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The words of sourcing and quality control
Twenty short articles. What a term means, when it matters, what to ask your supplier.
AQL and sampling
What is AQL?Acceptable Quality Level explained simply: how many defects a lot may contain and still pass. Acceptable Quality Level, the complete guideISO 2859-1 sampling plans, inspection levels and how to apply AQL in manufacturing QC. AQL levelsGeneral levels I, II, III and special levels S-1 to S-4: how many samples to inspect. AQL samplingWhat AQL 1.0, 1.5, 2.5 and 4.0 mean for an inspection, step by step. AQL 1.0A 1 percent limit: when to use it and how it compares with the other levels. AQL in pharmaSampling plans and defect limits for tablets, injectables and packaging.Inspections
Quality inspectionThe QC methods, when to use each, and what a checklist covers. Pre-shipment inspection (PSI)Why it matters and the seven steps of a final check. Inline inspectionQuality control during production, compared with the final inspection. Factory auditTypes, process and good practice for supplier qualification. Container loading supervisionWhat the loading check covers, the checklist and the report. Apparel quality inspectionGarment checklists, sorting and grading, common textile defects. Footwear quality inspectionShoe checklists, AQL standards and the usual defects.Verification
Business verificationConfirming that a company is registered, solvent and able to deliver, and the documents to ask for. Certificate verificationHow to check that an inspection or ISO certificate is genuine and current.Procurement and shipping
GNFR, goods not for resaleWhat indirect procurement covers and why retailers watch it. GNFR explainedExamples of goods not for resale and where the savings are. End-to-end procurementThe seven stages from need to payment, and how to manage the full cycle. On-demand procurementProject-based sourcing without a long-term contract. Shipping marksThe four kinds of export cargo marks and how to label cartons correctly.Longer reading: the six quality control guides, with the AQL calculator.
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