suppliers. Each audit report covers several areas, including evaluations of management, quality control methods, non-conforming materials, corrective action, and inspection and test equipment.

Social Accountability Audits (SA8000)

These evaluations focus on the following areas: Health and safety, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, compensation, management practices, forced labor, freedom of association and child labor laws.

Sustainability/Environment Audits

Although we have offered ISO14000 (environmental) and SA8000 (social responsibility) audits for a number of years, many retailers are now requiring audits that combine elements of both of these standards along with additional elements covering energy usage, renewable energy, greenhouse gas emissions, materials and waste reduction, life cycle management, supplier's supply chain activities and more.

Industry standards in this area are in their early stages and evolving swiftly. Pro QC's team of auditors and supplier development professionals are ready to profile your audits for conformance to the standards emerging from your clients in both industry and retail.

Combination and Custom Audits

Pro QC offers combination and custom audits that include elements from any mix of the standard audits listed above, designed for your specific requirements and budget.

Corrective Action

Pro QC auditors conduct corrective action services utilizing the full range of quality techniques including process audits, root cause analysis, statistical quality analysis (SQA) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA).

We provide all three comprehensive service elements required to fully resolve product manufacturing quality issues:

• Corrective action investigation
• Corrective action planning
• Corrective action verification

At Pro QC, we also work closely with clients and their suppliers to improve their system, processes and manufacturing capabilities. Below examples for reference:

Vendor (Supply Chain) Compliance

We assist to ensure supplier compliance with final audits required by major retailers and/or associations. Example compliance requirements we work with include Walmart, BJ’s, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Dick’s Sporting Goods, etc.

Continuous Improvement

We conduct regular 80/20 evaluations of QC data with continuous improvement initiatives developed and executed.

Certification Preparation

We assist to ensure compliance prior to the final audit. Applicable industry standards include IATF 16949, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, etc.