Factory-Checks on O2O Sourcing | China, Seen from the Ground

Factory Checks: Distinguishing a Factory Claim From a Documented Production Control

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Executive introduction. A factory statement such as “every batch is inspected” may be relevant to pre-sourcing research, but it is not proof that inspection occurs. A procedure offers stronger support because it defines what should happen, yet even a polished procedure does not establish that personnel consistently follow it.

A documented production control connects an applicable requirement to a current procedure, responsible roles, traceable implementation records, results, and action when requirements are not met. The purpose of pre-sourcing research is not to approve the supplier from a document review. It is to identify which claim matters, evaluate the evidence level, and plan a distinct Factory checks task.

How to Plan a Factory Check Around One Product-Specific Risk

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A useful factory check answers a defined sourcing question. It does not attempt to assess every process, management practice, defect type, or commercial capability at the site. During pre-sourcing research, the task should focus on one product, one risk, and one sourcing decision.

The intended output is a written task card and practical checklist that a competent checker can execute consistently. Its objective, criteria, evidence, sampling approach, and decision rule must all remain tied to the selected product-specific risk.

How to Turn a Factory Walkthrough into an Evidence Request List

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Executive introduction

A factory walkthrough should produce more than photographs, general impressions, and verbal assurances. Its practical purpose during pre-sourcing research is to identify relevant manufacturing claims, observe how work is performed, and request records or demonstrations that can support—or fail to support—those claims.

The walkthrough should therefore be planned as a distinct verification task. Before the visit, define the products, processes, requirements, records, and factory claims to examine. During the visit, convert each relevant observation into a specific evidence request. Afterward, maintain a dated log showing what was observed, what was requested, how the evidence was checked, and which questions remain unresolved.

How to Audit a Supplier Factory: From Documents to the Production Line

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Executive summary

A factory audit should test whether a supplier can perform the work it claims to perform, at the stated site, with available equipment, qualified personnel, controlled processes, traceable records, and realistic capacity. Treat every capability claim as a hypothesis. Verify it through four evidence channels: controlled documents, interviews, historical records, and direct production-floor observation.

This is an editorial framework, not a certification audit or legal determination. Its evidence-based approach is informed by ISO 19011:2026, which provides guidance for management-system auditing. Certificate status should be checked with the issuing body or, for relevant accredited management-system certificates, a service such as IAF CertSearch; neither result by itself proves product-specific capability.