Manufacturing audit in China
2023-5-17
NBN conducts a Manufacturing Audit by sending an auditor to visit the designated factory of the supplier. The auditor assesses various aspects of the factory's capabilities, reliability, and legality to provide a comprehensive evaluation. The audit process follows the relevant standards of the ISO9000 quality management system.
NBN's Manufacturing Audit checklist includes the following areas:
1.Factory Profile: This section includes information about the factory's legal validity, trade credit, and basic information.
2.Human Resources: The auditor evaluates the factory's organizational structure by examining organization charts and determining the number of employees in each department.
3.Trade Capacity: This section focuses on the factory's export situation, including an overview of its products and distribution in various markets.
4.Production Capability: The auditor assesses the factory's production capabilities, including information about raw materials, the condition of machinery and equipment, and other relevant details.
5.Quality Control: This section examines the factory's quality control system, certifications obtained, supplier management practices, and how they handle customer complaints.
6.Research and Development: The auditor evaluates the factory's research and development capabilities, including engineering processes, sampling procedures, and the availability of suitable test equipment.
The reasons for conducting a Manufacturing Audit, as provided by NBN, are as follows:
1.Verify Supplier Legality: The audit helps verify if the supplier operates lawfully and abides by the terms of the contract.
2.Understand Factory Size and Trade Status: The audit provides insights into the size of the supplier's factory and its trade status, helping you understand their capacity and market presence.
3.Evaluate Management Ability: The audit allows for an evaluation of the supplier's management capabilities, providing an understanding of their organizational structure and efficiency.
4.Assess Production Capacity and Quality Control Ability: By conducting the audit, you can evaluate the supplier's production capacity and their ability to maintain quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
5.Obtain Essential Supplier Information: The audit helps gather important information about the supplier that is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring a reliable supply chain.
By conducting Manufacturing Audits, NBN aims to ensure that they work with the best suppliers, control key risks, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
During the Manufacturing Audit conducted by NBN, the auditor will follow a systematic process to assess the supplier's capabilities and compliance. Here are the steps involved:
1.Pre-Audit Preparation: NBN will gather information about the supplier and their factory in advance. This may include reviewing documents such as contracts, legal certificates, and quality management system documentation.
2.On-Site Visit: The auditor will visit the designated factory in person to conduct the audit. They will arrange a suitable time with the supplier to ensure availability and access to relevant areas.
3.Initial Meeting: The auditor will have an initial meeting with the factory management to discuss the purpose and scope of the audit. They will also explain the audit process and address any questions or concerns.
4.Document Review: The auditor will review the factory's documents and records related to the checklist items mentioned earlier. This includes examining legal documents, organizational charts, export records, production records, quality control documents, and research and development processes.
5.Interviews and Observation: The auditor will conduct interviews with key personnel, including management, department heads, and quality control staff. They may also observe production processes, inspect machinery and equipment, and evaluate the working conditions in the factory.
6.Data Collection and Analysis: The auditor will collect data and evidence during the on-site visit, including photographs, samples, and relevant documents. They will analyze this information to assess compliance with standards and evaluate the factory's capabilities.
7.Reporting and Rating: Based on the findings from the audit, the auditor will prepare a comprehensive report. This report will include an assessment of each checklist item and an overall rating of the factory's capabilities and compliance. The rating will help in determining the supplier's suitability and potential risks.
8.Corrective Actions: If any non-compliance or areas for improvement are identified during the audit, NBN may work with the supplier to develop and implement corrective actions. This may involve addressing specific issues, improving processes, or providing training and support to the supplier.
By conducting Manufacturing Audits, NBN aims to ensure that the suppliers they work with meet their quality standards, adhere to legal requirements, and have the necessary capabilities to support a reliable and efficient supply chain.