Fashion manufacturers either manage or are directly involved in the production of clothing, which could involve cutting fabrics or sewing clothes. During production inspection helps them ensure customers are happy with the end products they provide.
However, maintaining an adequate standard of quality takes a lot of effort, from finding out what the customer is really looking for, to the design process, specification, controlled manufacturing and, eventually, sales.
Quality can be based on many different factors including performance, reliability, durability, visibility, and customer satisfaction. Some fashion manufacturers lead teams of production workers and are often involved in the supply chain and sourcing decisions.
There’s obviously a lot that goes into the role of a fashion manufacturer, so it’s important they invest in quality management services to ensure everything runs as it should for their lines.
Why inspections are important in the industry
To ensure all garments are produced in accordance with the expected quality standards, efficient and effective inspection planning should be set in place. Identifying the critical points and inspecting the garments against the specifications are essential elements in any inspection regime.
It is vital for an organisation that the quality of a product is maintained through to when they are delivered to the customers. Hence inspection and testing are necessary to ensure the products that are manufactured are complying with the specifications as required by the customer.
Inspection and testing both help to measure the quality level of products. Certain techniques can be used to verify the product quality as well as ensuring the results of the manufacturing process are in line with expectations.
Inspection during the process of manufacturing is the most common method because if the product doesn’t fall within the acceptability guidelines during the inspection and testing, it can be rejected with corrective measures taken to ensure that the products manufactured in the future comply with specified standards and specifications.
What is DUPRO Inspection?
During Production Inspection (DUPRO) is very different compared to the more common pre shipment inspection, in the sense that it takes place on-site and helps to identify any product quality issues early in the manufacturing cycle and it usually covers items such as packaging, labelling, visual inspection, physical requirement and dimensions, functional testing, special tests specific to your product, barcode verification and drop testing.
DUPRO inspections are vital when aiming for a quality-assurance program and are very useful for customers who are producing large quantities in continuous production. They are also good for when using a vendor for the first time and delays can’t be afforded, while needing detailed reports on production or needing to ensure a vendor is still following their requirements. DUPRO inspections give you the chance to make any corrections early and handle any issues while the goods are still in production, before they reach the customer.
What is a DUPRO inspection for?
A wide range of inspection services are offered to a buyer in order to control the goods along the production process and before their shipment. The products are checked by the quality control inspector and only quality finished goods are packed. DUPRO inspections enable you to put in place corrective actions in good time to avoid any delivery delays.
Quality inspectors can also identify a production speed that’s slower than expected, which can have consequences on the delivery date, as well as identifying quality level over the limits defined and agreed at the order confirmation, and they can also check all the product specifications.
The benefits of DUPRO inspections
Clients that pay for a specific product, produced at an agreed rate, to an agreed standard at an agreed price is another reason to use DUPRO inspections. Continuing to inspect products after a business relationship first starts up can help to ensure consistent quality. A final inspection alone may happen too late in the process and therefore, any changes or problems that have been identified could be found too late to resolve.
Therefore, having a strong, ongoing relationship with your supplier can ensure strong production management and using a sourcing or third-party inspection agency during manufacturing also helps to ensure total honesty and openness between all involved in the supply chain.
One of the key benefits of DUPRO inspections is that they enable you to take corrective action early and you can deal with any issues while your goods are still in production.
How DUPRO can improve your fashion products
DUPRO inspections can help to find any issues during the early stages of production when you still have enough time to make the necessary changes. They can also help you to manage your production schedule more effectively and avoid any losses due to reworking or returned orders. DUPRO can help to improve the quality of your products and customer satisfaction should always be top priority and can improve the efficiency of your fashion supply chain. Without DUPRO, ensuring high-quality and low turnaround time is nearly impossible.
DUPRO checklist
During a DUPRO inspection you can expect highly-trained technical inspectors who monitor the quality of your goods. Inspectors can be onsite within three working days of your order and a detailed report with supporting pictures can be available within 24 hours of inspection. The following stages are typical of a DURPO inspection;
- Production status
- Production line evaluation and timeline verification
- Random sampling of semi-finished and finished product
- Package and packaging material
- Overall assessment and recommendations
Why DUPRO inspections are important
DUPRO can help to prevent any last-minute quality-related delays by inspecting and monitoring the product early in the manufacturing process and by inspecting well before your shipment is due. You can ensure the quality and timely delivery of your goods are never in jeopardy. DUPRO is necessary when the production includes a large number of products, or if there is a stringent delivery time to adhere to, and if there is a need for detailed reports about production, status, processes, schedules and materials.
About HQTS
With over 25 years of experience in quality assurance; HQTS is ready to help your business build a robust quality assurance process. Our many service locations are prepared to be your one-stop-shop for your inspection needs, Including, factory audits, production monitoring, pre-shipment and sorting inspections and everything in between. Contact us today to find out how we can help you navigate current quality control challenges.
Related:
Apparel Quality Control Standards and Procedures
Sources:
- https://study.com/articles/Become_a_Fashion_Manufacturer_Career_Guide.html
- https://www.ispatguru.com/role-of-inspection-and-testing-in-maintaining-product-quality/
- https://medium.com/@stitchdiary/lets-get-to-the-basics-inspection-process-in-apparel-industry-part-i-b17ec79c885d
- https://insight-quality.com/services/inspection-services/during-production-inspections-dupro/
- https://blog.asiaqualityfocus.com/what-is-a-during-production-inspection-for/
- https://www.tetrainspection.com/during-production-inspection/
