How To Audit Your Contract Manufacturer

Whenever you re-up your contract with a manufacturer, it’s a good idea to complete an audit. While every audit will be different, there are some best practices every audit should check for.

Is The Manufacturing Process Adequately Documented?

This would include documentation for the process itself as well as the inspection process, the processes for storage, packing and transportation, processes for training new hires to learn the process, and so on.

Is There A Record Of Internal Audits And Regular Inspections?

Manufacturers are responsible for auditing and inspecting their work regularly, and they should be able to provide records of these audits regularly. The same goes for necessary maintenance tasks, training, cleanings, etc.

How Does The Manufacturer Verify Quality?

The process should reflect both internal and contractual quality inspection/testing/verification.  (More about quality control here.)

What’s The Process When A Mistake Is Made And Some Production Is Ruined?

These things happen from time to time, obviously – what is the process for determining the cause and addressing the problem for the future?

How Are Raw Materials Handled?

Raw materials need to be verified for quality and properly stored – who’s doing this and how? (Learn more about raw materials in this article.)

Who’s Checking All The ‘Little’ Stuff On A Daily Basis?

Who inspects packaging to make sure it’s adequate? Who’s checking to make sure your company’s logo goes on the finished product (if applicable)? How are production counts completed? How often is plant/assembly lighting inspected?

Conclusion

Again, these are just some of the questions that need to be answered in a typical contract manufacturer audit. At Intran, we’ve been working with global companies for decades, and we’ve been thru more of these audits than we can remember. We’re never surprised by these requests.

But this isn’t about Intran – this is about your current contract manufacturer. If the company you’re currently working with can’t respond to your audit requests – or fails your audit – you have two choices:

1. Work with the manufacturer to help the improve all their processes, documentation, etc., so that they can pass your audit
2. Move your manufacturing to a company that can handle it better

We’re a bit biased, but we don’t think any company should be teaching a contract manufacturer what they’re already supposed to know. As a matter of fact, we think you should contact us when your current contract manufacturer fails an audit!