Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC) in the United States

Pro QC International is a global trusted Quality Assurance providing tailored quality solutions throughout the USA, such as factory audits, QMS audits (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949), and third-party quality control inspections.

With over four decades of technical experience, Pro QC has developed and managed a comprehensive network of skilled and knowledgeable quality professionals that are flexible to assist with both short and long-term projects.

Pro QC’s quality engineers and auditors offer industry experience related to medical devices, furniture, electronics, automotive, consumer retail, textiles/garments, power equipment, and more. Available on short notice, our resources are deployed on-site where and when our clients need them. We deliver factory audits, supplier management, and third-party product inspection solution in the United States.

Whether it’s qualifying and developing suppliers, preparing for a certification, or evaluating product quality control on-site in the USA, we partner to find the right solution for each supplier challenge.

Our range of Quality Assurance and Quality Control services in the USA include:

Our Services in the USA

Contact Us

Our Local Offices:

14502 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Ste 331 Tampa, FL 33618, USA
774 Ridgeview Drive McHenry, IL 60050

Get a Quote
 

Our Coverage in USA

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Birmingham, AL
  • Boston, MA
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Charleston, SC
  • Chicago, IL
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Dallas, TX
  • Denver, CO
  • Detroit, MI
  • Galveston, TX
  • Houston, TX
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Miami, FL
  • Milwaukee, WI
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Nashville, TN
  • Newark, NJ
  • New York, NY
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Portland, OR
  • St. Louis, MO
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Seattle, WA
  • Tampa, FL
  • Tulsa, OK

Our Quality Control Services in the United States


Product Inspection
Quality Resources

– Quality Control (QC) Product Inspections
– QA/QC Temporary Support
– Sorting & Rework Solutions
– Direct Hire – Recruitment


Factory Audits
Supplier Qualification & Management

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


Global Solutions
Global Solutions

Pro QC offers the services detailed below as well as the possibility to schedule service requests and access our reports through our secure database.

Quality Resources

Quality Control (QC) Product Inspections in the USA

  • First Article Inspections (FAI)
  • In-Process Inspections (IPI/DUPRO)
  • Pre-Shipment Inspections (PSI)
  • Container Loading Supervision (CLS)
  • Welding Inspections
  • Coating Inspections
  • Painting Inspections
  • Pipeline Inspections
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
  • Metrology

Pro QC’s quality engineers inspect products at different stages in the production process. ANSI Z1.4 sampling is generally employed to evaluate workmanship, functionality, packaging, labeling, etc. As a third-party quality inspection company in the United States, we review and check against existing client specifications and can assist in the development of criteria as necessary.

Quality inspectors use Pro QC’s standard report forms, or we can use those that are provided by the client. Detailed photos are provided, with all information available online within 24 hours of completion.

Pro QC’s local resources often reduce costly travel and/or eliminate the need to allocate internal resources. Our quality professionals perform on-site quality control inspections to represent client interests and ensure the products meet their expectations.

Our quality engineers have experience in conducting third-party products inspections for the following industries:

  • Automotive
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Electrical Equipment
  • Energy / Solar
  • Fabricated Metal Products
  • Furniture
  • Footwear
  • Hardware
  • Housewares
  • Industrials
  • Medical Devices
  • Packaging
  • Textiles & Garments
  • NACE Coating Inspection Program (CIP) Certified Level I, II, and III
  • Pipeline
  • And many more

QA/QC Temporary Support

Pro QC’s network of quality professionals throughout the United States includes individuals with flexible scheduling. They can assist with a variety of projects where internal resources might be scarce or otherwise not necessarily needed for the long term. We make things easy by presenting qualified options and coordinating everything directly.

Sorting & Rework Solutions

Pro QC’s network of quality professionals extends to those interested in assisting with short-term rework and/or sort projects ranging in complexity. In the United States, our local network is ready to be deployed directly at the supplier’s site, or at the client to provide quality sorting services.

Pro QC also provides professional quality engineers to supervise rework or product quality sorting projects in the USA when temporary labor is already available. This prevents internal resources from being allocated away from other projects. Our engineers manage the training of temporary labor, quota expectations, etc.

Daily or custom activity reporting is provided.

Direct Hire – Recruitment

Leverage Pro QC’s network to find full-time employees. Upon presentation of the core requirements of the position, and we will then present pre-screened and qualified options for consideration. Background checks, predictive analysis, etc. are available to assist in the decision-making process.

Clients can choose to work with candidates on a contractual basis through Pro QC or hire directly.

Get a quote

Supplier Qualification & Management

Supplier Qualification Services

When new suppliers are being considered, we offer a Supplier Quality Audit 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

Pro QC can also represent clients on-site to evaluate a supplier using their existing qualification criteria and reporting requirements.

Quality Management System Audits

Pro QC International provides ISO 9001 audit services in the USA and more in-depth assessments related to the industry, such as IATF 16949, ISO 13485, or 21 QSR 820 audits. All audits are tailored to each project and are conducted by qualified and experienced auditors. Our clients benefit from our 40 years of experience in conducting quality management system audits.

Other Audit Services

  • Manufacturing Process Audits
  • VDA 6.3 Process Audits
  • PPAP Audit Program
  • Social Accountability Audits (SA8000)
  • Security Audits (C-TPAT)
  • Environmental Management System Audit (ISO 14001)

Example audit reports are found here: https://proqc.com/services/sample-reports/

Supplier Management

At Pro QC, we work with clients and their suppliers to improve their systems, processes, and/or product manufacturing capabilities. Example projects include:

Vendor (Supply Chain) Compliance

We support preparation for final audits associated with the supplier compliance 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 support preparation for the final compliance audit. Applicable industry standards include IATF 16949, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, SA8000, etc.

Contact us for additional information regarding our customized approach to improving supplier performance.

Get a quote

Global Solutions

Product Quality

At Pro QC, we understand how critical product quality is to your business. We offer first-article, in-process, and pre-shipment inspections to identify quality problems at each stage of production. Our product quality offerings also include sorting or rework service along with functional and performance testing at our labs in Ningbo, China and McHenry, Illinois.

System Audit & Compliance

Supplier audits provide visibility into the supplier’s management system, processes, and products. These assessments are essential to ensure supplier qualification and capability as well as their compliance with the required standards by industry or jurisdiction. Our services also include pre-audits, corrective action plans, or formal audit preparation.

Supplier Management

Our Supplier Management solution is for suppliers that fail to meet quality or performance objectives. We first identify the root cause of the quality issues and then produce a corrective action plan. Implementation of the corrective actions and conducting regular on-site reviews will ensure suppliers exceed expectations and achieve sustainable improvement.

Vendor Compliance

Pro QC ensures suppliers comply with mandatory compliance terms set by major international retailers. International retail standards usually include a responsible sourcing & vendor code of conduct. We develop and monitor corrective action and preventative action plans and regularly follow up with suppliers for retailers such as Walmart, Lowe’s, and many more.

Get a quote

Quality Resources

Quality Control (QC) Product Inspections in the USA

Pro QC’s quality engineers inspect products at different stages in the production process. ANSI Z1.4 sampling is generally employed to evaluate workmanship, functionality, packaging, labeling, etc. As a third-party quality inspection company in the United States, we review and check against existing client specifications and can assist in the development of criteria as necessary.

Quality inspectors use Pro QC’s standard report forms, or we can use those that are provided by the client. Detailed photos are provided, with all information available online within 24 hours of completion.

Pro QC’s local resources often reduce costly travel and/or eliminate the need to allocate internal resources. Our quality professionals perform on-site quality control inspections to represent client interests and ensure the products meet their expectations.

Our quality engineers have experience in conducting third-party products inspections for the following industries:

  • Automotive
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Electrical Equipment
  • Energy / Solar
  • Fabricated Metal Products
  • Furniture
  • Footwear
  • Hardware
  • Housewares
  • Industrials
  • Medical Devices
  • Packaging
  • Textiles & Garments
  • NACE Coating Inspection Program (CIP) Certified Level I, II, and III
  • Pipeline
  • And many more

QA/QC Temporary Support

Pro QC’s network of quality professionals throughout the United States includes individuals with flexible scheduling. They can assist with a variety of projects where internal resources might be scarce or otherwise not necessarily needed for the long term. We make things easy by presenting qualified options and coordinating everything directly.

Sorting & Rework Solutions

Pro QC’s network of quality professionals extends to those interested in assisting with short-term rework and/or sort projects ranging in complexity. In the United States, our local network is ready to be deployed directly at the supplier’s site, or at the client to provide quality sorting services.

Pro QC also provides professional quality engineers to supervise rework or product quality sorting projects in the USA when temporary labor is already available. This prevents internal resources from being allocated away from other projects. Our engineers manage the training of temporary labor, quota expectations, etc.

Daily or custom activity reporting is provided.

Direct Hire – Recruitment

Leverage Pro QC’s network to find full-time employees. Upon presentation of the core requirements of the position, and we will then present pre-screened and qualified options for consideration. Background checks, predictive analysis, etc. are available to assist in the decision-making process.

Clients can choose to work with candidates on a contractual basis through Pro QC or hire directly.

Get a quote

Supplier Qualification & Management

Supplier Qualification Services

When new suppliers are being considered, we offer a Supplier Quality Audit that provides a one-day on-site assessment covering the primary QMS components and general capabilities.

Pro QC can also represent clients on-site to evaluate a supplier using their existing qualification criteria and reporting requirements.

Quality Management System Audits

Pro QC International provides ISO 9001 audit services in the USA and more in-depth assessments related to the industry, such as IATF 16949, ISO 13485, or 21 QSR 820 audits. All audits are tailored to each project and are conducted by qualified and experienced auditors. Our clients benefit from our 40 years of experience in conducting quality management system audits.

Other Audit Services

Example audit reports are found here: https://proqc.com/services/sample-reports/

Supplier Management

At Pro QC, we work with clients and their suppliers to improve their systems, processes, and/or product manufacturing capabilities. Example projects include:

Vendor (Supply Chain) Compliance

We support preparation for final audits associated with the supplier compliance 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 support preparation for the final compliance audit. Applicable industry standards include IATF 16949, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, SA8000, etc.

Contact us for additional information regarding our customized approach to improving supplier performance.

Get a quote

Global Solutions

Product Quality

At Pro QC, we understand how critical product quality is to your business. We offer first-article, in-process, and pre-shipment inspections to identify quality problems at each stage of production. Our product quality offerings also include sorting or rework service along with functional and performance testing at our labs in Ningbo, China and McHenry, Illinois.

System Audit & Compliance

Supplier audits provide visibility into the supplier’s management system, processes, and products. These assessments are essential to ensure supplier qualification and capability as well as their compliance with the required standards by industry or jurisdiction. Our services also include pre-audits, corrective action plans, or formal audit preparation.

Supplier Management

Our Supplier Management solution is for suppliers that fail to meet quality or performance objectives. We first identify the root cause of the quality issues and then produce a corrective action plan. Implementation of the corrective actions and conducting regular on-site reviews will ensure suppliers exceed expectations and achieve sustainable improvement.

Vendor Compliance

Pro QC ensures suppliers comply with mandatory compliance terms set by major international retailers. International retail standards usually include a responsible sourcing & vendor code of conduct. We develop and monitor corrective action and preventative action plans and regularly follow up with suppliers for retailers such as Walmart, Lowe’s, and many more.

Get a quote

Quality Solutions Overview

Click on the current stage of your sourcing or product development journey below to explore our related quality solutions.

 
Development & Planning
1. Design
2. Product Development
3. Supplier Selection
4. Supplier Qualification
5. Pre-Production Validation
6. Production Planning
7. Incoming QC
8. Production and Assembly
9. Packaging
10. Shipping
Production & Delivery
Development & Planning
Production & Delivery

1. Design Stage

The product development life cycle begins with idea generation, concept development, and market testing. For example, the E-Bike handlebar is designed with the form, fit, and function in mind that best serve the market/user’s requirements and the overall aesthetics of the final bike.

Although Pro QC do not actively get involved in this stage, a postmortem investigation with many of our client often reveals the following challenges.

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Misalignment between the buyer, supplier sales department, and factory production department on critical design requirements
Advance product quality planning was not factored in early enough
Difficulties in transitioning from a prototype supplier to a mass manufacturing supplier

2. Product Development

In this stage, the engineers will refine the design and define the engineering specifications of the handle such as material properties, dimensions, weight, and other requirements while satisfying different product and safety compliances. This is also the stage where engineering prototypes (engineering build) are made to rigorously test the form, fit, and function of the product.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

First Article Inspection (FAI)
Supplier Development Services
Resident Supplier Quality Resourcing

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Poor communication of the technical details between buyer and factories
Misalignment on the new product’s specifications
Misalignment on design/engineering revisions
Supplier’s production capability is unable to meet the design requirement

3. Identify Potential Suppliers

Once the component specifications are defined, the procurement department will begin to identify a list of suitable suppliers that can potentially meet their requirements in terms of capabilities, cost, capacity, and quality.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Onsite Supplier Verification
Financial Credit Check

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Lack of experience and due diligence in new supplier region
Communication challenges
Concern about supplier scams
Low confidence supplier’s trustworthiness
Concerns over supplier’s financial viability

4. Supplier Qualification

Once a list of trustworthy suppliers has been identified, an evaluation of supplier reliability is recommended to ensure they can produce at a consistent level of quality. A world-class organization usually has a comprehensive supplier qualification program to identify and mitigate the risks associated with quality, safety, on-time delivery, cost, and compliance.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Global Supplier Audit Programs
Supplier Quality Audit for Potential Suppliers
Quality Management System Audit
Social & Ethical Audits
Supply Chain Security Audit
Environmental Audit

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Suppliers are not as capable as they initially claimed
Supplier lacks effective and systematic quality assurance practice
Supplier is ISO 9001 certified, but the underlying principles are not implemented in practice
Mass production quality does not match prototype quality
Buyers want to sell to big retailers, but their suppliers do not yet comply with the retailer’s supplier code of conduct
Supplier violation on labor law, ethical and environmental compliances
Goods held in customs due to supply chain security malpractice

5. Pre-Production Validation

Before commencing volume production, it is crucial to validate the factory’s equipment, staffing, production methods, capacity, and quality control plan for each product line. This is an important stage to prevent critical failures, costly mistakes, and loss of time due to changes and rework.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Engineering Build (EB) and Quality Build (QB) Audit
First Article Inspection (FAI)
APQP/PPAP Audit
Manufacturing Process Audit or VDA 6.3 Process Audit

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Factory not ready for mass production
Shipment delays due to critical failure, poor quality, and resource constraints
An exponential increase in defective products
Product recall
High Cost of Poor Quality
An exponential increase in the cost of change after mass production commences

6. Production Planning

Production planning is an administrative process that involves ensuring that sufficient raw materials, components, staff, and other outsourced processes such as secondary processing are procured to create finished products according to the specified schedule.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Order Expediting

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Production delay due to poor material procurement planning
Production delay due to inadequate production staffing
Poor sub-supplier management

7. Incoming Quality Control

Incoming quality control is required when all the procured material and components arrive at the factory. This is the first step in controlling the production process and resulting product quality. Understanding how a factory manages its incoming material and its supply chain is a very good indication of its commitment to quality. (The saying goes: Garbage in, garbage out.)

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Incoming Inspection
In-Process Inspection
Manufacturing Process Audit or VDA 6.3 Process Audit

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

The factory does not manage the quality of its supply chain or is poor at supplier management
Suppliers turn a blind eye to defective components during incoming and still use them for production and assembly
Using sub-standard material or components (e.g., lower-quality fabric than required)
Substituting lower-cost alternatives for product components (e.g., cheaper electronic components in a mobile phone)
“Quality fade” where suppliers make small, gradual substitutions in materials and components over time
Bulk material ordered by the supplier degrades over time due to poor storage conditions

8. Production & Assembly

Upon approval for volume production, raw materials and components are processed, extruded, forged, cast, injected, machined, and assembled. It is important to note that a factory may not have all the production capabilities and may outsource certain processes to other suppliers.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

First Article Inspection (FAI)
In-Process Inspection
Manufacturing Process Improvement
Quality/Root Cause Investigation (8D)
CAPA Verification
Order Expediting & Production Monitoring
End-Of-Line Testing & inspection

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Operators are not producing according to the production control plan
Supplier is under pressure to ship goods, turning a blind eye to defective components
Lack of quality staff to enforce quality control
Poor control of re-worked material/product
Mistakes made by temporary, untrained staff/operators
Communication breakdown when the supplier is under pressure

9. Packaging

Packaging and labeling of the goods are the last steps before shipping. The smallest aesthetic defect on the packaging or missing components often leads to customer returns, and a misplaced label often leads to compliance issues.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Manufacturing Process Audit
Poka-Yoke Implementation
Pre-Shipment Inspection
End-Of-Line Testing & inspection

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Products are poorly packaged
Human mistakes and missing components lead to customer returns
Wrong labeling leads to compliance issues and significant re-work

10. Shipping

Packaged products are being loaded by suppliers at the factory or warehouse into containers and shipped to their final destination.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Container Loading Supervision
C-TPAT Audit

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Rough handling of goods during container loading by the factory or outsourced warehouse, leading to damaged product
Poor container loading leads to product damage during transit

Get a quote

Click Below to Improve Product Quality with Pro QC

Contact us

Get a Quote or Book a Service

We will be happy to give you more information about our quality solutions. Please fill in this form to contact us. We will respond as soon as possible.
If you would like to submit your CV, please click here.

    File Upload (doc, docx, pdf, jpg or PNG, maximum size 5MB)

    By contacting Pro QC International, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

    Contact Us by Phone


    Follow Us


    Stability

    Pro QC has been providing quality assurance, engineering and consulting services since 1984.

    Global Presence

    We offer quality solutions in over 88 countries and we are continuously expanding our network.

    Timely Feedback

    We offer online reporting and detailed reports within 24 hours of job completion.

    Quality Experts

    Our global engineering team has the requisite industry expertise to verify quality and conformance.

    Contact Back to top
    Pro QC

    Contact Your Local Office

    North America

    +1 206 865 0595

    Colombia

    +57 601 9190355

    India & South Asia

    +91 120 4291971

    Asia & Asia Pacific

    +886 2 2832 2990

    United Kingdom

    +44 330 094 5589

    Follow Us

     

    Newsletter

    Global Coverage Local Expertise Local Expertise

    © 2024 Pro QC International | Privacy | Terms of use | Terms of service

    DMCA.com Protection Status