China Manufacturing Decoded

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Chinese manufacturers are competing aggressively for orders, and some are offering prices that leave them with little, or potentially no, sustainable profit.

For buyers, an unusually low quote can look like a major opportunity. But what happens after the supplier receives the deposit and discovers that the order does not provide enough margin?

In this episode, Adrian and Renaud examine how financially stressed suppliers may try to protect themselves. This can include unexpected price increases, undisclosed material substitutions, reduced maintenance, weaker quality control, rushed production, or assigning less capable staff to the project.

They also discuss the warning signs that may indicate a factory is struggling, including staff turnover, shrinking premises, poorly maintained equipment, limited investment, and deteriorating relationships with sub-suppliers.

The episode concludes with the biggest short-term risk of all: the factory closing while it still holds the buyer’s deposits, materials, specialised equipment, or tooling.

You will learn:

Why factories sometimes accept orders that generate almost no profit
The difference between accounting losses and serious cash-flow problems
How unpaid sub-suppliers can create quality and delivery problems
Which warning signs to look for during factory visits
How low-margin orders become vulnerable to price increases and substitutions
What Paul Midler’s concept of “quality fade” means in practice
Why aggressively forcing down supplier prices can backfire
How factory closure can put deposits, materials, and tooling at risk

Show Sections* 00:00 Introduction * 00:31 Why Chinese factories are competing so aggressively * 02:14 Profit losses, cash shortages, and fixed factory costs * 07:01 What financial decline looks like inside a factory * 09:39 How cash pressure damages the upstream supply chain * 12:04 Can buyers assess a supplier’s financial health? * 13:23 Warning signs during factory visits * 16:39 What a low-margin supplier may do to your order * 20:28 Price increases and hidden substitutions * 22:17 How quality fade develops * 25:26 Rushed production, weak QC, and poor maintenance * 28:13 Factory closure and the risk to deposits and tooling * 30:33 How buyers create risk by forcing prices too low * 32:46 Final warnings and practical takeaways * 33:47 Paul Midler and Poorly Made in China * 34:29 Wrapping up

Related content* Reuters: China's factories snap years-long deflation spell on Iran war price shock * Why Quality Fade Is A Danger We May Not See Coming * Some Chinese Factories Are Going Bankrupt: How To Know Which Ones * China Supplier Vetting Part 9: In-Depth Due Diligence * Combined supplier due diligence checks from Sofeast * Tooling Custody & Management (In China) * Transfer Manufacturing From One Chinese Factory To Another With Fewer Risks * Download How To Switch To A New Chinese Manufacturer And/Or Develop A Backup Supplier

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Even the world's biggest brands, with experienced engineering teams, mature quality systems, and substantial testing budgets, sometimes release products that end in costly recalls and serious safety incidents.

In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian and Renaud from Sofeast examine six high-profile product failures involving Mattel, Philips, Samsung, hoverboards, Fitbit, and Peloton. Each case reveals a different lesson about supplier management, reliability testing, risk analysis, product safety, and responding effectively when problems emerge after launch.

These examples show why compliance alone isn't enough, and how the right engineering and quality practices can help prevent the same mistakes.

Thank you to listener David B. for this question.

Show Sections* 00:00 Introduction * 00:30 Why major brands still suffer product failures * 01:25 Mattel’s lead-paint recall and supplier control * 07:20 Philips CPAP machines and degrading foam * 12:06 Samsung washing machines and foreseeable misuse * 15:28 Hoverboards and the risks of a product gold rush * 19:25 Fitbit Ionic and responding to field failures * 22:56 Peloton Tread+ and designing out safety hazards * 23:38 What smaller hardware companies can learn * 24:14 Risk analysis, compliance, and reliability testing

Related content* Why Do Importers Need Product Reliability Testing? * Using Early Field Failure Analysis to Prevent Product Disasters * When and Why a Product Failure Analysis Is Required * 360-Degree Product Risk Assessment * Why Product Safety, Quality, and Reliability Are Tightly Linked * Product Reliability Testing: 7 FAQs * How to Do Product Reliability Testing * Ongoing Reliability Testing: Avoid Returns, Bad Reviews, and Warranty Claims * Our Contract Manufacturer Agilian’s Product Safety Process

Media sources for this episode:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/63276/000119312507168471/dex991.htm
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/aug/15/usnews.china1
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2007/09/05/mattel-issues-third-toy-recall-of-the-summer/d751321a-543b-4eb0-83f6-8c2f481e430c/
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/respiratory-devices/recalled-philips-ventilators-bipap-machines-and-cpap-machines
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/philips-recalls-some-3-4-million-cpap-ventilator-machines-due-foam-part-2021-06-14/
https://www.propublica.org/article/philips-kept-warnings-about-dangerous-cpaps-secret-profits-soared
https://www.cpsc.gov/content/10-Firms-Recall-More-Than-500000-Hoverboards-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Act-Now
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-07/government-raises-hoverboard-safety-concerns/7072608
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/06/hoverboards-mass-recall-danger-explosion-fire-hazards
https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL1N19S18R/
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Fitbit-Recalls-Ionic-Smartwatches-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-One-Million-Sold-in-the-U-S
https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/23/fitbit-fined-12m-over-ionic-smartwatch-burns/
https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-health-lifestyle-burns-38e1113083c7ae4142bd75086b1ab34b
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Peloton-Recalls-Tread-Plus-Treadmills-After-One-Child-Died-and-More-than-70-Incidents-Reported
https://investor.onepeloton.com/news-releases/news-release-details/peloton-refutes-consumer-product-safety-commission-claims
https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/peloton-recall-treadmills-after-reports-injuries-one-death-2021-05-05/
https://www.wired.com/story/peloton-treadmill-recall/

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In this China Manufacturing Decoded Gold episode from 2021, host Adrian from the Sofeast Group revisits a practical conversation with Renaud about preventive maintenance and why it is essential for any manufacturing operation. The episode breaks down what preventive maintenance means in practice, contrasts it with reactive maintenance, and explains how a planned approach reduces defects, downtime, and lost capacity.

The discussion covers concrete examples and formats for preventive maintenance: daily operator checks (cleaning filters, spotting leaks), weekly technician inspections (belts, pulleys, early wear), and age- or cycle-based actions (tooling or seal replacements before mean time to repair thresholds). Renaud uses simple analogies (like dental checkups) and real-world scenarios to show how small, scheduled interventions keep machinery 'as new' and prevent cascading quality and scheduling problems.

Who should listen? Factory managers, operations leaders, procurement and engineering teams, and anyone involved in automation or production planning. Expect a clear, actionable primer on how preventive maintenance reduces cost and risk, helps deliver on customer promises, and enables smarter automation over time.

Show Sections* 00:00 – Introduction * 01:10 – The reactive maintenance cycle * 03:06 – What preventive maintenance means * 04:29 – Is preventive maintenance expensive? * 07:42 – Daily, weekly, and usage-based maintenance * 11:52 – Why factories resist planned maintenance * 13:05 – Maintenance skills and automation * 15:32 – Capacity, inventory, and delivery benefits * 18:17 – Quality, 5S, and process control * 20:12 – Planned maintenance versus emergency repairs * 20:43 – Conclusion

Related content* Preventive Maintenance Plan Template * Is Investing In Process Automation In The Factory Worth It? + Implementation Best Practices [Podcast] * Two Preventive Maintenance Examples: Go for More Structure * Are Preventive Maintenance and Process Control the Same Thing? * Manufacturing Cycle Time (Part 1): Machining Optimization * Why Inconsistent Component Variation Is Bad for Assembly & Product Quality * 10 Key Factors That Affect Supplier Production Capacity * 3 Key Process Improvement Tools You Need To Start Using: Flow Chart, FMEA, Control Plan

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A product can meet every technical requirement, pass every test, and still frustrate customers the moment they begin using it.

In this episode, Adrian is joined by Paul Adams, Sofeast’s Head of New Product Development, to explore why user experience is often harder to define and validate than engineering performance.

Paul shares real product-development examples involving confusing power-button behavior, packaging that accidentally activates a battery-powered product, surfaces that pass temperature-safety requirements but feel uncomfortably hot, products that are too heavy for their intended users, and materials that make an otherwise excellent product difficult to hold.

They also explain how to uncover usability problems earlier by testing timing, feedback, controls, setup instructions, accessibility, and prolonged real-world use before tooling and mass production make changes expensive.

Show Sections* 00:00 Introduction * 00:45 Why passing technical tests is not enough * 03:27 Packaging and power-button problems * 06:38 Safety compliance versus user comfort * 09:13 Why usability is harder than engineering * 11:57 Why UX is underinvested during NPI * 15:50 Why designers should not test their own products * 18:26 How to identify user-experience faults * 20:25 Missing or ambiguous product feedback * 22:06 Reachability, readability, and controls * 24:01 Product setup and instructions * 25:33 Why you need to live with the product * 28:20 Final takeaway

Related content* The New Product Introduction Process Guide * Prototype Development in China service from Sofeast * NPI Deliverables Review service from Sofeast * How To Define Your Quality Standard For Prototypes? * How To Reduce Risks When Developing New Products? [Video] * What Is Pre-Production Prototype Testing and Why Is It Critical for Product Success? * Final Prototype of your New Hardware Product: When Will You Get There?

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What should you do when production is already underway, but quality problems keep appearing from one shipment to the next?

In episode 336, Adrian and Renaud answer a listener question from David B. and explain how buyers should investigate recurring production problems before deciding whether to fix the situation or transfer manufacturing elsewhere.

They begin by separating product design problems from manufacturing and workmanship issues. A product that cannot withstand normal use may be fundamentally under-designed, while products arriving dead on arrival are more likely to indicate manufacturing failures.

The discussion also covers reliability testing, pilot production, supplier audits, corrective action plans, containment measures, documented process changes, fixtures and mistake-proofing.

Renaud explains why inspections can provide useful short-term protection but should not become a permanent substitute for a functioning supplier quality system. If repeated mistakes continue, records are unavailable, or production is being moved between facilities without your knowledge, it may be time to walk away.

You will learn:

• How to distinguish design failures from manufacturing problems
• When early production issues may be understandable
• The warning signs that a supplier has no effective systems
• What evidence to request after a supplier claims a problem is fixed
• Why corrective action and inspection must be used together
• When transferring production becomes the safest option

Show Sections* 00:00:13 – Introduction * 00:00:59 – What to do when production problems keep appearing * 00:02:14 – Design failures versus manufacturing problems * 00:04:40 – Validating a new product before scaling up * 00:07:00 – Problems during new product introduction * 00:08:29 – When repeated mistakes mean it is time to walk away * 00:10:15 – Using supplier audits to reduce risk * 00:12:38 – Proving that a production problem has been fixed * 00:15:38 – Fixtures, mistake-proofing and process improvement * 00:19:09 – Corrective action versus more inspections * 00:21:37 – When inspections become supplier babysitting * 00:23:12 – Common weaknesses to investigate in the factory * 00:24:58 – Conclusion

Related content* When and Why a Product Failure Analysis is Required * QC During NPI: Build Quality In Before Mass Production * Corrective Actions and Preventive Actions (CAPA) Guide * Production Transfer: A Roadmap (Assembly Operations Only) * Use a Corrective Action Plan After a Failed Inspection * Supplier Quality Management: KPIs and Improvement Tools

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Your electronics work. The firmware runs correctly. The mechanical components fit, and every subsystem has passed its individual tests.

Then everything is installed inside the final enclosure, and entirely new problems begin to appear.

In episode 335 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian is joined again by Paul Adams from the group's contract manufacturer, Agilian Technology, to explore one of the most difficult stages of hardware development: product integration.

Show Sections* 00:21 – When Individually Working Parts Fail Together * 02:28 – Why Everything Works During Bench Testing * 07:40 – What Changes When Integration Begins * 08:39 – Designing the Product So It Can Be Debugged * 10:16 – Integrating One Subsystem at a Time * 13:45 – A Technically Working Product Can Still Fail * 15:00 – The Hidden Impact of Heat Buildup * 20:19 – The First Complete Build Is Only a Mini Milestone * 21:39 – Solving an Enclosure Airflow Problem * 23:53 – Paul’s Product-Integration Playbook * 24:07 – Step 1: Integrate in Stages * 24:52 – Step 2: Test Important Risks Early * 26:16 – Step 3: Keep Debugging Access Available * 27:18 – Step 4: Test the Way the Customer Will Use It * 28:20 – Step 5: Treat the Enclosure as Part of the System * 29:29 – Final Lessons From the Integration Process

Related content* How Many Prototypes Are Needed Before We Get ‘Perfection?’ * Transitioning to Manufacturing from Product Development | 2 Options * Why does new product development take so long? * Typical Steps Before You Get Look and Work-Like Prototypes * An Effective New Product Development Process for Electronics * Final Prototype of your New Hardware Product: When Will You Get There? * Manufacturing Pilot Runs Are Great With Quantified Objectives * Handover to Manufacturing: What NOT to do & Best Practices

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Are trade shows still worth attending when buyers can search for suppliers through Alibaba, Google, ChatGPT, and other online platforms?

For physical products, Renaud Anjoran believes they still offer considerable value, provided buyers arrive with a clear objective and understand how to assess the companies they meet.

In this listener Q&A episode, Adrian and Renaud answer Robert C’s question about events such as the Canton Fair, Global Sources, CES, and IFA.

Show Sections00:00:10 – Introduction and Robert’s listener question

00:01:19 – Are trade shows still worth attending?

00:03:40 – Why in-person trade shows can beat online supplier searches

00:04:53 – Spotting trends and avoiding undifferentiated products

00:07:18 – Why an impressive booth proves very little

00:09:06 – Questions buyers should ask potential suppliers

00:09:32 – How to avoid being seen as a “tire kicker”

00:11:35 – Researching exhibitors before attending the show

00:14:11 – Manufacturer or trading company?

00:15:00 – In-house capabilities, customer fit, and production capacity

00:16:52 – How suppliers judge visitors at their booths

00:18:21 – How to present your company as a credible prospect

00:20:12 – Realistic forecasts, order values, and exaggerated promises

00:21:48 – Why the maturity of your product design matters

00:23:16 – Discussing first-order MOQs and longer-term volumes

00:24:39 – Final advice and the Agilian factory-tour series - watch the tour videos here

Related content* How To Get More Out of a China Trade Fair Visit * How To Find Suppliers in China * 27 Questions To Ask During a China Factory Visit * Are Suppliers on Alibaba and Global Sources Trustworthy? * Sourcing from China 101, Part 2: How to Identify Potential Chinese Suppliers?

Found some possible suppliers? We can help check them:

Supplier Legal Records Check
Certificates & Reports Verification
Supplier Bank Account Verification

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Adrian revisits a classic episode (originally Ep. 30, Nov 2020) in this monthly rewind, Episode 333 of China Manufacturing Decoded, and sits down with Sofeast CEO, Renaud, to unpack the three types of quality-control (QC) plans every importer and manufacturer should agree before production starts.

Renaud explains three types of QC plans:

The product quality control plan, often linked to the manufacturing contract.
The process control plan, which controls quality during production rather than waiting until the end.
The QC plan for new products, which helps buyers and suppliers think through risks before mass production starts.

Key takeaways for listeners: QC planning is a pre-production activity not a rescue job; define a clear product quality standard; decide how quality will be controlled during production; and for any new product, agree on what must be proven before mass production. If any of those points are unclear, that’s likely where your next quality risk is hiding.

Show Sections* 00:00 Introduction to this rewind episode * 01:56 What quality control plans are and why they are needed before production * 04:06 Why there is more than one type of QC plan * 04:43 Type 1: The product QC plan and contract-related quality terms * 05:28 Defining testing, inspections, AQL limits, compliance, and responsibilities * 06:41 What happens if serious issues are found after shipment? * 07:11 Why even smaller buyers should document quality expectations * 08:06 Type 2: The process control plan * 09:04 Mapping production processes and critical steps * 10:20 Turning the control plan into work instructions and checks * 11:02 When process control plans become important * 11:54 Why final inspection alone is often too late * 12:27 Controlling quality through incoming components and sub-suppliers * 13:50 How to check whether suppliers can follow process control plans * 15:03 Type 3: The QC plan for a new product * 16:27 Quality, reliability, and compliance requirements * 17:35 Golden samples and approved prototypes * 18:00 Testing stations, jigs, fixtures, and functional checks * 19:07 Intended use, reliability expectations, and compliance needs * 19:52 Component manufacturing, assembly, tooling, and work instructions * 21:35 Pilot runs and pre-production approvals * 22:35 Why new products force buyers and suppliers to think harder * 22:59 Supplier optimism and the “we’ll fix it later” risk * 24:16 Why quality standards need to be clear and useful * 25:08 Why buyers often skip proper QC planning * 26:42 Why defining requirements is the buyer’s job * 27:40 Which QC plans apply to which buyers and products? * 28:22 QC planning for all buyers vs larger or higher-risk buyers * 29:26 Why process control is worth considering for new products * 30:12 Why every buyer still needs at least a basic quality standard * 31:12 What off-the-shelf and private-label buyers should focus on * 33:02 2026 outro and key lesson recap

Related content* Quality Control Plan: Defining Expectations Before Production * How To Set Up A Process Control Plan [11 Steps] * Golden Sample in Manufacturing * What Is A PP Sample? * How to set product specifications? * You NEED to do product qualification BEFORE mass production! * How Incoming Quality Control Inspections Fit into an Overall Quality System

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Setting up a new factory is a major strategic decision. It is not just about finding cheaper land, moving away from China, or following other companies into Vietnam, Mexico, or another popular manufacturing location.

In this episode, Renaud speaks with David Collins, CEO of Manufacturing Transformation Group, about what companies need to think through before relocating production or building their own factory.

They discuss why more companies are considering factory relocation or ownership again, especially after COVID, tariff changes, supplier dependency, and IP concerns. But David explains why the first question should not be “where should we move?” It should be “what are we actually trying to accomplish?”

The conversation covers the real trade-offs between China, Vietnam, Mexico, and other locations; why labour cost should not be the only driver; how supplier location, workforce skills, logistics, and infrastructure affect the decision; and why companies need a proper BOM, cost model, and feasibility study before making a move.

They also get into greenfield vs brownfield factory projects, equipment selection, factory layout, commissioning, factory acceptance testing, and why automation can be a waste of money if it does not fit the real production process.

The key message: moving to a new factory is a rare chance to redesign your manufacturing system properly. But if you simply copy the same poor layout, weak supply chain, bad inventory habits, and unsuitable equipment into a new building, you may just move the mess.

Show Sections00:00 – Introduction: setting up a new factory
01:43 – Who David Collins and Manufacturing Transformation Group are
05:04 – Why more companies are considering factory relocation
05:50 – China, Vietnam, Mexico, and the real trade-offs between locations
08:10 – Why some companies want to own manufacturing again
09:32 – Don’t just move the mess to a new factory
11:45 – The first question: what are you trying to accomplish?
12:02 – Supplier location, workforce skills, logistics, and infrastructure
14:18 – Why a real BOM and cost model are essential
15:27 – Feasibility studies and idealised factory planning
16:07 – Why automation is not always the right answer
17:34 – Comparing factory setup scenarios and locations
18:16 – Why labour cost should not be the only driver
20:48 – IP risks and supplier dependency
22:15 – Learning from the problems in your current factory
23:46 – Project management during a factory move
24:03 – Greenfield vs brownfield factory projects
26:09 – Layout planning, implementation, and local specialists
27:13 – On-the-ground project management and construction risks
28:33 – Equipment commissioning and factory acceptance testing
29:50 – Choosing equipment that fits your real needs
31:41 – Equipment maintenance, spare parts, and supplier risks
32:40 – Why factory setup is a once-in-a-decade decision
34:12 – Disciplined planning and avoiding old mistakes
36:45 – Closing thoughts

Related content* How To Plan for Transferring Production To a New Factory: 45 Point Checklist * Transfer Manufacturing From One Chinese Factory To Another With Fewer Risks * How To Diversify Manufacturing Sources Out of China and Cut Risk * Sofeast can help you > Electronic Production Transfer from China to India OR Malaysia * Supply Chain Risk Management, Part 5: Moving Manufacturing to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, or India (Pros & Cons) * Production Transfer: A Roadmap (Assembly Operations Only)

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In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian is joined by Paul Adams, Head of New Product Development at the Sofeast Group's contract manufacturer Agilian Technology, to discuss one of the most common assumptions hardware founders make before moving into tooling: that tooling will take “8 to 12 weeks.”

Paul explains why that figure can be true in very simple cases, but why it is often misleading for real consumer electronics, IoT, and hardware products. Tooling timelines depend on design readiness, DFM review, part complexity, steel selection, toolmaker capacity, customer responsiveness, and the timing of Chinese holidays such as Chinese New Year and Golden Week.

They also discuss why the tooling clock does not really start when the purchase order is placed, why T0, T1, and T2 trials need to be planned carefully, and why founders should build schedule buffers before cutting steel.

For hardware startups and product teams preparing for injection molding, metal stamping, die casting, or other production tooling, this episode explains how to build a more realistic tooling schedule and avoid costly launch delays.

Podcast sections* 00:00:31 – The “8 to 12 week tooling timeline” * 00:02:28 – What tooling includes and why it matters * 00:04:21 – Tooling cost and why first-time founders get caught out * 00:06:08 – Where the 8 to 12 week figure comes from * 00:07:23 – Why real consumer electronics products are more complex * 00:08:35 – When the tooling timer really starts * 00:11:10 – Why design readiness and DFM review are critical * 00:13:26 – How part complexity affects tooling lead time * 00:13:50 – Steel selection: P20, H13, and tool life * 00:15:40 – Responsiveness during T0, T1, and T2 trials * 00:16:26 – Why being in China can speed up tooling decisions * 00:19:03 – Planning around Chinese New Year, Golden Week, and May Day * 00:21:47 – How to create a tooling schedule that works * 00:22:05 – Reviewing the DFM report properly before cutting steel * 00:24:00 – Building a tooling specification and critical path plan * 00:25:34 – Understanding T0, T1, T2, and rework cycles * 00:27:45 – Why you should always build in a schedule buffer * 00:28:56 – Why many tooling delays come from the customer side * 00:30:15 – Final advice: understand the full tooling process

Related content* Tooling Management for Plastic Injection Molds in China * Plastic Injection Mold Tooling Management & Risk Reduction [Podcast] * Common Design For Manufacture Improvements On Plastic Injection Molded Parts * Injection Mold Tooling Roadmap: How to Get from Smart Design to T1 Samples * What are Plastic Injection Mold Tooling Revisions? (3 examples) * How To Make Faster Injection Mold Tooling [7 Tips] * Plastic Injection Molding Pilot Runs: What You Need To Know * The Four Levels of Plastic Injection Molding Suppliers in China

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Episode 330 of China Manufacturing Decoded features hosts Adrian and Renaud from the Sofeast Group discussing why quality control should not start when finished products come off the production line. By then, many key decisions have already been made: product requirements, supplier selection, component choices, tooling, process setup, inspection methods, and testing plans.

In this episode, Adrian and Renaud explain what quality control should look like during the NPI process, before mass production begins. They discuss why final inspection is only one part of the quality picture, how clear product requirements reduce confusion, why supplier and component qualification matter, and how process controls, inspection points, test methods, jigs, fixtures, and pilot runs help prevent defects before they become expensive production problems.

You’ll learn why quality needs to be built into the product and manufacturing process from the start, rather than being inspected in at the end.

The main takeaway: final inspection may catch problems, but it does not prevent them. Good NPI quality control reduces risk earlier, when changes are easier and cheaper to make.

Podcast sections* 00:00:11 Episode 330 begins: QC during NPI before mass production * 00:01:14 Why many companies treat quality control as an end-of-line activity * 00:02:08 Why final inspection is reactive, not preventive * 00:04:01 How to build quality into the product and process earlier * 00:04:44 Why everything in product development can affect quality * 00:06:08 Product requirements as the foundation of NPI quality control * 00:07:09 Supplier qualification, design risks, inspection, and testing * 00:08:29 Quality gates, validation, reliability, compliance, and performance * 00:09:36 Manufacturing process controls and why they need to be planned * 00:12:02 Using AI to help document product requirements * 00:13:00 Examples of turning user needs into measurable specifications * 00:15:41 Cosmetic standards, boundary samples, and critical measurements * 00:18:21 Qualifying suppliers, components, and materials * 00:19:53 Turning requirements into inspection and testing processes * 00:22:18 Applying QC controls during prototype and pilot batches * 00:23:04 Work instructions, jigs, fixtures, and process risk reviews * 00:25:05 Mistake proofing example: preventing drilling errors * 00:26:28 Eliminating risks where possible, controlling them where not * 00:27:12 Why prevention is stronger than end-of-line inspection * 00:28:04 Final takeaway: quality-forward NPI reduces production risk

Related content* NPI process guide * NPI deliverables review service from Sofeast * 7 must-do NPI tasks before a successful launch * Why skipping part qualification in NPI will cause problems * 3 key process improvement tools * Pilot run best practices * DFM and Industrialization support from Agilian * You NEED to do product qualification BEFORE mass production!

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Why do some working prototypes still fail when they reach production?

This is episode 329 and the second part of our discussion on this topic, and Adrian and Paul move from the general prototype-to-production gap into real-world failure patterns that can derail a product launch. They look at 3 common scenarios:

Component swaps made for cost reduction
Firmware clean-up before release
And transferring production from one factory to another

You’ll hear why a cheaper component that looks identical on paper can still cause major problems, why every firmware change needs to be tested and documented, and why a factory transfer should never be treated as a simple handover.

The episode also explains how a structured NPI/MPI process, production-representative builds, configuration control, phase gates, pilot runs, and factory process audits help reduce the risk of production failure.

The key message: a prototype proves the concept, but production proves the process. Before approving production, you need to know exactly what was validated, what configuration it applied to, and what has changed since.

TIMESTAMPS* 00:00 - Introduction: why working prototypes still fail in production * 01:32 - Failure pattern 1: component swaps and hidden validation risks * 06:26 - Failure pattern 2: firmware tidy-up before production release * 08:53 - Failure pattern 3: transferring from prototype shop to production factory * 13:20 - How to bridge the prototype-to-production gap * 13:48 - Why a structured NPI process matters * 14:51 - Production-representative builds, EVT, DVT, tooling, and PVT * 16:49 - Controlled ramp-up instead of jumping straight to mass production * 17:32 - Configuration control: validation only applies to what was tested * 20:29 - Practical decision framework for managers * 22:03 - Setting a configuration baseline from DVT onward * 23:05 - Using NPI phase gates and change assessment before moving forward * 24:29 - Factory process audits: why an audit is not just a factory tour * 27:09 - Pro tips: quality standards, NPI discipline, and validation tracking * 30:39 - Factory transfers and why pilot runs are essential * 33:05 - Final recap: what changed, what was validated, and what is now unknown

Related contentGet help with your project from Sofeast. These services cover the topics discussed today:

New Product Introduction Support
NPI Deliverables Review
DFM Review for Manufacturing in Asia
Reliability Engineering & Testing
Process Management Audit (PMA)
First Article Inspection

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A prototype works. The team signs it off. Everyone feels confident.

Then production starts, and unexpected failures appear.

Why does this happen?

In this episode, Adrian is joined by Paul Adams, the Sofeast Group's Head of New Product Development, to discuss the gap between prototype and production. This is part one of a two-part discussion on why working prototypes can still fail once products move toward mass production.

Paul explains why prototypes and production units are often not the same thing, even when they look identical. The episode covers five areas where important changes can creep in:

Components
Firmware
Suppliers and factories
Tolerances and process variation
Validation basis

The key point is simple:

A prototype proves the concept. Production proves the process.

Understanding that difference helps hardware teams, product developers, and importers avoid painful surprises when moving from a successful prototype to production.

In part two, next week, we’ll continue the discussion by looking at common real-world failure patterns, including component swaps, firmware tidy-ups, factory transfers, and how a structured NPI process helps close the gap.

TIMESTAMPS* 00:00 Introduction: why working prototypes can still fail * 02:09 Prototypes and production units are not the same thing * 03:46 The gap between prototype and production * 04:23 Five things that change before production * 04:36 1 - Components: prototype parts vs production parts * 09:17 2 - Firmware: why prototype code is not production-ready * 12:03 3 - Suppliers and factories: why process knowledge gets lost * 16:50 4 - Tolerances and process variation * 19:54 5 - Validation basis: What exactly was tested? * 22:22 Key takeaway from part one * 23:17 What to expect in part two

Related content* How Many Prototypes Are Needed Before We Get ‘Perfection?’ * Process Management Audit (PMA) * An Effective New Product Development Process for Electronics * From Prototype to Production: 7 Pitfalls for Tech Products

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Host Adrian revisits episode 49 (a ‘gold episode’ originally recorded in 2021), a topic that still catches many product developers and importers by surprise: non-recurring engineering costs, often shortened to NRE costs.

These are the one-time costs needed to get a new product ready for production, such as engineering work, product design, prototyping, tooling, supplier sourcing, reliability testing, compliance testing, testing fixtures, and production setup.

If you underestimate NRE costs, your product plan may look profitable on paper but fall apart before launch. This episode explains what NRE costs are, why they can grow quickly, where they appear in different manufacturing processes, and how to protect yourself with better planning, supplier due diligence, and the right development agreements.

TIMESTAMPS* 00:00 — Intro: why NRE costs still matter * 01:13 — What are non-recurring engineering costs? * 03:04 — Why NRE costs affect your real product margin * 04:16 — Why NRE budgets often grow during development * 07:37 — Typical NRE costs by product and manufacturing process * 08:10 — Plastic injection molding and tooling costs * 10:44 — Custom PCBAs and electronics engineering costs * 13:46 — Why NRE planning affects cost and delivery time * 15:53 — Existing tooling, white-label products, and off-the-shelf options * 18:51 — IP and dependency risks with ODM products * 20:08 — When a manufacturer offers to absorb NRE costs * 22:03 — Why a development agreement matters * 24:27 — Why manufacturers prefer production over development work * 26:39 — A working prototype does not mean you are production-ready * 29:04 — Final summary: what to include in your NRE planning

Related content* What is an NRE Cost (Non-Recurring Engineering)? * Costs and Milestones to go from Product Concept to Market? * How to Cost Your Product Properly (Design-to-Cost Explained)

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In episode 236, we explore why so many hardware products never make it to market, even when the idea is strong, the team is ready, and the budget is there.

In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, your host Adrian is joined by Paul Adams from Agilian, part of the Sofeast Group, to break down the real reasons hardware projects stall before they even start, and what you can do to avoid it.

They go beyond theory and share practical lessons from real projects, including costly mistakes around missing specifications, bad assumptions, and external pressure to move too fast.

You’ll learn:

Why missing product requirements quietly kill projects
The difference between having an idea and being ready to start
How assumptions compound into expensive errors
The hidden risks in BOMs, components, and compliance
Real-world case studies where projects stalled, and why
A practical 10-point checklist to validate your readiness before development

The goal of this episode is to help you avoid delays, wasted budget, and failed launches when you're launching your product.

🎧 Listen now and make sure your next product is built on solid ground.

TIMESTAMPS* 00:03 — Intro & episode overview * 01:01 — The “failure to launch” problem in hardware * 02:01 — It’s not the team: real root causes * 03:02 — Assumptions & missing information (core issue) * 07:00 — Red flags: missing requirements & BOM * 11:57 — What “ready to start” actually means * 12:45 — NPI process & phase gates explained * 14:22 — Specs as a living document (market changes * 15:05 — Mechanical, electronics & feature requirements * 17:34 — Volume assumptions & pricing impact * 19:08 — The danger of rushing decisions * 20:44 — Case study: prototyping failure under pressure * 24:25 — Case study: component & supply chain risks * 26:33 — Case study: regulatory & certification surprises * 29:45 — The 10-point pre-start checklist * 32:53 — Most common mistake * 33:47 — Final takeaway

Related content* Transitioning to Manufacturing from Product Development | 2 Options * IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide] * Bill of Materials (BoM) Explained * Design to Cost (DTC) Explained * Getting To Grips With Non-Recurring Engineering Costs (NRE) [Podcast] * 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements * Crowdfunding Failures: 4 Great Prototypes That Failed To Launch * Learn more about how we handle DFM & Industrialization (NPI) for our manufacturing customers

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Some product manufacturers treat launch as the end of the journey. It isn’t.

In episode 325 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian and Renaud break down a powerful idea from Tony Fadell: “Builders build, ship, then solve what breaks.”

They explore what really happens after a product hits the market, and why chasing perfection before launch can actually kill your chances of success.

You’ll learn:

Why over-engineering delays launches (and increases risk)
How Version 1 should really be defined: simple, lovable, and complete
What real-world users reveal that prototypes never can
How to collect meaningful feedback without damaging your reputation
Why early adopters are critical for innovative products
How smart teams build Version 2 while Version 1 is still launching

Developing a new product in 2026? You'll have food for thought from this one!

Sections* 00:13 — Episode overview * 00:37 — Tony Fadell’s quote * 01:37 — Why perfection is a trap * 04:28 — Engineering vs speed trade-off * 06:30 — Launch early vs over-engineering * 07:46 — De-risking with Version 1 * 10:30 — “Simple, lovable, complete” * 13:43 — Launch isn’t the finish line * 15:04 — Real-world user behaviour * 17:06 — Nest example (unexpected insights) * 19:36 — Managing reviews & early releases * 21:27 — Choosing the right early users * 24:02 — Misinterpreting “ship early” * 25:47 — Lessons from product reliability * 26:56 — Why post-launch work matters * 28:28 — Continuous product development * 30:25 — Key takeaways

Related content* Tony Fadell's LinkedIn post * How to Manufacture a New Product with the Customer Journey in Mind * Buy the book: Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making * A Logical Development Roadmap for New Hardware Products

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Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making

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Today, in episode 324, Adrian is rewinding one of our most popular episodes ever: breaking down the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and why it’s the difference between a smooth product launch… and a costly failure.

If you’ve ever:

Rushed into tooling too early
Hit quality issues in production
Faced unexpected delays or rising costs

There’s a good chance your NPI process wasn’t solid.

In this episode, Renaud and Adrian walk through what NPI actually looks like in practice, not theory, and how it helps you validate your design, test assumptions, and reduce risk before scaling production.

What you’ll learn* What the NPI process really is (and what most people get wrong) * The key stages: requirements → feasibility → prototyping → tooling → pilot run → mass production * Why skipping steps leads to expensive problems later * How to balance speed vs risk depending on your product and volume * Real examples of what goes wrong without a structured process

Why this episode mattersToo many companies treat NPI as optional, or rush through it to “save time.”

In reality, that’s usually what creates:

Quality failures
Supplier issues
Cost blowouts
Delayed launches

This episode explains how to avoid that.

Episode Sections:* 00:00:12 — Introduction * 00:02:24 — Rewind to the NPI Process * 00:05:04 — Understanding the NPI Process * 00:08:09 — Prototyping and Feasibility * 00:12:57 — Tooling and Production Samples * 00:18:01 — Pilot Run and Testing * 00:20:56 — Assessing the NPI Process * 00:26:08 — Balancing Risks and Quality * 00:26:31 — Closing Remarks and Future Topics

Related content…* The NPI Process (Includes graphic) * Analysing the (NPI) New Product Introduction Process & its Benefits [Podcast] * The New Product Introduction Process Guide (Long Read) * Remember, we can help you develop and manufacture your new product following our structured NPI process to reduce your risks, and more.

This episode is brought to you by The Sofeast Group and includes links in the show notes to our blog posts and resources, and recommended books. For help with manufacturing in Asia, inspections, auditing, new product development, contract manufacturing, 3PL warehousing and fulfillment, visit sofeast.com.

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Getting your product to market is one thing. Making sure it’s profitable is another.

In this episode, Adrian is joined by Paul Adams to break down how product costs really work, and why so many teams get it wrong. From BOM and tooling to logistics and hidden costs, they walk through what goes into your final unit price and how to avoid nasty surprises before launch.

They also explore practical design-to-cost strategies, including value engineering, supplier decisions, and smart trade-offs that can significantly reduce costs without compromising quality.

If you’re developing a product and want to protect your margins, this episode will help you think about cost the right way: early, holistically, and strategically.

Episode Sections:* 00:00:12 — What Is Design-to-Cost? * 00:00:49 — Why Costing Is Often Overlooked * 00:01:55 — The 4 Core Cost Drivers (BOM, NRE, Tooling, Logistics) * 00:05:24 — Value Engineering & Smarter Design Decisions * 00:08:54 — Reducing Assembly Cost & Complexity * 00:10:10 — Supplier Strategy: Cost vs Quality Trade-offs * 00:12:20 — Tooling Costs & Budget Pitfalls * 00:15:04 — NRE Explained: Hidden One-Time Costs * 00:19:40 — Logistics: The Most Underestimated Cost * 00:22:52 — Design for Cost: How to Reduce Product Cost * 00:28:08 — Why You Must Think About Cost Early * 00:31:47 — Biggest Costing Mistakes to Avoid

Related content…* Design for Manufacturing (DFM) * Why Product Idea Validation Is Crucial Before Spending Big on Development * Product Design Cost: 10 Factors That Affect Electronic Products * The Benefits of a Feasibility Study (during new product development) * 7 Must Do New Product Introduction Tasks For Successful Product Launches * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples

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In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded (Ep. 322), host Adrian is joined by Renaud to take a high-level, practical look at product compliance.

Many hardware teams think about compliance too late.

By the time testing starts, the damage is already done: failed certifications, redesigns, delays, and unexpected costs.

In this episode, we break down what product compliance really means and why it needs to be considered from the very beginning of product development.

You’ll learn:

What “compliance” actually covers (it’s more than just CE or FCC labels)
Why designing without compliance in mind leads to expensive rework
The key compliance areas: safety, chemicals, EMC, and more
How requirements change depending on your target market (EU, US, etc.)
Real ways companies get caught out, and how to avoid it

Episode Sections:* 00:00:03 – Introduction & why compliance timing matters * 00:01:23 – What product compliance actually means * 00:02:24 – Why compliance must be built into design & sourcing * 00:04:48 – What happens when products fail compliance testing * 00:06:06 – The cost of redesign loops after failed tests * 00:08:30 – Compliance explained: beyond CE & FCC labels * 00:11:10 – How requirements vary by market (EU, US, global) * 00:13:30 – Key compliance categories (chemicals, safety, EMC) * 00:16:00 – CE marking, EU rules & US differences (UL, FCC) * 00:18:52 – Additional requirements: toys, packaging, batteries * 00:21:28 – Common compliance mistakes & supplier pitfalls * 00:26:00 – Final takeaway: think about compliance early

Related content…* CE Compliance for Manufacturing in Asia: A Beginner’s Guide * 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements * Why Smart Devices Fail CE RED or FCC Testing & How to Prevent It * Common Compliance & Recall Risks for IoT Devices Sold in the EU & UK * US Consumer Electronics Compliance Basics * Your Product is NOT Compliant in the EU or UK if You Don’t Have All of its Technical Files * Reliability vs. Compliance: Both Matter Equally for Your New Product Launch

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Some teams try to reduce product costs too late, after the product design is already locked in. That’s when options are limited, margins get squeezed or totally blown, and difficult trade-offs start to appear.

In today's episode (321), our host Adrian and Sofeast's CEO, Renaud Anjoran, break down why cost is largely decided in the early design stages, and how a design-to-cost approach helps you hit your target price from the start, without sacrificing quality or functionality.

They explain how to set a realistic cost target, work backwards from your retail price, and make smarter decisions on components, features, and manufacturing methods. Along the way, they highlight common mistakes that lead to expensive redesigns (or even product failure), and share practical strategies to keep costs under control throughout development.

We hope that this episode will help you rethink how and when cost decisions should be made.

Episode Sections:* 00:00:03 – Introduction & industry context * 00:01:15 – Why reducing cost late rarely works * 00:02:09 – How costs get locked in early * 00:04:58 – What “design to cost” really means * 00:06:59 – Designing within cost constraints * 00:10:29 – The biggest cost reduction levers * 00:11:29 – Cutting features without losing value * 00:14:35 – Main drivers of product cost * 00:19:04 – Common mistakes that increase costs * 00:26:19 – Why simplicity improves cost and reliability * 00:27:19 – Practical design-to-cost strategies * 00:30:29 – Case study: the Coolest Cooler failure * 00:31:49 – Final takeaway: design for cost from day one

Related content…* Design for Manufacturing (DFM) * The New Product Introduction Process Guide * The Benefits of a Feasibility Study (during new product development) * 7 Must Do New Product Introduction Tasks For Successful Product Launches * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * Elon Musk’s New Product Introduction Philosophy: What Can We Learn? [Podcast] * Crowdfunding Failures: 4 Great Prototypes That Failed To Launch

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You’ve designed your product. You’ve built prototypes. Now you just need your first batch…

But suddenly:

Suppliers stop replying
MOQs jump higher
Quotes disappear

If you only need 500–2,000 units, manufacturing gets tricky fast.

In today's episode 320, Adrian and Renaud break down:

Why factories resist low-volume orders
What’s really happening behind the scenes
How to actually make low-volume production work

Episode Sections:* 00:00 – The Low-Volume Manufacturing Problem * 01:52 – Why Factories Resist Small Orders * 05:33 – How Low Volume Fits into Product Development * 09:03 – The Biggest Mistake: Testing Demand Too Late * 12:33 – The Real Economics Behind Low Volume Production * 18:02 – Supplier MOQs: The Hidden Constraint * 20:26 – How to Make Low-Volume Manufacturing Work * 26:31 – When Low Volume Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t) * 30:00 – Final Advice: Be Manufacturer-Ready

Related content…* The New Product Introduction Process Guide (explains why you can't just jump from prototype to production) * What is MOQ? (explains why factories push back on low volumes) * Low Volume Manufacturing in China for Your New Product (written-version of this podcast) * Flexible Manufacturing in China: How To Set It Up (shows when low-volume can work, if systems are designed for it) * Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer! (Show why low-volume manufacturing fails when the product isn’t ready)

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When a prototype works well, it can be tempting to move quickly toward mass production and order components in bulk.

But this shortcut can backfire badly.

In episode 319 of China Manufacturing Decoded, host Adrian and Sofeast CEO Renaud Anjoran discuss part qualification during the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and why skipping it can create expensive delays, scrapped inventory, and major redesign work.

They explore what part qualification really means, why companies often skip it, and the kinds of costly problems that can appear once production begins.

Episode Sections:* 00:00 – Prototype Success but Production Failure Scenario * 00:55 – Why Companies Order Components Early * 02:07 – What Part Qualification Means in the NPI Process * 07:58 – Why Companies Skip Part Qualification * 15:13 – The Hidden Costs of Skipping Qualification * 17:19 – Why the “Lucky Path” Is Rare in Hardware Development * 21:10 – Discovering Design Problems During Pilot Production * 24:05 – The Real Financial Impact of Skipping Validation * 26:00 – Engineering Builds, Pilot Runs, and Production Validation * 28:18 – Final Warning: Skipping NPI Steps Delays Launch

Related content…* NPI Process (New Product Introduction) * The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps! * Prototyping Process To Test & Refine a New Product Design * Part Qualification in NPI: Why Skipping It Creates Expensive Risk * The New Product Introduction Process Guide

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In Episode 318 of China Manufacturing Decoded from Sofeast, Adrian hosts and is joined by CEO Renaud and Supply Chain Management dept. Head, Kate, to examine how the escalating Iran conflict is already affecting, and could further disrupt, manufacturing and supply chains tied to China. The conversation covers the geopolitical context, immediate market reactions, and practical implications for buyers, suppliers and logistics managers.

Key takeaways for importers and manufacturers: expect higher material and freight costs, allow extra time for shipments, budget potential additional US$3–4k per container today, consider delaying non-urgent shipments where possible, and monitor the situation closely for rapid changes to insurance and routing. Renaud and Kate emphasize that impacts are likely to scale with the duration of the disruption and that more updates may be needed as the situation develops.

Episode Sections:* 00:29 – Introduction to the Iran Conflict * 00:58 – Impact on Manufacturing Costs * 06:02 – Uncertainty in the Global Market * 07:01 – Shipping and Logistics * 07:32 – Rising Insurance Costs * 11:16 – Freight Cost Implications * 12:35 – Shipping Delays and Bottlenecks * 14:30 – Effects on Transit Times * 15:55 – Preparing for Future Challenges

Related content…* US and Israel launch attack on Iran (CNN) * IRGC says Iran in ‘complete control’ of Strait of Hormuz amid Trump threats (Al Jazeera) * Oil and gas prices surge as Iran war disrupts Middle Eastern output (Reuters) * Chinese refiners begin run cuts as Iran war tightens oil supply (Reuters) * Don’t worry about the Iran conflict’s impact on oil prices—yet (Atlantic Council) * Carriers rush to impose war risk surcharges as Middle East crisis deepens (Lloyd's List) * The Red Sea Crisis (Impacts on global shipping and the case for international co-operation) (International Transport Forum)

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What does manufacturing in China for the U.S. really look like in 2026?

In this episode, we share the full audio from a live presentation by Fabien Gaussorgues, CEO of Agilian Technology, on the risks and opportunities facing companies that import from China into the United States.

Fabien breaks down the current tariff landscape, including recent changes, and explains why tariffs are now structural, not temporary. If you’re sourcing electronics, electromechanical products, or components from China, this is essential listening.

You’ll learn:

How Section 301 and new reciprocal tariffs impact landed cost
Why “China+1” isn’t as simple as shifting final assembly
What “substantial transformation” really means under U.S. Customs rules
The hidden cost of longer lead times and locked-up working capital
Real-world comparisons: Shenzhen vs. Malaysia production timelines
When U.S. or Mexico manufacturing makes economic sense
The realistic 2026 scenario for U.S.–China trade (and why full decoupling is unlikely)
How to design a supply chain based on total cost of ownership, not slogans

Fabien also answers audience questions on supplier diversification, automation in China, labor shifts inland, and how to think about tariff risk without overreacting.

If you’re a product company, importer, operations leader, or founder manufacturing in China, or considering moving production to Vietnam, India, Mexico, or the U.S., this episode will help you make decisions grounded in operational reality.

This is not a theory. It’s what’s happening on the ground right now.

Listen in and decide how you’ll structure your supply chain for 2026 and beyond.

Episode Sections:* 02:42 - Manufacturing Risks and Opportunities * 08:25 - Navigating Tariff Challenges * 11:23 - China Plus One Strategy * 13:20 - Substantial Transformation Explained * 15:06 - Final Assembly Considerations * 21:13 - Moving Production Out of China * 22:32 - Risks of Full Decoupling * 25:19 - Key Takeaways for Businesses * 28:07 - Audience Questions and Insights * 53:52 - Closing Remarks and Future Insights

Related content…* Download the accompanying PPT here.

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Renaud delivers this emergency bonus podcast to provide a timely update on the news of February 21, 2026, after a landmark 6–3 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down many of the tariffs imposed during President Trump’s second term. The episode explains which measures were affected, the immediate legal and financial fallout, and provides expert analysis of the political and strategic responses.

For manufacturers, importers, and supply-chain managers, Renaud also outlines the operational implications.

P.S.
Later on 21/2/26, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been ‘ripping’ the U.S. off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.” - so this confirms the 15% temporary tariff level from 24/2/26 for an initial 150 days, except on some goods such as critical metals, minerals, and pharmaceutical products. USMCA-compliant goods from Canada and Mexico are also exempted.

Episode Sections:* 00:23 – Introduction to Recent Tariff Changes * 02:48 – Reimbursement for Importers * 03:46 – New Tariff Plans and Manufacturing Uncertainty * 07:54 – Concerns Over the US Dollar * 08:57 – Upcoming Webinar Announcement * 09:44 – Wrap-up

Related content…* Supreme Court rules Trump's tariffs illegal - CNN * Supreme Court Trump tariff decision impact: What to expect as fight for billions in refunds begins - CNBC * Trump raises tariffs to 15% on imports from all countries - The Guardian

Confused about how the latest tariff news will affect your business?On February 25 at 11 AM Eastern Time, there will be a free online panel that YOU can join for free, "Refining Your Global Supply Chain Strategy," with Renaud's business partner, Agilian CEO Fabien Gaussorgues. The panel will provide insights on global supply chain and manufacturing strategies for companies that sell products in the USA market. In it, they'll explain the current situation, the very recent changes and what that may mean for importers.

The signup page is here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeeDT_BUwqxJPxCy7pKXd8kyFgDh0QiUSiXXbmb0mTkIzejPg/viewform

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How do you choose the right manufacturing process and avoid production bottlenecks? Adrian and Paul explain how volume, materials, tolerances, and cost determine whether to use injection molding, CNC machining, or die casting. They also cover common bottlenecks, including supplier capacity limits, component shortages, and assembly line imbalances, and how Design for Manufacturing (DFM) helps prevent delays and reduce production risk.

Episode Sections:* 01:02 – The core question: choosing the right manufacturing process and avoiding bottlenecks * 02:16 – Why the answer depends on your product, volume, and requirements * 03:57 – Injection molding vs CNC machining: when each process makes sense * 07:07 – How product materials and operating conditions affect process selection * 09:24 – Real example: smartwatch housings and choosing between CNC and die casting * 12:12 – How Design for Manufacturing (DFM) helps determine the right process early * 16:07 – Where production bottlenecks usually begin: supplier and subcontractor capacity * 19:07 – Why factory capacity and growth planning matter for long-term production * 20:45 – Skilled labor risks and the impact of worker turnover on quality and output * 23:39 – Component shortages and how incorrect part selection can delay production by months * 26:24 – Assembly line bottlenecks and how unbalanced production slows output * 28:14 – How manufacturers fix bottlenecks with line balancing and automation * 30:30 – Why visiting your factory helps identify risks and improve production efficiency * 31:03 – Key takeaways: process selection, DFM, supplier capacity, and bottleneck prevention

Related content…* Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Why process selection starts at the design stage * 10 Factors Affecting Supplier Production Capacity * Optimizing Assembly Line Flow and Efficiency * Electronic Component Selection: Avoiding Supply Chain Bottlenecks

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Most hardware teams don’t fail because of engineering; they fail because they misread the market.

In episode 314 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian speaks with Renaud Anjoran about how product teams can answer three make-or-break questions before investing in prototypes, tooling, and mass production:

Is there real demand?
Why “friends and family” feedback is misleading, what strong validation actually looks like (interviews, deposits, LOIs, and real use tests), and how to run low-cost market experiments.
Who is the target customer?
How to move beyond “everyone” to a precise, reachable segment using hypothesis testing, interviews, and smart segmentation by industry, company size, and behavior.
What features do customers truly want?
A practical deep-dive into qualitative research, using a real-world example, showing how to identify must-have features, spot patterns across 20–30 interviews, and avoid costly over-engineering.

Renaud explains why customer development must run in parallel with product development, how to de-risk market acceptance early, and why teams should avoid multiple prototype rounds without clear market proof.

If you’re bringing a physical product to market, whether consumer or B2B, this episode is a practical playbook for reducing risk, saving money, and increasing your chances of success.

Episode Sections:* 00:00 – Intro: The big question — are you building what people will actually buy? * 01:04 – Is there real demand? (customer discovery first) * 09:40 – Who is the target customer? (segmentation beats ‘everyone’) * 15:35 – What features do customers actually want? (listen for patterns) * 24:30 – Three lessons before you spend on tooling. * 25:25 – Close & resources.

Related content…* Agilian Technology — “The 3 Major Hardware Startup Killers: Part 1 – The Market.” * Agilian Technology — “How to do Qualitative Market Research for a New Product.” * Sofeast — “3 New Product Launch Tips for E-commerce Sellers.” * QualityInspection.org — “9 Key Questions When Developing A New Product (Part 1).” * QualityInspection.org — “The 8-Step Customer Journey Manufacturers Need To Consider.” * The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you by Robert Fitzpatrick * The Right It: Why So Many Ideas Fail and How to Make Sure Yours Succeed
by Alberto Savoia * The Four Steps to the Epiphany: Successful Strategies for Products that Win
by Steve Blank

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The Four Steps to the Epiphany: Successful Strategies for Products that Win

The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you

The Right It: Why So Many Ideas Fail and How to Make Sure Yours Succeed

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In episode 313 of China Manufacturing Decoded, hosts Adrian and Renaud look beyond headlines about U.S. tariffs to a bigger shift in global manufacturing politics: many traditional U.S. allies are deepening economic engagement with China while still hedging strategically with the U.S. Against that backdrop, a new U.S.–India tariff deal (18% for most goods, with key exemptions) makes India increasingly attractive as a “China +1” location, especially for consumer electronics, but China remains irreplaceable for early-stage development and deep supply chains.

You should listen because rapid shifts in tariffs, geopolitics, and supply chains are reshaping where products can be made profitably.

Episode Sections:* 01:07 – The big question: are U.S. allies turning toward China, or simply hedging? * 07:29 – Evidence that many countries are deepening economic ties with China — and why China’s export machine keeps getting stronger. * 15:21 – Economics vs. defense: why Europe can engage China commercially while still relying heavily on the U.S. and NATO for security. * 19:07 – Why India is the most interesting case after its border clash with China and its earlier “de-risking” push. * 24:27 – How the U.S.–India negotiation unfolded and what led to the flat 18% tariff deal. * 26:10 – What the deal means for electronics and why India becomes a serious “China + 1” assembly option. * 30:08 – India’s new trade win with the EU — zero tariffs for many goods, and why opening will stay gradual. * 32:04 – Signs of an India–China thaw: faster customs, pressure to buy Chinese machinery, and the looming EV debate. * 34:42 – Practical takeaway for manufacturers: keep China for depth, add India for resilience (and Sofeast’s India capability)

Related content…* WSJ - U.S. Will Cut Tariffs on India to 18% in Trade Deal * Reuters — South Korea, China, Japan trade dialogue * Reuters — Germany still closer to U.S. than China * Financial Times — EU hedging concerns * WSJ — U.S. India tariff deal & smartphone export surge * The Sofeast Group's Indian Facility - Serenial

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A working prototype does not mean your product is ready for mass production. In this episode, our host Adrian and Paul Adams, Sofeast's head of NPD, explore a real-world case where ignored DFM feedback led to predictable, preventable, and extremely costly manufacturing issues. From tooling limitations to material behavior and assembly inconsistency, this conversation explains why DFM exists, and why skipping it can cost hundreds of thousands (or even millions) later.

Episode Sections:* 01:17 – Why DFM feedback gets ignored (and why it’s dangerous) * 01:58 – Real case: prototype worked, DFM warnings dismissed * 03:19 – What prototypes are actually meant to validate * 04:56 – Why prototype tolerances don’t match production reality * 05:00 – Material differences: same polymer, different behavior * 06:08 – Tooling realities: demolding, deformation, surface damage * 07:02 – How cosmetic defects become functional failures * 07:32 – Assembly inconsistency, labor costs, scrap, and rework * 08:21 – Transport and environmental failures after launch * 09:07 – The true cost of returns, warranty, and brand damage * 09:53 – The cost multiplier: pre-tooling vs post-tooling fixes * 10:34 – How rushing actually delays your launch * 11:50 – Investor pressure and the hidden risk it creates * 13:36 – Best practices: how DFM should really be used * 14:48 – Why early CM involvement matters * 16:41 – The role of NPI checklists and structured processes * 18:06 – Final warning: don’t ignore expert manufacturing feedback

Related content…* Sofeast conducts your DFM review for Manufacturing in Asia * The New Product Introduction Process Guide * Handover to Manufacturing: What NOT to do & Best Practices

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On this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian is joined by Kate, who leads the supply chain management team at The Sophist Group, to unpack her top takeaways from CES 2026. Kate reports on the scale of the show, who was there, and what matters for product teams, developers and manufacturing leaders.

Episode Sections:* 01:00 – CES 2026 overview: scale, attendance & significance
Kate gives headline numbers: attendance, international visitors, exhibitors, and why this was the biggest post-pandemic CES. * 02:19 – Why CES still matters: networking & deal-making
CES is positioned as a major networking event for hardware companies, startups, and partners. * 02:57 – Surge of Chinese exhibitors at CES
Kate explains the sharp increase in Chinese suppliers and how Eureka Park has changed. * 03:55 – Eureka Park explained & why it matters
What Eureka Park is, why it’s important, and how it differs from the main convention halls. * 04:36 – Humanoid robots emerge as the biggest trend
Robotics numbers, China’s dominance, and the rise of affordable humanoid robots. * 05:09 – Real-world humanoid robot capabilities
Examples of shipping models, pricing, applications, and programmability. * 06:36 – From viral clips to serious industrial AI
Discussion of public misconceptions vs what was actually demonstrated at CES. * 07:31 – Physical AI & China’s hardware advantag
Why China excels at turning AI concepts into physical products quickly and cheaply. * 08:16 – Regulation risks & trade considerations
Concerns about regulation, drones, and geopolitical limits when using Chinese AI hardware. * 09:01 – Western tech giants respond (chips, OS, industrial AI)
NVIDIA, Siemens, Qualcomm, and others building humanoid and robotics ecosystems. * 10:06 – Edge AI & on-device intelligence
Shift toward low-power, on-device AI for privacy, speed, and autonomy. * 11:08 – Other global players at CES
France, Korea, Hong Kong, and their strengths across AI, mobility, health tech, and industry. * 13:04 – Fun tech, tracking & wearables everywhere
Smart collars, VR Lego, transparent displays, health tracking, and elder-care tech. * 14:49 – AI in smart manufacturing & formulation
AI-assisted production, cosmetics, materials mixing, and industrial applications. * 15:51 – Manufacturing strategy discussions at CES
Conversations with exhibitors about shifting production out of China — and back again. * 16:28 – Why companies return to China for early runs
Speed, ecosystem depth, prototyping, and complex AI electronics remain China’s edge. * 17:11 – Hybrid manufacturing strategies
Starting in China, then diversifying later once scale and risk justify it. * 18:09 – Tariffs, uncertainty & predictability
Why geopolitical volatility elsewhere makes China comparatively predictable for many US firms. * 19:38 – Final takeaways: manufacturing is mathematics
No single recipe — strategy depends on product, scale, cost, and risk. * 20:03 – Wrap-up & Sofeast support
Adrian summarizes, invites listeners to get in touch, and closes the episode.

Related content…* Best of CES 2026 - The Verge * 7 Crazy Robots at CES 2026

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Episode 310 (January 2026) of China Manufacturing Decoded. Host Adrian is joined by Paul Adams, head of New Product Development at Agilian Technology, part of our group, for a practical walkthrough of how a strong NPD partner guides products from idea to mass production.

The episode highlights key benefits of working with a strong NPD team and NPI process: faster time to market, built-in quality and reliability, better scope and cost control, and robust protection of intellectual property. Paul also discusses practical red flags to watch for when selecting a contract manufacturer and why the cheapest quote can become the most expensive option.

To learn more or discuss a product, listeners are invited to contact Agilian and reach out to Paul and the NPD team for advice, prototyping support, and new product development services.

Episode Sections: 00:00 – Introduction & episode context
Why NPD partnerships matter when going from idea to mass production * 01:55 – Overview of the NPI / NPD journey
Why new product development is a process, not a single milestone * 02:36 – The six NPI phases explained
Feasibility → Prototype → Tooling → Validation → Pre-production → Mass production * 05:00 – Why pre-production runs are critical
Real example: catching a potential 30% failure rate before mass production * 07:30 – What an NPD team actually* does
Acting as both the customer’s voice and the company’s representative * 11:10 – Managing scope, budget, and expectations
Why scope creep quietly kills timelines, cost, and quality * 14:10 – Transparency as a core NPD responsibility
Why “telling customers what they want to hear” creates long-term risk * 16:35 – Embedding risk mitigation into every phase
Living risk registers, phase gates, and cross-functional reviews * 21:00 – Risk goes beyond engineering
Budget limits, internal constraints, and customer readiness * 24:00 – Benefits of a strong NPD partner
Faster time-to-market, built-in quality, and reliability by design * 27:05 – Intellectual property protection and trust
Why IP protection is foundational to long-term partnerships * 30:10 – Order-takers vs true manufacturing partners
What importers should look for when choosing a contract manufacturer * 31:25 – Closing remarks & where to learn more

Related content…* The New Product Introduction Process Guide * Agilian - How we work (6 NPI Phases) * Get assistance from Sofeast with your NPI * 4 types of pre-production prototype to make before production * 11 questions to ask before working with a contract manufacturer

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If your manufacturing project keeps stalling, blowing budgets, or needing “rescues,” there’s a good chance you picked the wrong factory. In this episode, Adrian and Renaud break down why manufacturer–product mismatch is one of the most common and expensive mistakes importers still make in 2026, especially when adding electronics, higher quality expectations, or regulatory complexity.

The key takeaway: factories are focused systems. If their experience, processes, and priorities don’t align with your product’s real requirements, no amount of optimism or “we’ll figure it out” will save the project.

Episode Sections: 00:00 Intro + why factory experience still matters in 2026 * 01:04 Basic due diligence vs real factory suitability * 02:01 The core mistake: buyers don’t understand what their project actually requires * 03:19 Real case: asking a mechanical supplier to assemble an electronic product * 05:22 What electronic products really require beyond “assembly” * 07:12 Electronics discipline: IPC standards, ESD handling & skilled labor * 09:27 Quality control blind spots when factories lack electronics experience * 10:00 Salvage projects: when customers come after choosing the wrong supplier * 10:20 Skipping DFM and going straight to tooling, a costly red flag * 11:36 Why Apple’s model works (and why most companies can’t replicate it) * 12:30 Factory focus: cost-driven vs quality-driven manufacturers * 14:40 Regulated products (medical, automotive, aerospace): experience is mandatory * 15:36 Why suppliers rarely admit they’re the wrong fit * 17:17 “Fake it till you make it” in manufacturing * 20:49 Lessons from Poorly Made in China*: staged factories & appearances * 22:35 The buyer’s responsibility: suppliers won’t self-disqualify * 25:23 Audits + analysis: the cheapest insurance against the wrong factory * 26:40 Wrap-up: how to avoid picking the wrong horse in 2026

Related content…* How To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need? * Quality System Audits vs. Process-Specific Audits * DFM for PCBA – 40+ Improvements * 11 Ways A Manufacturer Can Help Improve Your Product Design (includes DFM) * Electrostatic Discharge: 10 FAQs (ESD risks + controls) * Switch Away from a Manufacturer at the First Signs of Trouble * 7 Reasons Why Ignoring Factory Audits Will Hurt Your Business

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If your product launches late, over budget, or with quality issues; you’ve met the Iron Triangle. In this episode, Adrian and Paul break down the three corners (cost, time, quality), the real-world trade-offs founders and product teams face, and the “hidden” fourth factor that turns the triangle into a pyramid.
The key takeaway: choose your anchor early and don’t quietly change it mid-project, at least, not without considering the implications.

Episode Sections:00:00 Intro + what the “Iron Triangle” is

02:37 Corner #1: Cost (dev, prototypes, tooling, fixtures, compliance)

06:13 Corner #2: Time (deadlines, trade shows, competitor launches, investor milestones)

09:43 Corner #3: Quality (specs, requirements, yield, “what quality means”)

13:25 Scenario 1: Speed is king (90-day push → cost up or quality down/MVP)

16:54 Scenario 2: Quality is king (bigger/longer field trial → time + cost increase)

19:34 Scenario 3: Budget is fixed (scope creep, hidden costs, marketing budget)

26:21 Beyond the triangle: Risk (the “pyramid” and what each tradeoff risks)

33:10 Pro tip #1: Don’t change your anchor (make it visual)

36:27 Pro tip #2: Change is a killer

37:12 Pro tip #3: Phase-gate reviews (explicitly re-check the anchor)

40:13 Wrap + CTA

Related content...* Can You Afford to Manufacture Your Idea? Budget Truths from Idea to Mass Production * Why does new product development take so long? * NPD Project Constraints (3 common examples) * How To Reduce Risks When Developing New Products? [Video] * Product Development Lifecycle: Why and How to Reduce its Time? * Cost Vs Quality – How to improve yours. * Dangers of Amortizing Development Costs in the Production Price

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In this pre-Christmas episode 307, Adrian and Renaud look ahead to five manufacturing trends that could shape 2026 for importers working with China and Asia.

Thanks for listening during 2025. We appreciate all of our listeners and followers, and, if you like what we do, please consider giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast player! See you in 2026!

Topics covered are:

Tariff volatility in the Trump era
What comes after “China+1”
The growing focus on repairability, modularity and sustainable design
The AI/data center boom
Where is all the ‘smart manufacturing’ we keep seeing in the press?

Episode Sections:* 00:00 – Introduction * 03:16 – Trend #1: Tariff volatility in the Trump era * 12:14 – Trend #2: Where is ‘China+1’ really going? * 19:36 – Trend #3: Sustainability, repairability & modular design * 24:10 – Trend #4: AI/data centers and component price shocks * 27:49 – Trend #5: Smart manufacturing: hype vs. factory floor reality * 31:40 – Wrap-up, Merry Christmas & call for questions

Related content...* Breaking Down the US-China Trade Tariffs: What’s in Effect Now? * US to allow Nvidia H200 chip shipments to China, Trump says * Global trade to hit record $35 trillion despite slowing momentum * The AI frenzy is driving a memory chip supply crisis * RAM is ruining everything * 2026 Manufacturing Industry Outlook * Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation

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Hidden commissions and kickbacks can still be found in China sourcing, and many importers are unaware that they’re paying for them. In this episode, Adrian and Renaud unpack how these schemes work, how agents and trading companies quietly erode your margin, and what a more transparent, safer sourcing model looks like.

Episode Sections:* 00:00 – Intro & today’s topic: hidden commissions in China sourcing * 01:32 – Agents vs trading companies: who are you really buying from? * 03:01 – When a middleman does add value (and when they don’t) * 07:48 – Transparent trading companies acting as a factory’s sales office * 12:44 – Buyer-side agents, double commissions, and why it’s so tempting * 18:01 – How traders quietly erode your margin with small opaque factories * 21:48 – Short-term thinking, “circles” of trust, and why you’re outside of it * 24:44 – Red flags with agents: pricing control, commission structure, and resistance to change * 25:47 – Red flags with traders: factory visibility, visits, and compliance documents * 26:56 – Moving to a safer model: when you may need a completely new supply chain * 29:14 – Simple health-check: how well do you really know your supply chain? * 31:00 – Why a lack of visibility puts your IP and business at risk * 31:42 – Wrap-up, “health check your sourcing” call-to-action, and Sofeast support

Related content...* Agent vs. trader vs. importer: what differences? * Is My Supplier A Trading Company Pretending To Be A Manufacturer? * Do you need a sourcing agent to buy from China? * Chinese Suppliers: “Are you my factory?” * Hidden commissions between China factories and sourcing agents

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Adrian is joined by Sofeast Group Head of New Product Development, Paul Adams, to unpack the brutal truth behind the question: “Can you actually afford to manufacture your new product idea?”

They bust some of the most dangerous myths (like “MOQ × unit price is my total cost” and “we’ll fix reliability later”), then walk through Sofeast/Agilian’s 6-phase NPI process for electromechanical products and show how your budget is really consumed; from feasibility and prototyping through to tooling, pilot runs, and mass production. If you’re planning to launch a new product, this episode is your reality check and roadmap.

Episode Sections:* 00:00 – Intro & who this episode is for * 07:02 – Mythbusting: YouTube & “$10k product launch” myths * 12:13 – The Sofeast/Agilian 6-phase NPI process * 21:18 – How your budget is split across the phases * 29:00 – What to expect in each phase & readiness checks * 37:31 – Tooling, NRE, and why half a tooling budget is worse than none * 43:42 – Budgeting properly and adding contingency * 45:21 – Call to action & how Sofeast/Agilian can help

Related content...* How to Calculate the Cash Needed to Prototype & Launch your New Product * Why does new product development take so long? * What is an NRE Cost (Non-Recurring Engineering)? * 10 Factors Affecting Electronic Product Design Costs * Costs and Milestones to go from Product Concept to Market? * The New Product Development Process in Electronics * New Product Development In China: 4 Tips To Go Faster

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In episode 304 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian is joined by Kate (Sofeast’s Supply Chain Management Manager) to dig into one of the nastiest hidden risks importers face: mold. They explain how weeks inside a hot, humid shipping container can ruin textiles, leather, wood, packaging, and even electronics, if humidity and packaging aren’t under control. Don't sleep on this risk; it can affect anyone importing products from Asia!

Episode Sections: 00:13 – Why importers don’t think about what happens inside* the container * 01:27 – How mold ruins products, packaging, and entire shipments (and which goods are most at risk) * 03:02 – Why “mold explosions” happen: the 3 main causes (production humidity, packaging, container condensation) * 06:27 – Factory controls: target humidity levels, drying products properly, and warehouse/storage pitfalls * 08:56 – AC warehouses vs “regular” storage and what that really means for your goods * 09:41 – Packaging controls: desiccants, export-grade cartons, minimizing empty air, plastic wrapping * 10:31 – Logistics & container controls: dry containers, pallets, container desiccants, and rainy-season loading risks * 13:16 – Case study: US home décor importer moves to India, spots high humidity, and ultimately cancels the order * 18:11 – Desiccants 101: what they look like in cartons and containers, and why they’re “too cheap to ignore” * 19:59 – Practical mold-prevention checklist for factories, packaging, and containers * 23:56 – Is mold still a problem with air freight? Time, storage, and what to focus on if you ship by air * 25:39 – Final advice: who’s most at risk and how Sofeast can help with packaging, inspections, and logistics controls

Related content...* Avoiding Mold on Imported Products Shipped in Ocean Containers * Avoiding humidity inside containers * 9 Types of Packaging (Benefits, Costs, Sustainability, and more) - Guide for Importers

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Hiring a “quality manager” in China or Asia doesn’t always mean you’re getting someone who can actually protect your brand. In this episode, Renaud walks through how to tell a real quality leader from a simple document handler: the interview questions that expose true ISO 9001 competence, what strong (and weak) answers sound like, and how this role can either quietly drain money… or drive real improvement.

Episode Sections:* 00:00 – Cold Open: Can you trust that “quality manager”? * 01:00 – Why the quality manager hire is a “hidden” benefit (or risk) * 02:30 – Do you want a document pusher or an improvement leader? * 04:45 – ISO 9001 “trick questions” that reveal real knowledge * 07:00 – Can they explain the system, not just recite the standard? * 09:20 – Scenario: lots of customer complaints – what do they actually do? * 12:30 – Switching between “heavy” analysis and fast problem-solving * 14:00 – What “profile” are you really looking for? * 16:00 – Paying more for the right person vs. the cost of poor quality * 18:00 – Wrap-up: Practical takeaways for your next hire

Related content...* Quality Manager Interview Questions To Test Knowledge Of ISO 9001 * QA Strategy in China: 10 Elements You Should Include * Basics about ISO 9001: The Standard and the Certification Process * How a Chinese Factory Can Get ISO 9001 Certified * What Factory CERTIFICATIONS Mean in China * How a Factory Can (and Should) Go Beyond ISO 9001

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Adrian and Paul break down why molding costs “balloon” (over-tight tolerances and cosmetic overkill) and then walk through three practical levers to cut costs safely: smarter tooling design & DFM (wall thickness, draft, gates, material choice), good tooling decisions (steel grades like P20 vs H13, cavity count, hot vs cold runners), and production/process tweaks (machine tonnage matching, sensible regrind use, SPC/sensors, in-tool de-gating). They finish with some tooling-costs myth-busting (cheap tools, mirror finishes, family molds).

Episode Sections:* 00:00 Intro & today’s topic * 01:58 Why costs balloon: tolerances & cosmetics * 06:52 Lever #1 — Design & DFM (wall thicknesses, material choice) * 14:40 Lever #2 — Tooling decisions (steel grades, cavities) * 22:44 Lever #3 — Processing & production setup * 27:35 Myth-busting: cheap tools, mirror finishes, family molds * 31:23 Recap & where the biggest savings really are

Related content...* Product Tooling: Possible To Avoid Paying for it in Full? * Common Design For Manufacture Improvements On Plastic Injection Molded Parts * When To Sign Off On Injection Mold Tooling? Inside the Journey from DFM to T0→T2 [Podcast] * Plastic Playbook: Choosing The Right Polymer [Podcast] * Mold Tooling Ownership: The term Chinese suppliers push for will shock you! * The Conundrum of Investing in Tooling Before a Final Prototype

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The team unpacks October’s Trump–Xi meeting and the short-term “truce” it produced: a ~10 percentage-point cut on broad China tariffs tied to fentanyl controls, a one-year pause on rare-earth/magnet export controls, resumed Chinese purchasing of US soy/other ag, and continued Section 301 exclusions for key medical, electronics, HVAC, and solar items.

We explain what actually shifted, what didn’t, and the practical moves US importers should make now. We close with signals from Chinese media and what to watch next from Beijing.

Episode Sections:* 00:32 – Setting the scene: Trump–Xi met in South Korea (Oct 30). Expectations vs reality. * 01:16 – Renaud’s first take: anticipation vs limited outcomes * 04:47 – Rare earths & magnets: one-year pause on export controls and why it matters * 07:22 – Tariffs: tone softens; specific cuts hit “fentanyl punishment” lines (20%→10%) * 09:43 – What that means to landed cost (example: 54%→44%) * 11:06 – Planning stability: from 90-day chaos to ~12 months of predictability * 11:47 – Fentanyl precursors: enforcement complexity & policy trade-offs * 14:00 – Section 301 exclusions extended (medical, electronics, HVAC, solar examples) * 16:59 – What importers should do: horizons, HS discipline, alternatives, and risk * 19:20 – Substantial transformation & multi-country routing: when it makes sense * 22:00 – DDP renegotiations & compliance exposure * 22:59 – Buffer stock & design tweaks to reduce magnet dependence * 26:33 – Long-term trajectory: conflict risk and diversification logic * 28:03 – China reactions round-up & closing thoughts * 30:42 – Outro

Related content...* Reuters U.S.–China headlines & rare‑earth pause * Politico: ‘Amazing meeting’: Trump touts progress on multiple fronts with China after meeting Xi * Guardian: First Thing: Trump says rare earths deal and tariff cut agreed with China * Xinhua (English): China unveils outcomes of China-U.S. economic, trade talks in Kuala Lumpur * MOFCOM (English) — 2025 announcement page (export declaration/controls reference; for primary-source language & numbering) * USTR Section 301: https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/enforcement/section-301-investigations * CBP Trade: https://www.cbp.gov/trade

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It's episode 300! Host Adrian and Sofeast head of NPD Paul Adams dig into IK ratings, what they measure (impact energy in joules), why they matter for real-world product abuse (drops, kicks, tool strikes), and how to connect use-case, environment, materials, and system-level design choices (wall thickness, ribs, radii, gate location) to hit targets like IK06–IK10.

You’ll hear practical examples (from light switches to job-site drills), polymer options (PP, HIPS, ABS, PC/ABS blends), and environment trade-offs (temperature, UV, chemicals, cost) so your spec says more than “make it rugged.”

Episode Sections:* 00:12 – Introduction: designing for toughness via IK rating * 01:58 – IK vs IP: ingress ≠ impact toughness * 05:16 – What is IK? Impact energy (J); Izod/Charpy context * 08:33 – IK scale overview: IK00 → IK10 (~20 J) * 09:18 – Start with real-world use before materials * 10:15 – Low-impact examples (e.g., light switches) * 11:56 – Mid-impact examples (bench drops, tools falling) * 12:50 – High-impact / IK10: sledgehammer territory * 14:02 – Specify toughness explicitly: choose an IK level * 17:02 – Mapping joules to IK (≈0.35 J to 20 J) * 19:34 – Materials at IK06 (~1 J): PP, HIPS, ABS, PA * 21:47 – Materials at IK09 (~10 J): high-impact ABS, PC/ABS, modified PA * 25:51 – Designing for IK: thickness, ribs, radii * 27:18 – Molding realities: gate location, weld lines * 29:26 – Environment trade-offs: temperature, UV, chemicals, cost * 33:14 – Same IK, different designs: oil vs building site * 35:16 – Key takeaway: IK is a system rating * 35:40 – Wrapping up

Related content...* Power Tool Plastics (ABS vs PC/ABS vs PA66-GF) * Plastic Enclosures for Electronics Projects (Plastics Sourcing Guide) * What type of reliability testing is helpful pre-production? * How Many Samples To Test for Reliability & Compliance * Do You Need a Customized Reliability Test Plan? * Drop Testing: 3 Tests That Can Save You Money * How Reliability Testing Is Critical To Obtaining Great Mass-Produced Products * Test To Failure: Why You Need This Reliability Test * How Many Prototype Iterations & Tests Do We Need?

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In episode 298, Renaud talks with Roberth Jonsson (24HourAR) about what “compliance” really means in the EU/UK. Industrial products, consumer goods, dropshipping; if you sell in the EU/UK under your own brand, you’re legally the manufacturer. That means CE testing alone won’t save you. You need the right directives/standards, a complete technical file, and (in most cases) an EU Responsible Person, often an Authorized Representative (AR).

Episode Sections:* 00:00:13 – Introduction. * 00:03:20 – EU compliance at a high level: directives vs standards; CE ≠ everything. * 00:06:51 – Who’s the “manufacturer” legally? Private label importers beware. * 00:10:16 – Testing reports vs full compliance: technical file, risk assessment, manuals. * 00:12:26 – The “responsible person” & why it exists. * 00:14:18 – Market Surveillance Reg (2019/1020) and GPSR expanding the scope. * 00:17:41 – Importer obligations & the pain of sharing technical docs with many importers. * 00:20:03 – When to appoint an Authorized Representative (AR); DTC and online sellers. * 00:23:17 – Dropshipping into the EU: why customs may block you without an EU RP. * 00:25:15 – EU vs UK: similar rules, separate markets; you need separate reps. * 00:26:22 – “Can my cousin be the AR?” Contracts, duties, and… big risks. * 00:27:13 – Coming change: Product Liability Directive will add AR liability. * 00:29:19 – ESPR & Digital Product Passports; unified customs tools = tighter checks. * 00:33:05 – Gatekeepers: ARs/importers get pickier as liability rises. * 00:34:44 – How to contact 24HourAR.

Related content...* CE Compliance for Manufacturing in Asia: A Beginner’s Guide * 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements * What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation? * 7 Upcoming EU Product Compliance Requirements (as of 2023) * New EU MDR: Who Are The “Economic Operators” For Imported Devices? * We’re Buying Medical Devices From China And Are Worried Our Supplier Isn’t Legit | Disputes With Chinese Suppliers Q&A (Volume 8) * Check out https://www.24hour-ar.com/ and learn about Roberth * Get help from Sofeast (quality, NPD, manufacturing, audits, inspections): https://www.sofeast.com/

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In episode 297 of China Manufacturing Decoded, host Renaud is joined by Sofeast reliability specialist Andrew Amirnovin to unpack why smart wearables so often fail in the field, and how to stop it. They break down real cases across rings, earbuds, watches, and smart glasses (think swollen cells, failing mics, cracked displays, and weak straps), then map fixes to a practical workflow: early DFMEA, designing for foreseeable misuse, test-to-failure (drops, sweat ingress, torsion), and ORT after any supplier or component change. You’ll hear how to balance sleek form factors with robustness, set DVP&R with vendors, and avoid costly reliability surprises.

Episode Sections:* 00:00:12 – Introduction. * 00:01:04 – Wearables & why reliability matters. * 00:03:12 – Case 1: Samsung Galaxy Ring battery swelling & safety risk. * 00:07:27 – Foreseeable misuse & worst-case design thinking (rings). * 00:09:44 – Case 2: AirPods Pro ANC/microphone failures after 1–2 years. * 00:16:54 – Testing to failure: drop & sweat, isolate root causes. * 00:17:55 – Case 3: Smartwatches (Galaxy Watch 5) screens cracking too easily. * 00:24:21 – Xiaomi watch similar issues; plan for misuse; EU risk assessment. * 00:28:18 – New categories = unpredictable use; plan reliability up-front. * 00:31:13 – DFMEA discipline for wearables; consequences of failure. * 00:32:10 – Case 4: Fitbit Versa strap/band reliability complaints; ORT after changes. * 00:36:06 – Purchasing swaps, component changes & the need for ORT. * 00:38:00 – Case 5: Meta/Ray-Ban smart glasses user complaints, battery/performance. * 00:39:45 – Battery life degradation vs. performance drain discussion. * 00:44:52 – Closing thoughts: Be patient with cutting-edge form factors. * 00:45:44 – Wrap-up & outro.

Related content...* Here’s a big reason to think twice before buying a smart ring (WaPo) * AirPods Pro lawsuit says Apple didn’t fix the crackles and ANC faults (9to5 Mac) * More users report "red screen of death" on older Galaxy Watch model (Notebookcheck) * Fitbit fined $12 million for Ionic smartwatches that burned 78 people (The Verge) * Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Finally Ready for Daily Use (Next Reality) * Do You Need a Customized Reliability Test Plan? * Design for Reliability Secrets [Podcast] * How Many Product Samples Do We Really Need To Test For Reliability And Compliance? * How To Do Product Reliability Testing? * dFMEA: 8 Secrets for a Successful Implementation * Investigating the Causes of Product Failure and Improving Design

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Renaud breaks down this week’s one-two punch in the U.S.–China trade saga: Beijing’s new export controls on key rare-earth minerals (notably neodymium for high-strength magnets) and the White House’s counter-threat of a 100% tariff on made-in-China imports from November 1.

He unpacks the “small yard, high fence” strategy, how China is now mirroring U.S. tools (FDPR-style controls, personnel restrictions, licensing), and what this means for your supply chain in the next few weeks.

Episode Sections:* 00:00:26 The headline: China’s new export controls on rare-earth minerals (incl. neodymium) * 00:01:45 U.S. response: proposed 100% tariff on made-in-China goods from Nov 1 (leverage &

deadline) * 00:02:46 China says it will reciprocate; deadlock + market jitters * 00:03:07 Mixed signals on X; why near-term headlines may whipsaw * 00:04:59 WSJ angle: “learn the barbarians’ tools” — China’s smarter countermeasures * 00:05:11 “Small yard, high fence”: narrowing the choke points (semis, EVs, batteries) * 00:07:05 Example #1: U.S. FDPR vs. China’s mineral-origin export controls (mirroring) * 00:07:48 Example #2: Restricting people — U.S. persons in CN semis vs. CN nationals in rare-earth chain * 00:08:15 Example #3: Licensing regimes for dual-use tech — copy-and-invert * 00:09:16 Takeaways for importers: don’t overreact, prep playbooks before Nov 1

Work with usDesign, industrialization, inspections, audits, CM, and 3PL across Asia → Sofeast Group: https://www.sofeast.com/

Related content...* How China's new rare earth export controls work (Reuters) * China’s rare-earths power move jolted Trump but was years in the making (WaPo) * China’s New Rare Earth and Magnet Restrictions Threaten U.S. Defense Supply Chains (CSIS) * Trump announces extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting next month (CBS) * China warns US of retaliation over Trump’s 100% tariffs threat (The Guardian) * Foxconn sees limited impact from China rare earths curbs for now (Reuters) * ASML plays down Chinese tool stockpiling, impact of rare earth restrictions (Reuters)

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In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, host Adrian is joined by Vera Roldan, head of the design department at Sofeast, to unpack how industrial design links user needs, aesthetics, and manufacturability. Vera outlines the practical workflow: research, mood boards, sketches, 3D CAD, renders, and tight collaboration with engineering and suppliers; plus why bringing design in early prevents costly rework. They cover differences between electronics and home goods, balancing looks with cost, the rise of sustainability, and why startups must not skip prototyping or user testing.

Episode Sections:* 00:00:12 — Introducing Vera & the topic * 00:01:49 — Why industrial design matters (beyond looks) * 00:02:58 — Example: simplifying complexity & “design as insurance” * 00:05:02 — Getting started with an ID team: what to share in your brief * 00:07:50 — ID is consultative: research, sketches, 3D CAD, renders, handover * 00:10:42 — Electronics vs home goods: different constraints * 00:12:40 — Pitfalls of bringing design in late (rework, fit issues, cost) * 00:16:27 — Designers × engineers × suppliers: prototype feedback loops * 00:18:50 — What you should receive at the end of ID (deliverables) * 00:20:06 — Why hire a pro ID team vs doing it in-house * 00:21:27 — Balancing aesthetics and cost * 00:23:23 — Startups: don’t skip prototyping/user testing * 00:24:41 — Sustainability trends & competitive advantage * 00:25:41 — #1 thing for first-time creators: test with real users * 00:26:50 — Vera’s favourite design stage * 00:27:46 — Success story: UX focus transformed the outcome * 00:28:56 — Wrapping up

Related content...* Get help from Sofeast's design team with your product: Industrial Design Support * 3 Product Design Approaches And Their Pros & Cons For Made-In-China Products * What Is The Industrial Design Process For New Electro-Mechanical Products? [Podcast] * Avoid Sending Immature Product Designs to a Chinese Manufacturer! * AI Product Design: How to use AI early during Industrial Design (Examples) * 3 Unmissable Product Design Optimizations * Design Reviews: An Important Step Before New Product Launches

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In this episode, Adrian is joined by Kate, Sofeast's head of Supply Chain Management, who has just returned from IFA Berlin, Europe’s biggest consumer electronics trade fair. Together, they share key takeaways from the event, focusing on how PR can make or break your trade fair success. This episode offers actionable advice on getting media coverage, generating leads, and making the most out of your investment in trade shows.

Episode Sections:00:00 – Intro

01:11 – First Impressions of IFA Berlin

05:01 – Why PR Preparation Matters

10:16 – Capturing Leads & Pre-Orders

13:46 – IFA vs. CES Traffic

16:31 – Tools, Takeaways & What’s Next

18:41 – End | Wrap-Up

Related content...* How To Get More Out Of A China Trade Fair Visit For Importers * How To Fight Back Against Fake Goods In China Trade Shows * The Evolution of Hong Kong Trade Shows * China Trade Shows: Don’t Get Your New Product Designs Stolen * Check out the Artronic Komutr we were supporting: Komutr.io

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In this episode, Adrian is joined by Renaud Anjoran to explore fail-safe design principles: essential thinking for anyone developing most kinds of products.

Through real-world examples ranging from Tesla doors to Boeing and consumer electronics, they highlight how designers must ask: “If this fails, what happens to the user?”

They break down why it matters, what trade-offs exist, and how structured risk analysis, simplification, redundancy, and error-proofing can dramatically reduce hazards and costly failures.

Episode Sections:* 00:00:03 – Introduction * 00:01:00 – Tesla door handle fail-safe issue * 00:02:32 – Building lock systems vs. car safety * 00:05:55 – Structured thinking in fail-safe design * 00:07:21 – Designing with users in mind * 00:09:02 – Risk analysis methods: FMEA & fault tree analysis * 00:11:10 – Catastrophic failures & extreme examples * 00:12:18 – Everyday product applications * 00:14:21 – Principle: Simplification in design * 00:16:13 – Redundancy in critical systems * 00:20:30 – Battery management & safety logic * 00:20:34 – Human error and mistake-proofing * 00:23:09 – Error-proofing examples: tables & plugs * 00:23:41 – Trade-offs and cost considerations * 00:26:03 – Testing, regulations & standards (UL, ETL, etc.) * 00:27:11 – Summary & wrap-up * 00:28:07 – Final thoughts & listener takeaway * 00:28:19 – Outro

Are you designing a new product?
Ask yourself: “If this fails, what happens?”

Visit Sofeast.com to learn how our quality, reliability, and product development teams can support you in building safer, more reliable products.

Related content...* Fail Safe Design Principles & Examples | Product Risk Reduction * Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 Near Disaster! Quality & Reliability Issues? * Why Product Safety, Quality, and Reliability Are Tightly Linked * Tesla’s Cybertruck Debacle: Reliability, Politics, & Plummeting Sales [Podcast] * We can do your manufacturing at Agilian Technology

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In episode 293 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian is joined by Sofeast’s Head of New Product Development, Paul Adams, for the final part of their trilogy on polymers.

When people think of plastics, they usually picture injection molding. But it’s far from the only available process. We'll break down the major polymer processing methods, including injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, thermoforming, rotational moulding, and additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing).

They explain:

Why your product’s geometry may rule out certain methods
The strengths and weaknesses of each process
Typical products made using each technique
How process choice impacts cost, speed, surface finish, and performance

This conversation will help you match the right process to your product and avoid costly mistakes.

Episode Sections:* 00:00 – Introduction * 01:05 – Why process choice matters: geometry, cost, and performance * 04:55 – Injection molding: strengths, limitations, and common products * 10:29 – Extrusion: pipes, profiles, and aligned mechanical properties * 14:23 – Blow molding: bottles, containers, and even stadium seats * 21:23 – Thermoforming: clamshell packaging, tubs, and larger liners * 26:24 – Rotational molding: playground equipment, cones, and kayaks * 30:34 – Additive manufacturing (3D printing): filaments and prototypes * 34:52 – Wrapping up: how to decide and next steps with your manufacturer

Need help choosing the right polymer for your product? Contact us for a conversation.

Related content...* Plastic Injection Molding Questions: 17 FAQs Businesses Need Answers To * This is the third podcast in a trilogy. Listen to the other two here: When To Sign Off On Injection Mold Tooling? Inside the Journey from DFM to T0→T2 and Plastic Playbook: Choosing The Right Polymer

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Choosing the right polymer for your plastic parts can significantly impact the success of your product. In this episode, Adrian and Paul Adams from Sofeast explore the most common polymers used in manufacturing, from everyday workhorses like ABS to high-performance engineering plastics and sustainable bioplastics.

They cover the strengths, weaknesses, and real-world applications of each group, plus share a cautionary case study where a material change led to product failure. The episode wraps up with advice on additives, testing, and key considerations to ensure your material choice supports your product’s success.

Episode Sections:* 00:00 – Introduction * 00:55 – Why Polymer Selection Matters * 04:49 – ABS and Its Blends – The Workhorse Polymer * 08:27 – Commodity Polymers – PP, PC, HDPE * 16:20 – Engineering Polymers – Nylon, POM, PCTG * 26:19 – Case Study: A Costly Material Change * 32:42 – Flexible & Sustainable Options * 38:42 – Key Additives and Modifiers * 40:17 – Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways

Need help choosing the right polymer for your product? Contact us for a conversation.

Related content...* Plastic Injection Molding Questions: 17 FAQs Businesses Need Answers To * Plastic Enclosures for Electronics Projects (Plastics Sourcing Guide) * How to Test Plastic Material Properties * Avoiding 9 Plastic Injection Molding Defects: Key Preventive Measures * Injection Mold Textures: How to Choose the Right One?

Polymer Selection Guide: Summary Table Polymer FamilyKey Strength & "Personality"Typical Tensile
Strength (MPa)Typical Impact
(Izod, J/m)Key LimitationsBest For Applications Like...COMMODITY / WORKHORSE POLYMERS PP (Polypropylene)The Low-Cost Champion25 - 4020 - 80Poor UV resistance, difficult to bond, can be brittle with fillers.Food containers, living hinges, consumer goods, automotive interiors.Lightweight, chemical resistant, versatile.HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)The Chemical & Moisture Barrier20 - 3040 - 200Low strength and stiffness, poor temperature resistance.Milk jugs, shampoo bottles, chemical tanks, food-safe packaging.Excellent chemical resistance, moisture barrier, food-safe.ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)The All-Rounder40 - 50200 - 400Poor UV and weather resistance, low heat resistance.Electronic housings, automotive trim, consumer product shells, LEGOs.Best balance of strength, rigidity, impact, and surface finish.ENGINEERING / PERFORMANCE POLYMERS PC (Polycarbonate)The Impact-Resistant Shield55 - 75600 - 850Prone to scratching, susceptible to chemical stress cracking.Safety glasses, bullet-resistant windows, transparent machine guards, electronic covers.Exceptional impact strength, transparent, high heat resistance.PC+ABS BlendThe Balanced Hybrid45 - 55300 - 500Properties are a compromise; not as good as pure PC or ABS in their top traits.Automotive dashboards, laptop housings, power tool bodies.Perfect balance of PC's strength/heat and ABS's processability/finish.PA (Nylon / Polyamide)The Strong & Tough Workhorse80 - 12040 - 150Absorbs moisture, which affects dimensions and properties.Gears, bearings, automotive under-hood parts, mechanical components.High strength, stiffness, wear resistance, and heat resistance.(with 30% GF)POM (Acetal)The Precision Engineer60 - 7060 - 120Poor resistance to strong acids and bases.Precision gears, conveyor belts, fasteners, zippers, fuel systems.High stiffness, low friction, excellent fatigue resistance.PCTG (Tritan™)The Tough & Safe Transparent50 - 55700 - 900Higher cost than PC or ABS.Medical devices, baby bottles, small appliances, drinkware.High clarity, excellent impact/chemical resistance, BPA-free.FLEXIBLE / ELASTOMERIC POLYMERS TPE (General)The Soft & Squishy Gripper20-OctN/A (Elongation: 300-600%)Lower durability and chemical resistance than TPU/TPV.Soft-grip handles, bottle stoppers, squeezable toys.Soft, flexible, easy to process, cost-effective elastomer.TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)The Abrasion-Resistant Tank25 - 35N/A (Elongation: 400-600%)Can be susceptible to humidity during processing.Phone cases, watch bands, athletic shoe soles, protective covers.Extreme abrasion and tear resistance, tough, flexible.TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate)The Weather-Resistant Seal15-OctN/A (Elongation: 300-500%)Softer, less rigid than TPU.Automotive seals & gaskets, weather-stripping, outdoor hose coatings.Excellent heat, weather, and UV resistance like traditional rubber.SPECIALTY / SUSTAINABLE POLYMERS PLA (Polylactic Acid)The Sustainable Candidate50 - 7015 - 30 (Brittle)Very brittle, low heat resistance, degrades in humid environments.Disposable cutlery, packaging, 3D printing filament (prototyping).Biodegradable, bio-based, rigid.(highly variable)
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Starting October 1st, 2025, the Chinese government is enforcing stricter export compliance rules that could significantly disrupt supply chains. Exporters will need to disclose the manufacturer’s identity and prove that every component was purchased the formal way, with aligned flows of materials, contracts, and tax invoices.

In this short bonus episode, Renaud Anjoran explains:

What the “formal way” means in practice
How these rules may impact VAT rebates and why non-compliant products will no longer qualify
The risks of drop-shipping and direct sourcing under the new system
Why a rush on shipping and limited Hong Kong warehouse space could cause delays
Immediate steps you should take to protect your supply chain before the deadline

If you manufacture in or export from China, this is urgent information you can’t afford to ignore.

Extra reading* How Does the China VAT Rebate for Exports work?

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In episode 290 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud Anjoran is back and joins Adrian to explore seven common pitfalls that can derail manufacturing projects during the critical transition from prototype to production.

A working prototype may look and feel like the final product, but moving from prototype to mass production is a far more complex journey than most teams expect.

From premature tooling to unreliable crowdfunding campaigns, missing test plans, and skipped pilot runs, these mistakes can cost enormous time, money, and credibility if not handled correctly.

Episode Sections:* 01:19 – Why moving from prototype to production is more complex than expected * 04:26 – The analogy of the factory as “a big 3D printer” and why it’s wrong * 05:42 – Preview of 7 pitfalls discussed in this episode * 05:56 – Pitfall #1: Confirming a product design that isn’t ready for mass manufacturing * 10:02 – Pitfall #2: Going for tooling before the product design is frozen * 13:40 – Pitfall #3: Running a Kickstarter/Indiegogo campaign too early * 19:33 – Pitfall #4: Crowdfunding with no margin (and the debt it creates) * 23:30 – Pitfall #5: Not preparing a test plan for performance and reliability * 27:29 – Pitfall #6: Skipping pilot runs before mass production * 30:07 – Pitfall #7: Failing to have the manufacturer sign a development/manufacturing contract * 36:01 – Recap of all 7 pitfalls and final thoughts

Related content...* The New Product Introduction Process Guide * Product Tooling: Possible To Avoid Paying for it in Full? * Crowdfunding Failures: 4 Great Prototypes That Failed To Launch * Prototype, Patent, then Market: A Misguided Concept * Avoid Sending Immature Product Designs to a Chinese Manufacturer! * How Reliability Testing Is Critical To Obtaining Great Mass-Produced Products * Why A Pilot Run On A New Product, Before Mass Production, Is Very Helpful * How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IP

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Episode 289: Adrian is joined again by our head of New Product Development, Paul Adams, to explore the complexity of plastic injection mold tooling and what it takes to go from tooling design to mass production of plastic parts. They explore the full journey, from DFM and tool design through trial runs (T0, T1, T2) to final sign-off and mass production. Along the way, they highlight common pitfalls, golden samples, and why rushing into production can be a costly mistake.

You'll love this episode if you’re developing plastic products, as it will help you to avoid surprises and manage expectations in the new product introduction (NPI) process.

Episode Sections:* (00:00:03) Introduction to episode 289 * (00:00:13) Adrian welcomes back Paul Adams * (00:00:35) Today’s topic: plastic injection mold tooling and its complexity * (00:01:11) From DFM to mass production – the journey explained * (00:02:01) Why tooling is expensive and misunderstood * (00:02:48) The role of DFM (Design for Manufacturing) in tooling * (00:05:13) Customer involvement and asking the right questions * (00:05:19) Tooling design: bolster set vs. core and cavity * (00:06:21) Material procurement and standard vs. custom components * (00:09:01) Machining the tool: CNC, EDM, wire cutting, polishing * (00:11:12) Metal safe condition and first fitting * (00:11:59) The T0 trial run explained * (00:13:42) First look at molded parts and making big adjustments * (00:15:09) The T1 trial run with virgin polymer * (00:15:57) Inspection reports and customer sign-off * (00:18:00) Surface texturing between T1 and T2 * (00:18:14) T2 trial – final tuning and sign-off preparation * (00:19:02) Phase gates link: tooling to mass production * (00:20:19) Golden samples and color consistency checks * (00:22:02) Why being on the ground in China helps with sign-off * (00:23:23) Limit samples and customer approval process * (00:23:55) The importance of T0–T2 for expectation management * (00:24:58) Why not to rush into mass production * (00:25:02) Links to prototypes and phase gate methodology * (00:26:05) Don’t sign off tooling until everything is consistent * (00:26:59) Moving into mass production and ongoing monitoring * (00:28:28) Tool lifespan and long-term considerations * (00:28:48) Wrapping up: intricacies of tooling complexity * (00:29:16) Sofeast NPI guide and related video resources * (00:30:16) Looking ahead: polymers and material selection * (00:30:45) Closing remarks and call to action

Related content...* How We Work With You On New Product Development & Manufacturing Projects - Agilian NPI Process * Tooling Management for Plastic Injection Molds in China * 7 Key NPI Tasks Before Production * The Conundrum of Investing in Tooling Before a Final Prototype * Inside the Tooling: Common Plastic Injection Mold Components Explained * Understanding Plastic Injection Mold Tooling Complexity, from DFM to T1, When Manufacturing in China (Video)

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Adrian is joined once again by Paul Adams, the Sofeast Group’s Head of New Product Development, based at Agilian Technology, our contract manufacturer, to discuss the importance of phase gate (or stage gate) reviews in new product introduction (NPI).

When developing and manufacturing a product, rushing forward without checks at key stages can lead to huge risks: design flaws, wrong materials, costly tooling mistakes, or even losing contracts. Paul explains how phase gates work as a “traffic light system” that ensures your project only moves forward when requirements are met, risks are managed, and budgets/resources are aligned.

Regarding YOUR new product launch project. Listen and then ask yourself: Are you blending phases and hoping for the best, or are you applying disciplined checks that save time, money, and stress in the long run?

Episode Sections:* 00:12 – Introduction * 00:50 – Why phase gates matter * 02:42 – What phase gates are * 05:17 – Implementing phase gates * 18:58 – Case study (failure) * 31:18 – Case study (success) * 33:31 – Best practices * 35:13 – Wrap-up

Related content...* Phase-gate process - Wikipedia * The New Product Introduction Process Guide - Guide * An Importer’s Guide to New Product Manufacturing in China - FREE PDF eBook * How We Work With You On New Product Development & Manufacturing Projects - Agilian

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Tariffs, shifting trade policies, and unpredictable order patterns are creating a “stop–go” manufacturing environment in China. For buyers, this means unexpected quality issues, capacity crunches, and supply chain instability.

In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud Anjoran and Adrian from the Sofeast team break down the real-world impact of the US–China trade war as of August 2025. Drawing from first-hand observations in Chinese factories, they explain how rapid swings in orders, staffing changes, and material substitutions can put your product quality and timelines at risk, even if you’re not selling to the US.

If you source from China or work with Chinese manufacturers, this discussion makes you aware of the hidden risks caused by market instability, and offers strategies to protect your interests.

Episode Sections:* 00:00 – Introduction and why China’s manufacturing sector is unstable right now * 01:01 – How US–China tariffs create a “seesaw” effect: front-loading orders, sudden slowdowns, and ripple effects through the supply chain * 05:02 – Inside the factory: whiplash in capacity, fixed costs, and the risks of unplanned subcontracting * 11:16 – Factory cost-cutting responses: wage cuts, temporary workers, and seasonal hiring challenges * 18:39 – Order bunching, Chinese New Year parallels, and the quality risks of untrained staff and inspectors * 25:00 – Material substitutions without buyer approval, visibility in the supply chain, and controlling quality under instability * 32:45 – Building stronger relationships, smoothing production, and financing suppliers to maintain stability * 37:45 – Wrap-up and buyer takeaways

Related content...* Inside China’s fast-fashion factories as a US trade war looms - Guardian podcast * China factories cut shifts and workers' pay as US tariffs bite - Reuters * Read about product quality inspections * Get help to check on your suppliers, wherever they are in Asia or beyond

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Jumping into mass production without a pilot run is like launching a rocket without a test fire, risky, costly, and likely to go wrong.

In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud Anjoran and Adrian from the Sofeast team break down what the pilot run process really is, why it's non-negotiable in any serious manufacturing project, and what happens when companies try to cut corners.

Suppose you're developing a new product and plan to manufacture it in China or elsewhere in Asia. This episode makes you aware of the dangers of skipping critical steps and the true purpose of pilot runs.

Episode Sections:00:00 – Introduction
00:31 – Why mass production must be preceded by pilot runs
01:17 – What most companies misunderstand about being "ready" for production
02:30 – What should come after a final prototype
03:15 – Typical factory behavior in China vs. Japan/Europe
05:00 – How some Chinese factories manipulate urgency
06:30 – When fast decisions lead to irreversible mistakes
07:50 – How experienced project managers balance speed with process
10:26 – The fallacy of “shortcuts save time”
16:00 – The temptation to deliver pilot units early (and why it backfires)
17:30 – Risks of skipping pilot runs: Case studies and real-world examples
20:00 – Explaining risks to customers who want to move fast
22:32 – Customization and Risks
25:29 – Essential Pre-Production Checks
29:00 – Process improvements and learnings before mass production
30:31 – Wrap-up and further resources

Related content...* What is a pilot run? * The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps! * The New Product Introduction Process Guide * How we help you get to market faster (at our contract manufacturer) * Pilot Run Best Practices

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Adrian and Renaud explore a significant shift in global electronics production: India surpassing China as the top smartphone exporter to the USA. The discussion covers why this change happened so fast, how Apple and other big tech firms adapted, what this means for SMEs, and how Sofeast is now expanding its own manufacturing footprint in India.

Show Sections* 00:00 – India overtakes China in US smartphone shipments * 02:20 – How tariffs and trade tensions triggered the shift * 03:45 – Why smartphone assembly moved to India so quickly * 07:40 – Apple and others had a head start with India SKD kits * 11:53 – Vietnam’s rising share and India’s long-term potential * 13:46 – Apple pushes its supply chain to South India * 18:17 – Can SMEs benefit from the India shift like Apple? * 22:10 – Should you move production to India now? * 25:21 – The Sofeast Group’s expansion into India * 31:58 – Final thoughts on India’s emergence

Related content...* India overtakes China in smartphone exports to the U.S. as manufacturing jumps 240%, report shows - CNBC * Apple's supply chain makeover just gave India a massive win over China - Business Insider * Big iPhone exports doth not ring a win - The Economic Times * How India beat China to become the biggest smartphone manufacturer for the U.S. - The Times of India * India Becomes Leading Source of Smartphone Shipments to the US in Q2 2025 - India Briefing

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In this diverse episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, hosts Adrian and Renaud cover several thought-provoking topics based on listeners' questions. They will discuss:

How to transform an initial idea into a market-ready product.
Cultural differences in business practices between Chinese and Western companies.
Shortening manufacturing timelines, such as how to effectively reduce lead times.
The differences between small and large-scale manufacturing.

Show Sections* 00:56 – Listener Questions Format & First Topic Intro * 01:13 – 1. Can You Sell Just an Idea or Invention? * 09:43 – 2. Cultural Differences in Business Relationships (China vs. West) * 16:19 – 3. How to Reduce Manufacturing Timelines? * 24:29 – 4. Small vs. Large-Scale Manufacturing: Key Differences * 30:25 – Wrap Up & Resources

Related content...* 3 blog posts that contain a lot of advice about the common killers for hardware startups: + The Market + Technical Mistakes + Running out of Funding * "Flash of Genius" Movie * Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory * “The Culture Map” by Erin Meyer

Get in touch with us* Connect with us on LinkedIn * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

Get in touch with us * + Connect with us on LinkedIn + Contact us via Sofeast's contact page + Subscribe to our YouTube channel + Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business

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Adrian and Renaud examine how small e-commerce sellers surged in popularity between 2015 and 2021 and why many are now struggling. They discuss the boom in dropshipping, the impact of rising advertising costs, the dominance of big brands, and how platforms like Amazon, Meta, and Google have changed the game. This episode explores why success has become increasingly challenging to attain for small to medium-sized e-commerce sellers and what strategies can still be effective.

Show Sections* 00:00 – Introduction * 01:28 – From 2015 to 2020: The e-commerce gold rush * 03:08 – The dropshipping and ODM model: Opportunities and pitfalls * 06:17 – Post-COVID Challenges * 07:38 – Advertising Costs and Market Changes * 09:02 – Online ads were cheap… until they weren’t * 10:34 – Big brands enter e-commerce and dominate paid ads * 11:00 – Brand trust drives better ROAS and lower ad costs * 12:49 – Rising CPC trends from Google, Amazon, and Meta * 15:26 – Ad costs spike during peak seasons, another burden * 16:00 – Amazon’s costs and risks: Fulfillment, storage, bad reviews * 19:47 – Challenges for small sellers vs. household-name brands * 21:06 – Bigger budgets = better ad performance due to AI * 23:39 – Strategies for Small E-Commerce Sellers * 27:02 – Platform dependence: Sellers get squeezed from all sides * 34:34 – Can small sellers still succeed—and how? * 42:10 – Building a Brand and Community

Related content...* Google Ads Statistics for 2024: Usage, Demographics & CPCs – DemandSage * Top Cost Per Click (CPC) Statistics 2024 – Amra and Elma LLC * Brand Performance: Maximizing Ad ROI – Search Engine Land * Branded vs Non-Branded Keywords: The Impact on Your Marketing Strategy – QuickCreator * The TikTok Shop Era of Super-Subsidies Is Ending – WIRED * 2025 Trend: Mounting Pressure to Squeeze the Long Tail in Retail Media – eMarketer * The Ecommerce Experiment: How I Spent $11K and Sold 4 Items on Amazon – Business Insider

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Welcome to episode 282 of the China Manufacturing Decoded podcast from Sofeast where we take a deep dive into the logistics and product preparation differences across three major e-commerce and sales channels.

Adrian and Kate from Sofeast break down how to optimize supply chains depending on whether you're shipping to retailers, selling through Amazon FBA, or running a direct-to-consumer (D2C) operation.

Show Sections* 00:00 – Intro * 01:12 – Retail vs. FBA vs. D2C: Channel overviews * 04:23 – Retail: Bulk shipping & packaging compliance * 08:06 – Amazon FBA: Labeling, penalties & alternatives * 15:36 – D2C: Dropshipping from China * 20:30 – D2C: Holding stock in overseas 3PLs * 23:40 – Choosing the right channel by stage and volume * 26:00 – Combining models: hybrid logistics strategies * 28:40 – Key takeaways

Related content...* Get support from Sofeast with our diverse Supply Chain Management services

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A major shift just occurred in global trade. On July 2nd, the United States and Vietnam announced a new trade agreement that sets a 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports and 40% on goods deemed to be transshipped (often Chinese-origin products rerouted via Vietnam).

In this episode, Adrian and Renaud break down what this means for importers using Vietnam as a China alternative, explore the politics behind the deal, and raise key concerns around enforcement, retaliation, and how other countries may follow.

Show Sections* 00:00 – Intro * 00:48 – Context: From Liberation Day to Trade Talks * 03:04 – From Threat to Agreement: The Final Deal * 05:09 – Transshipment Explained & the 40% Penalty * 08:09 – The Enforcement Dilemma * 10:14 – Regional Ripple Effects * 13:12 – What American Importers Should Watch For * 15:03 – Strategic U.S. Motives Behind the Deal * 18:18 – Will Other Countries Follow Vietnam’s Lead? * 22:46 – Key Takeaways

Related content...* Reuters – Trump: 20% tariff on Vietnam exports * AP – Tariff loopholes and enforcement challenges * Washington Post – Tariffs and Trump’s Asia pivot * Bloomberg - Trump Announces Vietnam Trade Deal With 20% Import Tariff (Video) * Sofeast – Get help with your Asia manufacturing

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Adrian and Renaud chat about a timely topic, the complex and critical issue of rare earth minerals, focusing particularly on how the US/China trade war has recently influenced their availability. As China controls over 90% of the refined production of rare earth elements, recent developments in trade policies have significant implications for global supply chains, especially in the electronics and electromechanical sectors.

We break down what rare earth magnets are and why they matter, how China came to dominate refining and production, and the strategic moves unfolding as both powers weaponize their industrial capabilities.

Show Sections* 00:00 – Intro: Rare Earths and the New Supply Chain Threat * 00:52 – Why Rare Earth Magnets Matter for Electronics and Military Products * 02:57 – China's Dominance in Refining: How It Happened * 05:44 – Made in China 2025 and Strategic Mineral Control * 08:43 – Trade Tensions, Tariffs, and Semiconductor Export Bans * 13:35 – China's Retaliation: Export Restrictions on Rare Earth Magnets * 15:20 – Impacts on Automakers and Supply Chain Instability * 16:45 – Options for Manufacturers: Stockpiling, Redesign, and Buying Assemblies * 19:45 – Can You Avoid China’s Grip? The Harsh Reality for SMEs * 23:00 – Final Thoughts

Related content...* Exclusive: US-China trade truce leaves military-use rare earth issue unresolved | Reuters * China's rare earth magnet shipments halve in May due to export curbs | Reuters * JLR-owner Tata Motors says no panic on rare earth curbs, EV launches on track | Reuters * Tech Companies Depend on China for Rare Earths. Can That Change? | WSJ * Why China's control of rare earths matters | FT

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In today’s episode, Adrian is joined by Andrew Amirnovin, our reliability expert, and we’re using Tesla’s Cybertruck problems as a case study in what happens when a product skips, or underinvests in, reliability testing. From panels that fall off to cracked windshields and sticky accelerator pedals, it’s clear the fundamentals weren’t locked down before launch.

We’ll unpack the engineering missteps that led to mass recalls, the fallout from Elon Musk’s political distractions, and most importantly, the lessons this holds for manufacturers, startups, and scale-ups.

Show Sections* 00:00:00 – Intro: Tesla’s Reliability Crisis * 00:02:04 – The Cybertruck’s Troubling Launch * 00:05:38 – Issues with Tesla’s Engineering * 00:09:14 – Financial Fallout from Political Drama * 00:10:36 – The 4-Year Development Timeline. Too Rushed? * 00:19:40 – Quality Assurance and Gate Reviews * 00:22:25 – Industry Case Studies: Lessons from Ford, Toyota & Airbag Failures * 00:31:30 – Lessons for All Manufacturers * 00:33:45 – Closing Thoughts on Reliability Testing

Related content...* How the Cybertruck Came to Embody Tesla’s Problems (WSJ) * Cybertruck’s Many Recalls Make It Worse Than 91 Percent of All 2024 Vehicles (Wired) * I Bought My Dream Car And It SUCKS Here’s Why… Cybertruck Problems (Video) * Top 5 Reliability Testing Methods for New Products * HALT vs. HASS – What’s the Difference? * Design Validation Plan for Reliability Testing * Why Reliability Testing Is Critical for Electronic Products * How to Improve Product Reliability Before Launch * Product Reliability Testing | 7 FAQs * Why Product Safety, Quality, and Reliability Are Tightly Linked

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"Packaging is more than just a box," a phrase that becomes increasingly true the deeper you get into product development. In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian hosts Kate Oliynykova, Sofeast’s Head of Supply Chain Management, to dive into the often-overlooked yet critical world of packaging. From early-stage design to common pitfalls and emerging trends, this episode is your essential guide to treating packaging not as an afterthought, but as a strategic pillar of your product's success.

Show Sections* 00:39 – Why Packaging Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought * 02:41 – Types of Packaging: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary * 04:26 – The Four Phases of Packaging Development * 07:02 – Retail vs. E-Commerce Packaging: Key Differences * 10:03 – Why Unboxing Experience Matters * 12:21 – Common Pitfalls That Delay Launches * 14:56 – Key Packaging Milestones in Product Development * 17:12 – Packaging Timeline: How Long It Really Takes * 20:26 – Packaging Trends: Sustainability and Innovation * 24:02 – When Sustainable Packaging Doesn’t Work * 25:57 – Eco-Friendly Ink, QR Codes & AR Packaging Features * 26:57 – Common Mistakes to Avoid * 28:58 – The Importance of Reliability Testing * 29:58 – Final Thoughts: Packaging as Strategy

Related content...* 9 Types of Packaging – Guide for Importers (A detailed guide exploring nine common packaging materials, dunnage options, and their cost/sustainability trade-offs, perfect for linking in early sections about packaging types.) * ISTA Standards for Testing Packaging Reliability [Podcast] (A companion podcast that breaks down ISTA testing procedures (1a, 2a, 3a), great to reference in reliability/testing discussions.) * Why Packaging Is Important For Both Protection & Product Differentiation (Argues that packaging not only protects but also boosts branding, ties nicely into the unboxing and brand experience sections.) * Design for Distribution: What Hardware Startups Need To Know (Explores the interplay between product design, logistics cost, and packaging, relevant for strategic planning content.) * Drop Testing | 3 Tests That Can Save You A LOT Of Money (Covers in detail the package drop test and random tumble tests, valuable for highlighting testing mistakes and thoroughness.)

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In episode 277 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian and Renaud explore how to avoid leaking your intellectual property (IP) when sourcing components during the product development process. While working with suppliers, especially overseas, is often necessary, it can also pose significant IP risks. This discussion breaks down the real-world scenarios, risks, and mitigation strategies to help manufacturers protect their innovations without slowing down production.

Show Sections* 01:31 – Why Sourcing Creates IP Risks * 07:02 – Real-World Example: Blender Copied by ODM * 16:02 – When Volume Triggers Curiosity * 21:06 – Why Total Secrecy Isn’t Always Realistic * 27:06 – Partial Disclosure & Engineering Workarounds * 33:04 – Vetting, Trust, and Strategic Disclosure * 39:17 - Wrapping Up

Related content...* Chinese Copycats: A Real Problem For Entrepreneurs? * Will A China NNN Agreement Protect Us If We Start Assembling Products There? * Learn about the importance of a manufacturing agreement/contract * Listen to our podcast series about Vetting Chinese suppliers * IP Protection For Manufacturers. Keep Component Suppliers In The Dark

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Join Renaud on a journey into the fascinating world of electronics manufacturing and how Apple's strategic moves in China transformed it. Our episode is inspired by the book "Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company," a book by journalist Patrick McGee, who offers a well-researched exploration of how Apple inadvertently established an advanced electronics industry in China.

You will discover how Apple's relentless pursuit of excellence and zero defects not only influenced its contract manufacturers but also propelled the entire electronics supply chain into rapid development. Through countless interactions and challenges over the decades, Apple played a pivotal role in elevating Chinese manufacturers' capabilities, setting the stage for China's dominance in the electronics industry today.

Show Sections 01:01 – About the Author & Context * 02:05 – Premise of the Book * 03:06 – From In-House to Outsourcing in China * 04:32 – Apple’s Manufacturing Weakness in the 1980s * 06:09 – Canon Printers & Apple’s Foothold in Publishing * 08:12 – Outsourcing Risks: Sharp’s PDA & OEM-ODM Transition * 11:05 – Shift from Japan to Taiwan * 13:13 – iMac Development & DFM Challenges * 16:11 – Upskilling Manufacturers Through Pressure & Innovation * 18:18 – Problems with LG & Lessons in Control * 21:01 – Foxconn’s Rise & Apple’s Trust Transfer * 24:01 – China Joins the WTO & the Manufacturing Boom * 26:01 – China's Superpower: Speed, Scale, Compliance * 28:01 – Apple’s Embedded Control Over Manufacturing * 31:01 – “Chinification” & Why It’s So Hard to Leave Now*

Related content...* Read the book 'Apple in China'

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If you're manufacturing products for the EU and wondering how to break into the UK post-Brexit, this episode is for you. Renaud Anjoran sits down with compliance expert Fredrik Grönkvist from ComplianceGate to demystify the increasingly divergent regulatory frameworks between the UK and the EU.

Show Sections* 01:01 – Guest Introduction – Fredrik from ComplianceGate * 02:06 – History of UK and EU Regulatory Alignment * 03:06 – Brexit and the Unfolding Regulatory Chaos * 05:00 – Brexit Formalization and Retained EU Law * 06:39 – CE vs UKCA Marking and 2023–2024 Changes * 08:01 – Northern Ireland vs Great Britain: Regulatory Differences * 08:52 – Selling in Both the EU and UK: What Should Importers Do? * 10:10 – Practical Approach to Compliance for Both Markets * 21:02 – Should You Use CE and UKCA Together on Products? * 24:55 – Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Related content...* Contact Fredrik via his LinkedIn page * Take a look at Compliancegate.com

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In this special bonus episode of 'China Manufacturing Decoded,' Adrian and Renaud look into the often misunderstood role of trading companies in the Chinese manufacturing landscape.

Ultimately, this episode aims to equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions about engaging trading companies, weighing their potential benefits against the challenges of less transparency and higher costs.

Show Sections* 00:00 - Welcome * 00:46 - What Is a Trading Company? * 02:01 - When Trading Companies Can Add Value * 03:21 - The Downsides of Working With Trading Companies * 05:16 - How to Spot a Trading Company * 06:31 - Can a Trading Company Be a Good Partner? * 08:11 - Final Advice: Should You Use One?

Related content...* Trading companies glossary * 8 Red Flags To Beware Of When Working with Chinese Manufacturers * How To Find Trustworthy Chinese Suppliers? * Why First-Time Buyers Fall for Trading Companies in China

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Welcome to episode 273 of the China Manufacturing Decoded podcast. Imagine validating your injection-molded parts using production-grade materials, without waiting weeks or spending tens of thousands. Adrian and Paul unpack the game-changing hybrid tooling process that combines 3D-printed soluble resin inserts with steel molds to accelerate development and reduce risk.

Show Sections* 00:00 – Welcome & Context * 01:00 – Hybrid Tooling Explained * 02:22 – What Is Fast Iterative Tooling? * 04:00 – Why Traditional Tooling Slows You Down * 05:38 – Strategic Use of Soluble Resin Inserts * 07:35 – Closing the Prototyping–Production Gap * 09:54 – Soluble Inserts Inside Steel Tools * 13:01 – Iterate Daily: A New Speed Standard * 15:04 – Hybrid Tooling for Bridge Production * 20:24 – Case Study: Medical Device Validation in One Week * 27:04 – The True Impact: Risk and Cost Reduction * 30:01 – Sustainability, Freedom to Fail, and Final Thoughts

Related content...* Get help from us to power up your validation using this technology: Freeform Injection Molding Service Bureau in China * Fast Iterative Tooling at Agilian plastic & Molds * Do A Bridge Production Rather Than Rushing Into Mass Production

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Recorded on the evening of May 12th, China time, as the news broke, Renaud breaks down the implications of the tariff adjustments announced by the U.S. administration. With tariffs previously skyrocketing to up to around 150%, recent talks in Switzerland between the USA and China have resulted in a significant reduction, providing a temporary window of relief for businesses relying on Chinese imports.

The episode provides a detailed overview of the tariff situation, exploring the background of the recent tariff hikes linked to fentanyl and other geopolitical factors. Renaud analyzes the impact of these changes on retailers and brands, offering insights into how major companies like Walmart and Target are reacting to the news. He will also discuss the strategic moves by both large corporations and SMEs in anticipation of these tariff modifications and the potential outcomes for the supply chain, particularly in the lead-up to the busy Christmas season.

You will also get some insight into how tariffs affect logistics, shipping capacity, and the bullwhip effect within the global supply chain, as well as the long-term considerations for American companies concerned about manufacturing in China (with backup plans and diversification into other Asian countries like India and Malaysia touched on).

Related content...* ‘This is not normal’: U.S., China agree to 90-day tariff pause but 30% is ‘still a big deal’ - CNBC * What Have the U.S. and China Agreed on Trade? Where Are Tariffs Now? - WSJ

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Our guest for this episode is Owen Haacke, co-founder of Supply Chain Shark and a licensed customs broker. Owen is renowned for guiding businesses through the complex landscape of US Customs and tariffs.

In this episode, we reconnect with Owen to discuss the evolving nature of import tariffs and the impact of recent regulatory changes on global trade. Owen provides expert insights into the complexities of tariff classifications, emphasizing the importance of understanding HTS codes and country of origin considerations. He dives into examples of how tariff exemptions can be leveraged to reduce costs, focusing on select categories like electronics and children’s products.

Tune in for a comprehensive discussion that equips businesses with the knowledge to make informed decisions in the face of changing trade regulations.

Show Sections* 00:00: Meet the Guest: Owen Haacke on Trade Law and Tariffs * 03:08: Recent Changes in Tariff Regulations * 08:30: The End of De Minimis Exemption * 13:20: Urgency in Relocating Production * 17:07: Understanding Country of Origin * 22:57: Real-World Examples and Legal Gray Areas * 27:36: India, Vietnam, and the Shift Away from China * 32:07: Importance of Due Diligence

Related content...* You can connect with Owen via his LinkedIn profile * Importing to the USA, HTS Codes, and Tariff Tips (Feat. Owen Haacke of Supply Chain Shark) * Get help to move your production to India or Malaysia * A de minimis tariff exemption expires Friday. Here's what that means for shoppers. (CBS News)

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Are you gearing up to manufacture a new electronic / hard good product? In this episode, Renaud and Adrian break down exactly what you need to prepare before starting with a manufacturer. These insights could save you time, money, and major headaches.

Show Sections* 00:00: Welcome and Introduction * 01:13: Sourcing Existing Products: Know What You're Buying * 03:26: Transferring Production: Matching Capabilities * 06:12: Developing a New Product: What to Avoid * 10:04: Design First, Then Involve the Factory * 13:06: Involving the Manufacturer in Development (Correctly) * 16:07: Avoiding Design Integration Pitfalls * 20:32: NPI: New Product Introduction Essentials * 24:05: Small Factories & Unstructured NPI: A Hidden Risk * 27:01: Wrapping Up: Do the Work Now to Save Later

Related content...* Unsure where to start with sourcing? Listen to this podcast series: DIY Sourcing from China Series * How to Smoothly Transition Between Chinese Manufacturers Without Disruptions * Why does new product development take so long? * 8 Common Project Leaders’ Pitfalls During New Product Development * The New Product Introduction Process Guide * Why Skipping NPI Phases Is A Big Mistake * Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer!

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With tariffs rising and China becoming a trickier manufacturing partner, many American importers are looking to India. In this episode, we explore the manufacturing landscape in South India, especially when it comes to sourcing PCB assemblies. You’ll gain first-hand insights from a recent trip and learn what makes India both promising and challenging.

In addition, we discuss U.S.-India Trade Relations in the context of the hot tariff war between the USA and China. Could India be a beneficiary and a good option for American businesses to pivot to?

Show Sections* [00:00] — Intro: Why India Is on the Radar for U.S. Importers * [01:10] — Trade Show Trends and Shifting Attention * [03:52] — A Visit to Bangalore: Local Insights * [05:27] — PCBA Landscape: Smaller, Manual, but Growing * [09:27] — Government Clients Dominate, but Consumer Work Emerging * [12:35] — Lead vs. Lead-Free Soldering: Exporters Take the Lead-Free Route * [14:41] — Indian Customs Challenges: Real or Overblown? * [16:32] — Overall Impressions of Bangalore/Southern India as a Manufacturing Base * [18:04] — U.S.-India Trade Relations: Opportunity Rising * [23:41] — The Tariff Game: Geopolitical Leverage * [27:54] — Challenges India Must Overcome to Scale Up * [35:36] — The Rise of the Indian Wider Ecosystem * [37:59] — Wrapping up

Related content...* Bangalore PCBA Suppliers (Ground Level Insights – April 2025) * India Has a Golden Opportunity to Capture U.S. Business From China (WSJ) * Vance and Modi meet in New Delhi to discuss trade deal and avoid US tariffs * Read all of our blog posts about India

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Ever wondered how non-compliant products sneak into your Amazon cart? In this episode, Renaud and Thierry Bourret, director of Konomocha an Asian business development firm, dive into the loopholes that let toys and other goods bypass EU safety standards—and what new regulations might change the game. From Amazon's drop shipping to digital product passports, find out how compliance is evolving in the global market.

Show Sections* [00:00] Meet Thierry: A Life in Asian Manufacturing * [01:36] What Makes a Toy a Toy (In the Eyes of Compliance) * [03:01] The Frustrating Patchwork of EU Compliance * [05:21] The Drop Shipping Loophole: Compliance Optional * [08:51] How the EU Plans to Fix It: Digital Passports & Unified Databases * [12:11] Will This Really Work? The Accountability Gap * [15:01] ESG Isn’t Dead: Ethical Sourcing Still Matters * [17:01] Remember Rana Plaza: Why Compliance Is Risk Management * [20:01] The Tariff Game: How Policy Can Change Overnight * [23:01] Will Tariffs Stay? Predicting the Next Few Years * [27:01] Tariffs: Necessary but Out of Control? * [28:09] Predictions, Frustrations, and the Path Forward

Related content...* Connect with Thierry * Get help from Sofeast with Compliance Testing Consulting: We confirm which standards your product must comply with and create and implement a compliance testing plan for you. * Toy Safety Tips: The Right Mindset for Inventors & Designers * The 4 Key Stages Of The Toy Development Process

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We've been asked a lot of questions about manufacturing in China over the years, so Paul Adams, the Sofeast Group's New Product Development head, returns to walk us through the second 5 of his Top 10 FAQs about working with Chinese contract manufacturers (and others).

Show Sections* [00:00] Introduction & Overview * [01:57] FAQ 6: What are the differences between working with small vs. large manufacturers in China? * [08:13] FAQ 7: What are the most common mistakes to avoid when working with Chinese manufacturers? * [15:17] FAQ 8: How do I ensure compliance with international standards (e.g., ISO, CE, FDA)? * [22:21] FAQ 9: What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Chinese Manufacturer? * [30:22] FAQ 10: Should You Ask Your Manufacturer for Samples? (Spoiler: YES!) * [34:49] Wrapping up

Related content...* Top 10 FAQs about Chinese Contract Manufacturing: Part 1 (Feat. Paul Adams) [Podcast] * How To Choose Which Quality Inspection You Need? * Explore Sofeast's "Supplier Background Checks service" * How To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need?

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Donald Trump just dropped a major bombshell on global trade—again. In this emergency bonus episode, Renaud breaks down the April 2nd "Liberation Day" announcement and how his new sweeping tariff strategy could shake up global sourcing, hit key allies, and complicate the China manufacturing equation even further.

Show Sections* [00:00] Introduction & Overview * [01:00] The April 2nd Announcement Breakdown * [04:10] China's Tariff Reset and Its Uncertain Future * [06:00] Emerging Asian Hubs Under Pressure * [08:00] Legal and WTO Considerations * [10:00] Importers' Reactions and Strategic Planning * [13:00] Impact on Chinese Manufacturers * [17:00] Nearshoring and the Mexico Loophole * [21:00] India's Position in Global Sourcing * [25:00] Strategic Takeaways and Future Outlook

Related content...* What is 'Liberation Day'? Donald Trump promises reciprocal tariffs on April 2 * See the full list of reciprocal tariffs by country from Trump's "Liberation Day" chart * World reacts to Trump's sweeping 'liberation day' tariffs [Video]

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Thinking about manufacturing your product in China? In this episode, Paul Adams, the Sofeast Group's New Product Development head, joins us to uncover the secrets to successfully working with Chinese contract manufacturers—how to communicate effectively, manage quality issues, leverage regional strengths for better production, and more.

These are Paul's first 5 FAQs, so look at for part 2 coming soon!

Show Sections* [00:00] Introduction & Overview * [01:24] FAQ 1: What are the common challenges when working with Chinese manufacturers? * [12:02] FAQ 2: How to communicate effectively with Chinese manufacturers? * [20:01] FAQ 3: How do I handle product defects or quality issues with Chinese manufacturers? * [27:24] FAQ 4: Can Chinese manufacturers help with product design and development? * [33:18] FAQ 5: What are the best regions in China for contract manufacturing? * [37:57] Wrapping up

Related content...* 8 Red Flags To Beware Of When Working with Chinese Manufacturers * OEM, ODM, Contract Manufacturers: Choose your China Supplier Wisely * How to Smoothly Transition Between Chinese Manufacturers Without Disruptions * 6 Terms You Should Specifically Negotiate With Your Contract Manufacturer

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Are YOU confident that your manufacturing process delivers consistent quality every time? In this episode, we explore the essential concept of manufacturing process controls—why they matter, how to implement them, and how they can prevent costly quality issues. Join us as we explore practical examples that will help you take control of your production process.

Show Sections* [00:00] – Introduction * [01:30] - What are Manufacturing Process Controls? * [02:51] - The Danger of Treating Manufacturing as a 'Black Box' * [05:09] - Real-World Example: Troubleshooting Manufacturing Issues * [11:21] - The Four Key Elements of Process Controls * [14:50] - How to Take Control of Manufacturing Variables * [19:04] - Why Cheap Manufacturing Can Lead to Quality Risks * [23:53] - What is a Process Control Plan? * [31:00] - Conclusion: Why Process Controls Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

Related content...* Process Control Plan (Explainer) * Understanding The Role Of Manufacturing Process Control In Your Factory * Process Controls in China Factories: Q&A * 11 Steps To Set Up a Process Control Plan

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Welcome to the 263rd episode of China Manufacturing Decoded! This episode marks a special milestone - four full years of insightful discussions aimed at taking the uncertainty out of manufacturing, quality control, and more in China and Asia.

In this episode, we dive into the world of quality inspections. It doesn't matter if you're manufacturing products in China, India, or elsewhere in Asia; knowing when and how to inspect your products can save you from costly mistakes and quality issues down the line. We'll break down the key types of inspections, when to use them, and how to make informed decisions that protect your business.

Show Sections* [00:00] – Introduction * [02:57] – Why Quality Inspections Matter * [05:59] – When and How to Conduct Quality Inspections if the factory has made the product before * [13:35] – What manufacturers of expensive products should focus on * [17:48] – When and How to Conduct Quality Inspections if the factory has NOT made the product before * [24:30] – How the risk analysis influences quality inspections * [28:00] – Wrapping Up

Related content...* Get help from Sofeast to inspect your products * Numerous blog posts about Quality Inspections

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In today’s episode 262, we’re looking into Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) — a critical tool for manufacturers and product developers aiming to improve sustainability and meet growing regulatory demands. You’ll learn why understanding a product’s entire life cycle — from raw material extraction to disposal — is essential for reducing environmental impact, staying compliant with new regulations, and designing more sustainable products.

We hope by covering this that you grasp how LCAs work, why they matter, and how they can give you a competitive edge.

Show Sections* [00:00] Welcome and introducing the topic * [01:07] What Is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)? * [01:41] Example: Comparing EVs and Traditional ICE Cars * [05:38] Challenges in Battery Production and Disposal * [10:06] Why LCAs Matter for Sustainable Manufacturing * [14:50] The Complexity of Supply Chain Data Collection * [17:29] The Push to Disclose Sustainability Information to Consumers * [20:05] Future-Proofing Example and Product EPD * [26:05] Practical Tips for Implementing LCAs * [28:30] How LCAs Can Give You a Competitive Edge * [29:20] Wrapping Up

Related content...* Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Requirements: What Manufacturers need to know * How To Do an LCA? (Lifecycle Assessment) * Sofeast service: LCA and/or EPD Support (For Measuring a Product’s Environmental Impact) * What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation? * E Waste Impact on the Environment (Analysis) * Getting Ahead Of The Upcoming EU Product Liability Directive * Do you have enough visibility over your supply chain to satisfy new EU sustainability regulations?

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Are YOU ready for production?

Rushing into production without proper checks can lead to costly mistakes. In this episode, we break down the critical buyer-side deliverables and validations that ensure your product is genuinely ready for mass production (especially for new electrical, electronic, and mechanical products). From quality control to reliability testing and supply chain stability, we’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and minimize risks. This is a recurring question from customers, and so it's time to tackle it on the podcast.

Show Sections* [00:27] Why Following a New Product Introduction Process Matters * [04:59] Risks of Rushing Into Mass Production for Complex Products (+ Examples of problems faced) * [11:22] Key deliverable 1. Process Repeatability * [13:33] 2. Consistency of Results (Quality etc) * [17:20] 3. Product is Reliable & Durable * [21:40] 4. Compliance & Safety * [23:58] 5. Manufacturing Process is Final * [24:54] 6. Supply Chain is Validated * [28:13] The Role of Pilot Runs in Production Validation * [31:41] Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Related content...* NPI Process explainer * Why does new product development take so long? * Manufacturing Pilot Runs Are Great With Quantified Objectives * Transitioning to Manufacturing from Product Development | 2 Options

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In this bonus episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud talks about the additional 10% tariff to be placed on Chinese products announced by Donald Trump on February 27th.

Earlier in February he placed a blanket 10% tariff on all Chinese imports (in addition to any already in place), so this new round coming into effect in the first week of March 2025 will take them to 20%+ existing rates...and it's supposedly all because of Fentanyl.

Trump says on social media:

"Drugs are still pouring into our Country from Mexico and Canada at very high and unacceptable levels" and that "a large percentage" of the drugs were made in China.

Let's look into why he has taken this action, how American importers may be affected, and also about how the trading relationship between the USA and China may evolve moving forward.

Related content...* Tariffs set to go into effect this week on Canada, Mexico and China [Video] * Trump plans tariffs on Mexico and Canada for Tuesday, while doubling existing 10% tariffs on China * China targets US agricultural products over Trump tariff threat, Global Times says * Furious Trump-Zelensky row in White House leaves Ukrainian peace talks and minerals deal in tatters

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In episode 259 of the podcast, host Adrian welcomes back special guest Andrew Amirnovin, a reliability expert, to explore Early Field Failure Analysis (EFFA) and why it's essential for manufacturers aiming to avoid costly recalls and reputation damage. They share real-world examples of what happens when EFFA is neglected—including major recalls from Tesla, Volkswagen, and Firestone.

Tune in to learn how to implement an effective EFFA program, reduce risk, and ensure product reliability before small issues snowball into catastrophic failures.

Show Sections* [00:00] Introduction & Guest Welcome * [01:20] What is Early Field Failure Analysis (EFFA)? * [06:45] Why EFFA Matters in Mass Production * [12:30] Implementing an Effective EFFA Program * [22:00] Real-World Case Study: Tesla’s Power Steering Recall * [27:00] Firestone & Ford Tire Failure Disaster * [31:45] Volkswagen Dieselgate: A Different Kind of Failure * [36:20] The Hidden Costs of Neglecting EFFA * [39:00] Key Takeaways & Final Advice

Related content...* Cost Of Poor Quality and Reliability: “Pay Me Now, or Pay Me Later.” * ISTA Package Testing: Get It Done Before Shipment To Protect Products * Ongoing Reliability Testing: Avoid Returns, Bad Reviews, and Warranty Claims! * What To Do If You Have A High Product Return Rate? [6-step Process]

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In an era dominated by 3D modeling and digital simulations, are 2D drawings still relevant in manufacturing?

In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, we discuss why 2D technical drawings remain an essential tool. From preventing miscommunication to ensuring precision in production, we’ll explore their role, common challenges, and best practices for creating effective technical drawings.

Show Sections* 01:20 - Introducing 2D Drawings * 02:30 - Product Design Process Basics * 05:03 - CAD and File Formats * 09:00 -Communicating with Manufacturers * 13:07 - The Importance of Tolerances * 20:00 - Modern Relevance and Future Use * 24:42 - Document Control and wrapping up

Related content...* 6 Ways 2D Drawings Help Communication Through Development & Production * Critical To Quality (CTQ) * The 7 Most Common New Product Launch Pitfalls in China

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In Episode 257, hosts Adrian and Renaud explore risk assessments and the importance of understanding risks at both macro (project) and micro (product) levels. With practical insights, they explore how businesses can identify potential risks in new product development, supply chain setups, and manufacturing processes.

Assessing risks is a fundamental practice that can save businesses from costly mistakes, compliance issues, and unforeseen market disruptions. Join us as we break down why risk assessments matter, how to conduct them effectively, and the best strategies to mitigate threats in manufacturing, especially for those sourcing from China and Asia.

Show Sections* 00:00 - Introduction & U.S. Tariff Updates * 04:27 - Understanding Risk Assessments: Why They Matter * 07:04 - Project-Level Risks in Manufacturing * 11:00 - Product & Process-Level Risks * 23:20 - How to Conduct a Risk Assessment * 29:49 - Risk Mitigation Strategies & Best Practices * 36:06 - Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Related content...* How To Do A Product Risk Assessment ‘By The Book’ (for Safety) * FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) * 3 Key Process Improvement Tools You Need To Start Using: Flow Chart, FMEA, Control Plan * What Is A Process FMEA and When To Use It? [Template] * Get help from Sofeast! On-Site Process FMEA + Process Control Plan Workshops

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Adrian and Renaud look into Angell Bikes today. This once-promising French e-bike startup soared in popularity and even had a partnership with the MINI car brand, but is now facing bankruptcy. What went wrong? Was it poor manufacturing choices, a flawed design, or something else?
We unravel the complexities of this case, exploring the partnerships, design decisions, and supply chain dynamics that led to this downfall.
If you're in product development or manufacturing, this episode offers essential lessons on choosing the right partners and ensuring you go through a solid product validation process.

Show Sections* 00:00 - Introduction * 01:52 - Changes in Shipping Small Consignments to the USA * 09:09 - The Background of Angell Bikes * 12:30 - Their Business Model and Partnerships * 16:10 - Manufacturing and Design Flaws * 23:52 - Costly Recall and Bankruptcy Crisis * 27:28 - Blame Game and Legal Battles * 33:44 - Key Takeaways: Lessons for Entrepreneurs and Manufacturers * 37:38 - Conclusion: A Harsh Lesson for Startups

Related content...* Visit Angell's website * Is this 'smart bike' from Mini the future for electrified cycle commuting? * French e-bike startup Angell nears bankruptcy * Angell E-Bike Recall: What Happened to France's Smart Electric Bike Startup? * Marc Simoncini speaks out (LinkedIn post)

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In this bonus episode, we examine the recent escalation of tariffs imposed by the US on international trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, and notably China. We explore the implications of the increased tariffs, with specific focus on the extra 10% levy placed on various product categories from China.

The discussion addresses the complexities importers face, such as the tariffs on components which affect the overall production costs and strategies they might adopt to cope with these changes.

We also discuss China's response to the US tariffs, including reciprocal tariffs on US goods and actions against American companies operating within China, and the strategic moves from countries like Canada and Mexico, who seem to have reached temporary agreements to pause tariffs while bolstering border security and anti-trafficking measures.

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Adrian and Renaud explore a critical stage in the new product introduction (NPI) process: Getting tooling for plastic injection molding made before your final prototypes are finished. They discuss the risks and considerations of commissioning tooling before a final prototype is completed, the financial implications, and best practices to mitigate risks.

More widely discussed are the prototyping process, new product development, and freeform injection molding to create 3D-printed tooling that acts as a bridge between rapid prototyping methods and injection mold tooling.

Listen in for guidance to ensure that your tooling investments are well-timed and cost-effective.

Show Sections* 00:00 - Introduction * 03:02 - The conundrum of when to invest in tooling during the product development process. * 05:46 - When does the scenario of worrying about whether it's the right time to commission tooling come up, and what's the process to reach a near-finalized design? * 11:45 - Why is tooling required before final prototypes are made? * 19:25 - Risks some manufacturers feel they face when taking the plunge on tooling before final prototypes are made. * 21:48 - How do we mitigate the risks and feel more confident to invest in tooling? * 27:29 - Emerging Technologies: 3D Printed Free-Form Injection Molding * 38:57 - Wrap up: The Right Time to Pull the Trigger on Tooling

Related content...* The Conundrum of Investing in Tooling Before a Final Prototype * Freeform Injection Molding Service Bureau in China * Plastic Injection Molding Questions: 17 FAQs Businesses Need Answers To * Rapid Tooling Prototyping Guide * Prototyping Process To Test & Refine a New Product Design * New Product Introduction Process & Support

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Hosts Adrian and Renaud delve into the critical topic of supplier audits. Whether you're sourcing new suppliers or evaluating existing ones, conducting thorough audits is essential to minimizing risks, ensuring product quality, and maintaining a reliable supply chain. With practical insights, examples, and actionable advice, this episode equips importers and manufacturers with the tools to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Show Sections* 00:00 Introduction: Why Supplier Audits Matter * 03:01 Understanding Supplier Audits: An Overview * 08:38 Auditing New Suppliers: Establishing Trust and Capability * 18:00 Auditing Existing Suppliers: Maintaining Standards * 20:03 The Evolution of Supplier Competency * 26:55 Common Pitfalls and Red Flags in Supplier Relationships * 38:00 Practical Audit Tips: What to Look For

Related content...* How To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need? * China business expert Prof. Neale O’Connor and his team analyzed hundreds of our factory audits’ data (in late 2022) and determined a direct causal link between a factory getting a good factory audit score and subsequently providing better quality products. You can learn more about this research and its findings in this video presentation * Get help from Sofeast to do factory audits on your suppliers * How Do Sofeast Help Source New Chinese Suppliers? [Process Breakdown + Costs]

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Welcome back to the podcast, Episode 252, as we kick off 2025 with fresh insights and learnings. This episode is a deep dive into the heart of quality assurance, exploring why achieving excellence in the manufacturing industry goes beyond simple end-line inspections. Join your hosts, Adrian and Renaud, as they break down the crucial concept that 'quality is made, not found.'

We explore W. Edward Deming's significant influence on manufacturing philosophies, particularly in Japan, and how his insights led to a quality revolution. This episode examines real-world scenarios in automotive and electronics giants like Toyota and Apple, offering invaluable lessons on how a meticulously structured approach to product design and development can lead to superior product quality and reliability.

The podcast also navigates through the essentials of implementing a robust quality system - from initial product design phases, and supplier qualification, to the final stages of manufacturing. Discover why companies like Toyota shine as examples of building quality from the ground up and how other industries can emulate such successful strategies.

This is a timely reminder for manufacturers and business leaders to reassess their quality systems and ensure that proactive approaches are in place to maintain excellence in their products and processes.

Show Sections* 00:00: Introduction: A Fresh Start to 2025 and CES Las Vegas * 02:56: Why Quality Starts at the Source * 07:38: Deming’s Legacy: Japan and a Philosophy of Quality Control * 12:35: The need for a Systematic Quality Management System * 18:34: Common Pitfalls: When Inspections Aren’t Enough * 21:32: The Proactive Approach: Embedding Quality in Processes * 35:10: Industry Examples where Quality Systems were Implemented Successfully * 41:24: Wrapping Up

Related content...* What Is Quality Assurance? * Sofeast QA Program: Reduce Your Risks When Launching New Products * How To Choose Which Product Quality Inspection You Need? * The Sad State of Quality Systems in Most Chinese Factories * What Is The Minimum Viable Quality Management System For A New Manufacturer? [8 Steps]

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Welcome to episode 251 of China Manufacturing Decoded. In this episode, Paul Adams, head of new product development and a senior engineer, delves into a pivotal question that product creators face: whether to partner with a single full-service contract manufacturer or collaborate with multiple specialized suppliers to bring a product idea to life.

Paul discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, offering insights into risk mitigation strategies. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge to help them decide between streamlined project management provided by single-source manufacturers or the potential for cost optimization and cutting-edge expertise from using specialized suppliers.

The episode also covers the critical issues of intellectual property protection, communication challenges, and the risks of delays. Paul emphasizes the importance of vendor due diligence, contractual safeguards, and contingency planning for unforeseen challenges.

Whether you're looking to launch your product quickly, ensure high-quality control, or secure your intellectual property, this episode provides actionable advice to guide you through your manufacturing journey in Asia.

Show Sections* 00:00 - Introduction and greetings. * 01:19 - Contract Manufacturer vs. Specialized Suppliers. * 04:57 - Pros of Single Sourcing. * 10:21 - Exploring Multiple Suppliers. * 14:49 - Risk Mitigation Strategies. * 33:10 - Which Supplier is Right for You? * 39:08 - Final Thoughts and wrap-up.

Related content...* Get help from Sofeast to source your next supplier * 11 Questions to Answer when Sourcing Chinese Contract Manufacturers for Electronics * Typical Problems with Electronic Contract Manufacturers in China * Transitioning to Manufacturing from Product Development | 2 Options * 6 best Practices When Working With Contract Manufacturers In China

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Happy New Year, and welcome to a special episode of China Manufacturing Decoded. Our guest, Owen Haacke, co-founder of Supply Chain Shark, dives deep into how importing into the U.S. may shift in 2025 under President Trump's second term. Topics include HTS codes, effective tariff strategies, and much more. Whether you’re an American importer or an international company selling into the U.S., this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Show Sections* 00:00: Introduction and greetings. * 03:10: HTS Codes: The Foundation of Import Tariffs. * 06:34: The Importance of Country of Origin. * 10:20: Examples of Adjusting HTS Codes to Reduce Costs. * 18:45: Tariff Engineering: Redesigning Products to Save Costs. * 23:10: The De Minimis Program: Opportunities and Risks. * 32:50: Wrapping Up.

Related content...* Get assistance from Sofeast with our various supply chain management services * Get in touch with Owen Haacke on LinkedIn * Visit supplychainshark.com * Trump’s Second Term: Tariff Talks Ignite Global Tensions [Podcast]

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Welcome to episode 249 of our podcast—a special holiday season bonus episode, hosted by Adrian and joined by Renaud, as they wrap up the year just before Christmas. In this festive episode, they extend their season's greetings and talk about various topics that highlight the year's end activities and the bustling nature of the holiday period, particularly contrasting the festive slowdown in the Western world with the relentless pace in China.

The hosts discuss the unusual business dynamics this season, such as foreign customers visiting Dongguan for production checks despite the holidays, underscoring the commitment levels required in the manufacturing industry.

A significant portion of the episode discusses the emergence of China's new visa-free transit policy. This policy, effective for citizens from 54 countries, allows for a 10-day stay in China without a visa, provided travelers are en route to a third country. Adrian and Renaud explore the implications of this development, especially for business travelers who can now conveniently manage short trips to China.

The episode also revisits major industrial changes and achievements at Agilien and Sofeast throughout 2024, including expanding manufacturing capabilities, innovative prototyping methods, and enhancing logistical frameworks. This reflection offers listeners insights into the challenges and successes of firms operating within China's complex manufacturing landscape.

Furthermore, the podcast teases upcoming content and interviews, providing a glimpse into what listeners can expect in 2025, including expert discussions on supply chain management and strategies to navigate tariffs effectively.

We wish all listeners a very happy holiday period!

Show Sections* 00:00: Introduction & Holiday Greetings * 02:39: Manufacturing Challenges Ahead * 04:14: Visa-Free Travel Updates * 10:13: Sofeast Group Changes in 2024, Shenzhen Office * 12:09: Prototyping Innovations at Agilian * 16:34: New Stitching Capabilities * 19:32: Reviewing the Top 5 Episodes of 2024 * 25:31: Year-End Reflections

Related content...* China extends visa-free transit stays to 240 hours, adds more entry points * Take a look at Agilian Technology our product engineering and contract manufacturing subsidiary (and much more)

Top 10 podcast episodes from 2024:

7 Key NPI Tasks To Do Before You Take Your Product Into Production
What's A Good QA Auditing & Inspection Program For New Products?
Exploring Plastic Injection Molding Pilot Runs
Cost Vs Quality - How Manufacturers Can Find A Balance
From "Poorly made in China" to "Made with Quality in China"
10 Common Problems From Chinese Suppliers (& How You Can Deal With Them)
What do the USA's May '24 China tariffs mean for importers?
Near-Sourcing in Europe (+ Turkey) VS Buying from China (Feat. Fredrik Gronkvist, Productmkr.com)
Handing Over To Manufacturing: Best Practices
IP Protection when buying from China (Feat. Dan Harris, China Law Blog)

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In episode 248 of China Manufacturing Decoded, we explore an innovative, yet perhaps lesser-utilized metal-forming technique called Metal Injection Molding (MIM).

Sofeast CEO Renaud hosts and is joined by Paul Adams, New Product Development head, to look into how MIM works, its unique advantages, and why it's gaining traction as a reliable alternative to traditional manufacturing processes for metal parts and products like die-casting and metal machining.

This episode aims to reveal how MIM can revolutionize your approach to creating complex, precise metal parts efficiently. Hit play and discover how this less well-known manufacturing process can reshape your understanding of metal production.

Show Sections* 00:00: Introduction and Overview of Manufacturing Processes * 06:12: What is Metal Injection Molding (MIM)? * 08:36: Key Steps in MIM * 17:15: Shrink Rate and Post Processing * 21:51: Comparing MIM with Casting * 26:02: Advantages of Metal Injection Molding * 28:32: Applications and Industry Use Cases * 34:27: Material Selection and Design Considerations * 37:13: Equipment Requirements for MIM * 41:46: Wrapping Up

Related content...* Which Manufacturing Processes Will You Come Across In Asia, And What Are They? [Podcast] * Metal injection molding wiki * How It Works – Metal Injection Molding

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In this engaging podcast episode, Adrian, your host, is joined by Paul Adams, the Head of New Product Development and a Senior Engineer at the Sofeast Group, to explore the concept of MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) versus SLCs (Simple, Lovable, Complete products). Paul expertly clarifies these concepts, tracing the origins of MVPs to Eric Riese's lean startup approach. He elaborates on how MVPs aim to bring products to market swiftly to gather initial consumer feedback. However, common pitfalls are discussed, such as focusing too much on 'minimal' and neglecting 'viable'.

Transitioning to SLCs, the conversation highlights the advantages of crafting products that are not only simple but also complete and able to forge emotional connections with users. Paul emphasizes that while both MVPs and SLCs have their place in product development, SLCs offer a framework to deliver more polished and consumer-friendly initial offerings.

Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to practical advice, real-world examples like Amazon and Airbnb, and Paul’s insights into avoiding common product development pitfalls.

The goal is to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your product's journey from concept to market.

Show Sections* 00:00: Greetings and introduction. * 03:12: MVP Overview. * 05:50: SLC Overview. * 08:18: Why the MVP is the Go-To Framework for many Businesses to Launch Products. * 11:11: Is an MVP more Useful for the Business Releasing the Product than the Customer? * 13:47: MVP Examples: AirBNB & Amazon. * 17:29: Flaws of the MVP Concept. * 22:12: What is an SLC Product? * 30:10: The Appeal for Consumers of the SLC over the MVP. * 32:49: An MVP's Speed to Market and When This is Beneficial. * 34:13: The SLC Creation Framework. * 39:17: Tools & Methods that Work Well When Creating an SLC. * 43:43: Common Problems to Avoid When Creating an SLC. * 53:06: Key Takeaways and Wrapping Up.

Related content...* Your customers hate MVPs. Make a SLC instead. * A related idea: A Logical Development Roadmap for New Hardware Products * Look Out For Feature Creep When Developing A New Product!

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In this episode of our podcast, Episode 246, hosts Adrian and Renaud delve into the complex topic of international trade policies as they discuss the anticipated trade moves of President Trump in his upcoming second term. Recorded on December 4th, the conversation centers around the potential tariffs Trump plans to impose, not only affecting American businesses but also international listeners.

The hosts critically analyze Trump's legacy in trade, specifically his use of tariffs during his first term, which left a significant mark with increased tariffs on Chinese products, a move that the Biden administration surprisingly maintained. They discuss how tariffs, often perceived as a protective measure for domestic jobs, actually impact importers and consumers directly, leading to increased costs. The episode highlights insights from a Harvard Business Review article that outlines who bore the brunt of these tariffs in practice.

Listeners are provided with a thorough analysis of Trump's "bully strategy" in trade negotiations and the theory of tariffs as a fiscal tool to reduce income tax rates without facing political backlash for direct tax hikes. The episode wraps up with a discussion of the possible future scenarios as Trump's second term begins, considering both economic and geopolitical factors.

Show Sections* 00:00–02:00: Introduction and Context and Significance of Tariffs * 02:01–10:00: The Legacy of Trump’s First-Term Tariffs * 10:01–15:00: The Geopolitical Drivers Behind Tariffs * 15:01–22:00: Business Responses and Supply Chain Shifts * 22:01–28:00: Biden’s Continuation of Tariff Policies * 28:01–34:00: Trump's Second-Term Proposals and Industry Impacts * 34:01–38:00: Political and Economic Ramifications * 38:01–42:00: Predictions and Closing Thoughts

Related content...* Navigating USA Tariffs: Reclassify, Relocate, Reshore, or Rethink? * The Trump agenda: Here’s what to expect from his second term * President-Elect Trump Announces Intent To Impose Tariffs on Goods Imported From Canada, Mexico and China * Trump tariffs threaten to crack open North American economies * Trump tariffs would increase laptop prices by $350+, other electronics by as much as 40% * ReCap and Replay of our Post-election Webinar – The U.S. Election Is Over. What’s Next for YOUR International Business? * What the Last Trump Tariffs Did, According to Researchers

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Welcome to the latest episode of the China Manufacturing Decoded Show, where we explore the transformative world of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing. Our special guest today is Bryan DeBois, Director of Industrial AI at Rovisys, a leading system integrator. Bryan brings years of experience in digital transformation, industrial AI, industry 4.0, and smart manufacturing.

In this insightful interview with Renaud, Bryan explains the role of a system integrator and the impact of integrating AI into manufacturing processes. He explores the concept of operational technology (OT) as distinct from traditional IT, emphasizing its significance on the factory floor.

The episode highlights fascinating case studies, including a drywall manufacturer using AI to predict product quality in real-time, and a glass bottle manufacturer employing autonomous AI to control processes with superhuman efficiency. Bryan also shares an engaging example of AI-driven production scheduling at a paint manufacturer, showcasing how AI can optimize operations beyond human capability and serve as a training tool for future schedulers.

Bryan emphasizes the importance of data readiness for companies beginning their AI journey, providing valuable advice for integrating data collection and storage to improve decision-making processes.

Tune in to discover how leading companies are leveraging AI to enhance manufacturing performance and gain a competitive edge. Connect with Bryan DeBois on LinkedIn for more insights and stay informed about the future of industrial AI.

Show Sections* 00:00: Introduction and guest background * 01:39: What is System Integration? * 03:34: IT vs. OT in Manufacturing * 06:30: The Layers of a Manufacturing Facility * 08:54: Metrics in Manufacturing * 10:43: Leveraging AI on the plant floor * 13:08: Case Study 1: AI in Quality Control for Drywall Manufacturing * 18:42: Case Study 2: Autonomous AI in Glass Bottle Production * 25:27: Case Study 3: Optimizing Production Scheduling with AI for a Paint Manufacturer * 30:53: Becoming 'Data Ready' * 33:59: Key Takeaways and Contact Information

Related content...* Get in touch with Bryan DeBois * Industrial AI Is Transforming Manufacturing * AI in manufacturing: The key to smarter, more efficient factories * 10 AI Trends To Look Out For In Manufacturing In 2024

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Hosts Adrian and Renaud dive into the principles and practices of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA). Whether you're developing your first product or refining an existing design, DFMA provides a roadmap to streamline production, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.

Listeners will gain insights into key DFMA principles, real-world examples, and actionable guidelines to integrate DFMA into their product development process. Tune in to learn how to design smarter and manufacture better!

Show Sections* 00:00: Introduction * 01:02: High-level view of DFMA * 02:50: Implementing DFMA in Product Design * 07:30: 9 Practical Guidelines for DFMA * 18:00: Real-World Applications and Case Studies * 30:00: Challenges and Future of DFMA * 38:25: Benefits of DFMA in Product Development * 40: 17: Conclusion and Next Steps

Related content...* Get help from Sofeast to do a DFM review on your product * DFM And DFA Explained (Video) * Elon Musk Biography: DFM Learnings and more! * DFM for PCBA – 40+ Improvements * What Common Improvements Can DFM Make To Die Cast Parts? * Common Design For Manufacture Improvements On Plastic Injection Molded Parts * How good DFM and DFA Help with Production Cost & Quality * 7 DFM Tips for Designing New Products To Be Made in China * What does Sofeast’s 90-point DFM checklist cover?

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Adrian and Renaud discuss the Hardware Product Requirements Document (PRD) and the practicalities of developing successful hardware products.

They explore the fundamental questions surrounding a PRD: what it is, why it's used, and the benefits it provides. They discuss how a PRD serves as a critical roadmap for project management, ensuring that all stakeholders—from industrial designers to engineers—are aligned on the product's specifications and target market. The hosts emphasize the importance of documenting every aspect of a product to avoid miscommunication and ensure a smooth manufacturing process.

The episode includes a fascinating case study from the book "Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader" by Brent Schlender, Rick Tetzeli, and Mark Andreesen. This excerpt highlights the development of the iconic iPod and illustrates how Apple tackled product requirements and user interface challenges. Adrian and Renaud reflect on how Apple's iterative process and focus on user experience contributed to the iPod's groundbreaking success.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of what happens during the early stages of product development, the importance of balancing creativity with structured documentation, and the role of a PRD in communicating with manufacturers. The hosts also provide guidance on what to include in a PRD, such as features, user demographics, and engineering specifications, tailored to different product needs.

Show Sections* 00:00: Introduction and Topic Overview * 03:20: Defining the PRD * 06:15: Why a PRD Matters * 11:45: Case Study: Apple’s iPod Development * 16:05: Challenges in Early Product Development * 22:00: Developing the PRD in Stages * 27:15: Structuring the PRD for Success * 33:45: Final Thoughts and Advice for Teams

Related content...* Get the book we refer to here: Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader * The New Product Introduction Process Guide [Long read] * Prototyping Process To Test & Refine a New Product Design * We have a product concept. How long will it take to build our prototype? * Avoiding Product Development Limbo: When To Engage Manufacturers * 7 Must Do New Product Introduction Tasks For Successful Product Launches

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In this episode, Adrian and Renaud dive deep into the world of product testing, sharing information about the best types of testing labs for different needs. They explore the three main types of testing labs—calibration, compliance, and reliability—and discuss when each is applicable, why they're important, and how they support different stages of product development. From consumer goods to industrial equipment, this conversation provides listeners with practical tips to ensure product quality and safety.

The episode covers key factors to consider when evaluating testing labs, including certifications, accreditations, and standards like ISO 17025. Adrian and Renaud also discuss how testing requirements differ across industries and products, and they share valuable insights into creating effective test plans.

This episode equips you to understand the types of testing labs available, and what they concentrate on.

Show Sections* 00:00: Introduction and Overview * 00:12: Types of Testing Labs: Calibration, Compliance, and Reliability * 04:25: Calibration Testing in Detail * 10:45: Compliance Testing and Certifications * 17:55 - Reliability Testing and Customization * 25:25 Understanding Lab Accreditations and Standards * 32:40: Wrapping Up

We invite listeners to a free upcoming webinar on November 14th, where Renaud will be speaking about maximizing manufacturing efficiency and backer management for crowdfunding projects. This event promises to provide further insights into product development and quality management for product launches.

Related content...* Vist the RSQ-Labs website and learn more about how we support your testing needs. * How To Do Product Reliability Testing? * 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements * Prototyping and Testing FAQs: How many Iterations needed and what Tests to be Safe & Compliant? * What You Should Think About Before Doing Reliability Testing

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In episode 241 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Paul Adams, head of new product development, is joined by Fabien Gaussorgues, CEO of Agilian Technology, to explore the critical decision to switch suppliers (manufacturers) in Asia, especially China.

They discuss common warning signs that it's time to change, such as quality inconsistencies and communication breakdowns, while sharing actionable strategies to make transitions smoother, like setting clear expectations and gradual production shifts. Fabien brings real-world examples, illustrating how well-managed supplier changes can lead to better quality, faster turnaround, and cost savings.

Show Sections* 00:00: Introduction and Fabien's Background and Expertise * 01:47: Reasons for Switching Suppliers * 12:06: Real Case Studies of Customers who Encountered Such Issues * 19:30: Managing Supplier Transitions Effectively * 24:30: Risks when switching to a new manufacturer * 31:54: Key points in the process of transferring to the new manufacturer * 42:31: Wrapping Up

Related content...* FREE eBook: How To Switch To A New Chinese Manufacturer And/Or Develop A Backup Supplier * What to do if you have recurring quality problems from your factory? [Podcast] * Switch Away from a Manufacturer at the First Signs of Trouble * Mold Tooling Ownership: The term Chinese suppliers push for will shock you! * My Chinese Supplier is making Switching to a New One Difficult! | Disputes With Chinese Suppliers Q&A (Volume 23)

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In episode 240 of our podcast, hosts Adrian and Renaud dive into a critical discussion just 12 days before the U.S. presidential election. With the possibility of Donald Trump being re-elected, they explore the implications for U.S.-China relations, focusing on trade dynamics and manufacturing.

The episode delves into Trump's provocative strategies, such as the potential increase in tariffs and his vocal stance on decoupling from China. Adrian and Renaud analyze the impact of these policies on American consumers and manufacturers, considering the broader geopolitical and economic landscape. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities for U.S. manufacturers in adapting to these potential changes.

Listeners gain insights into the ideological and practical implications of a Trump presidency versus a Harris administration, with a focus on the effects on global supply chains, technological competition, and international relations. The hosts provide valuable advice for manufacturers on planning and contingency strategies in light of these uncertain times.

Show Sections* 00:00: Introduction * 01:06: Trump's Approach to China * 07:00: Impact on Manufacturing and Workers * 13:00: Challenges of Reshoring Manufacturing to the U.S. * 20:00: Tariffs as a Strategy * 26:00: Technological Competition and Geopolitics * 31:00: Economic and Global Implications, and Harris's Approach * 39:00: Implications for U.S. Manufacturers

Related content...* Council on Foreign Relations: Donald Trump’s Positions * Council on Foreign Relations: Kamala Harris’s Positions * Speculating About Trump vs. Harris China Policies * How China would tackle a second Trump term * The US Presidential Election and the Future of China-US Relations * Zhou Explores How China Might React to U.S. Foreign Policy in the Post-Election Years * Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign promises: Here’s his vision for a second term * Trump's trade, tariff plan explained, invites market backlash * Tariff Tracker: Tracking the Economic Impact of the Trump-Biden Tariffs

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In this episode of "China Manufacturing Decoded," host Adrian takes us on a deep dive into Agilian Technology, the contract manufacturing subsidiary of the Sofeast Group. Joined by head of new product development Paul Adams, listeners are offered a rare glimpse into the operations of this dynamic facility located in South China.

Discover the array of advanced manufacturing processes and equipment that Agilian offers, including their impressive vertical integration strategy. From injection mold tools to CNC machining centers, and even sewing capabilities, learn how Agilion is setting itself apart from other manufacturers in China.

Paul shares insights on common customer inquiries, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions to ensure effective supplier collaboration. Whether it's understanding access to the core team or exploring specialized production environments, this episode provides valuable information for anyone involved in outsourcing production in China.

Show Sections* 00:00 - Introduction * 01:00 - Agilian's Vertical Integration * 05:00 - Plastic and Silicone Molding Capabilities * 10:00 - PCB Assembly Line and Prototyping * 12:00 - Expansion into Sewing and Textile Integration * 16:00 - Customer Access and Factory Tours * 18:00 - Important Questions to Ask Manufacturers * 22:00 - Conclusion

Related content...* Visit the Agilian website and learn more here. * 6 best Practices When Working With Contract Manufacturers In China * CM + PCBA Factory vs. EMS Supplier in Shenzhen, China * 11 Questions to Answer when Sourcing Chinese Contract Manufacturers for Electronics * OEM, ODM, Contract Manufacturers: Choose your China Supplier Wisely

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In episode 238 of the podcast, hosts Adrian and Renaud dive into the intricacies of the Bill of Materials (BOM), a crucial document in the product development process. As they gear up for the Global Sources trade fair in Hong Kong, where Renaud will be speaking on the application of artificial intelligence in product design and manufacturing, the conversation turns to the importance of the BOM.

Renaud shares insights on why the BOM is vital, detailing its role in linking supply chain information with product design details. They explore how the BOM evolves over the lifecycle of a product, involving various stakeholders from design engineers to purchasing and planning teams. The episode highlights the need for meticulous management of the BOM to ensure smooth manufacturing processes and to avoid pitfalls such as supply chain disruptions and quality issues.

The hosts also address common concerns regarding BOM confidentiality and the risks of not having access to it, emphasizing the importance of transparency and control over the BOM to safeguard intellectual property and ensure a seamless production process.

Join Adrian and Renaud as they provide valuable tips and strategies for effectively managing the BOM, ensuring your product development is on track and under control.

Show Sections* 00:00: Introduction and greetings. * 04:30: What is a Bill of Materials (BOM)? * 10:45: Evolution of the BOM * 16:00: Cross-Functional Collaboration is Key * 23:00: Avoiding BOM Management Pitfalls * 28:30: Open BOM Strategy * 31:45: Protecting Intellectual Property (IP) * 36:51: Closing Thoughts.

Related content...* Bill of Materials (BoM) Definition * Do YOU know the BOM (Bill Of Materials) for the goods you're getting made in China? * How To Manage the Bill of Materials, from Initial Design to Mass Production * What is the Bill of Materials and why is it important? * Come see us at the Global Sources Consumer Electronics Show between October 11-14 at the AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong

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In this episode of the podcast, join host Adrian and Paul Adams, Sofeast's Head of New Product Development, as they delve into the multifaceted world of manufacturing. From the bustling machine shops of Asia to the intricate processes of electronic manufacturing, they explore the various types of manufacturing you'll encounter when outsourcing production to suppliers in Asia.

The conversation kicks off with a comprehensive overview of mechanical manufacturing processes. Paul sheds light on different machining techniques, including CNC machining, broaching, and abrasion methods like grinding and honing. The discussion also touches on forming processes like injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion, offering valuable insights for anyone in the manufacturing industry.

Transitioning to electronics, Paul shares his recent experience visiting a PCB fabrication plant, walking listeners through the intricate steps involved in PCB manufacturing. From schematic design to PCB assembly, including surface mount technology and soldering techniques, the episode provides a detailed look at what goes into producing electronic components and ensuring quality through rigorous inspection and testing.

Whether you're sourcing mechanical or electronic manufacturing in Asia, this episode provides essential knowledge and practical tips to navigate the complexities of the industry. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the manufacturing processes and make informed decisions for your production needs.

Show Sections00:00: Introduction and greetings.
00:18: The Diversity of Manufacturing Processes.
02:03: Mechanical Manufacturing Processes - Machining
07:01: Mechanical Manufacturing Processes - Forming
09:07: Mechanical Manufacturing Processes - Joining Methods
13:04: Electronics Manufacturing - PCB Fabrication
24:01: Electronics Manufacturing - Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
27:07: Final Assembly and Testing
37:06: Closing Thoughts.

Related content...* CNC Prototyping In Metal And Plastic * Metal Machining * PCB Assembly & Testing * PCBA Protection: How to Care for the Heart of your Electronic Product [Podcast] * Come see us at the Global Sources Consumer Electronics Show between October 11-14 at the AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong

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This week, your host Adrian is joined by Kate, head of the Sofeast supply chain management team, to bring you the latest updates in logistics and shipping.

Discover the recent decline in ocean freight costs, the impact of US port strikes, and the effect of Mexican customs enforcement on Chinese goods. Kate also discusses new US regulations affecting dropshipping and the consequences of the recent port explosion in Ningbo.

Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming Global Sources Consumer Electronics Fair in Hong Kong, where the Sofeast team will be at their subsidiary Agilian Technology's booth.

Show Sections00:00 - Introduction and greetings.

00:46 - Decline in Ocean Freight Costs and Transit Time.

03:07 - Potential Impact of U.S. East Coast Strikes.

05:04 - Piracy in the Red Sea and Seizure of Chinese Goods in Mexico.

07:06 - U.S. Sanctions on Chinese and Russian Entities.

09:09 - Impact of Strikes and Congestion in the U.S. and Canada.

10:09 - Dropshipping Regulatory Changes in the U.S.

14:04 - Port Explosions and Dangerous Goods Documentation.

17:04 - Upcoming Event: Global Sources Consumer Electronics Fair in Hong Kong.

21:00 - Closing Thoughts.

Related content...* Red Sea crisis winds down as freight rates drop * Red Sea insurance costs soar as Houthi shipping threats loom * Shippers scramble for workarounds ahead of looming US East Coast port strike * US targets trade loophole used by e-commerce groups Temu and Shein * Chinese port rocked by huge container ship blast * Come see us at the Global Sources Consumer Electronics Show between October 11-14 at the AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong

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Host Renaud Anjoran welcomes product reliability expert Andrew Amirnovin on the show to discuss product warranties. Frequent customer inquiries about the subject prompt this discussion.

The conversation begins with an overview of the interconnectedness between product reliability, durability, and warranties. Andrew explains the basic concept of a product warranty, highlighting its importance in building consumer trust and brand loyalty.

Several real-world examples, including warranties from Samsung, an office chair manufacturer, and Peugeot, illustrate how different products handle warranties. The discussion also touches on what warranties typically cover and exclude, emphasizing the importance of clear communication to avoid consumer confusion.

The episode further explores the varying legal requirements for warranties across different regions, including the USA, Canada, the EU, and the UK. This section underscores the necessity for manufacturers to be aware of local laws and adapt their warranty policies accordingly.

Renaud and Andrew also discuss the strategic considerations behind short versus long warranties and their impact on consumer trust. They emphasize the importance of designing products for reliability and conducting thorough testing to minimize the risk of early failures and costly warranty claims.

The episode concludes with practical advice for manufacturers on standardizing warranty policies, offering extended warranties, and continuously monitoring product returns to improve overall quality and customer satisfaction.

Join us for this insightful discussion to better understand the intricacies of product warranties and how they can affect your business.

Show Sections00:00 - Introduction and greetings.

02:28 - What is a product warranty?

04:23 - Real Warranty Examples and Case Studies.

15:53 - Warranties for marketing and how to use them?

22:11 - Warranty Legal Requirements for Consumer Products and Comparing Warranty Laws Across Regions.

30:15 - Warranty Impact on Consumer Trust.

32:27 - Designing Products with the Warranty in Mind.

42:12 - Best Practices for Warranty Management.

47:23 - Closing Thoughts.

Related content...* Warranty definition * USA Magnuson Moss Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act * Canada Sale of Goods Act * EU Consumer Rights Directive * Consumer Rights Act (UK) * Ongoing Reliability Testing: Avoid Returns, Bad Reviews, and Warranty Claims! * What is the product return rate and how to reduce it? [Podcast]

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In episode 234 of the China Manufacturing Decoded podcast, we explore ensuring that you get accurate prototypes, a crucial step in product development.

Our host, Renaud, and Agilian's new product development head and experienced product engineer Paul Adams, discuss the importance of getting good parts for prototypes to avoid wasting time and resources during product development.

If you're developing a new product, for example, a consumer electronic product, a mechanical device, or an electrical home appliance, this episode provides invaluable advice to ensure your prototypes are as close to production-ready as possible. Tune in to learn how to streamline your prototype process and avoid common pitfalls!

Show Sections00:00 - Introduction and greetings.

01:31 - What are the 3 main types of prototypes during product development?

04:21 -Why is it so important to ensure you get the right parts with the right dimensions, the right surface finish, the right properties, etc, for your prototype?

07:15 - What are good tips and best practices for product development teams?

12:22 - Communication with Suppliers.

14:35 - Supplier Capabilities.

17:05 - Importance of delivery

19:23 - Incoming QC.

23:28 - Root cause analysis on defective parts.

25: 55 - Finalizing prototype assembly and creating work instructions.

30:14 - Provide feedback to the supplier.

32:50 - A caveat for mass production.

33:43 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Prototype Dimensions: 7 Steps To Get Accurate Prototypes Delivered

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Adrian and Renaud delve into the intricate journey of taking a consumer electronic product from concept to market.

They discuss the various milestones, tasks, and example costs involved in this process. From the initial product concept and design to prototyping, compliance testing, and finally mass production, they provide a comprehensive overview of what it takes to bring a new product to the shelves.

Additionally, they highlight common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid, ensuring a smoother path to success for any aspiring product developer. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

Hit play to listen to this discussion that helps you understand the complexities of product development and manufacturing in Asia.

Show Sections00:00 - Introduction and greetings.

04:29 - Typical cost drivers.

09:15 - Getting to a mature product concept (requirements, design, renderings).

15:18 - Going through prototyping.

22:54 - Tooling.

26:01 - Pilot run and compliance and safety certifications.

27:46 - Production and logistics.

30:43 - Common mistakes made during product development.

37:14 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Podcast series about Vetting Chinese suppliers * The example of the Juicero * What's the investment required to bring a product to market? * Kickstarter projects that failed after promising amazing products * How to calculate landed cost * What is an NRE Cost (Non-Recurring Engineering)? * Get help from Sofeast to bring your new product to market step-by-step

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In episode 232 of the China Manufacturing Decoded podcast, Renaud does a deep dive into Christopher Mims' book, Arriving Today: From Factory to Front Door, Why Everything Has Changed About How and What We Buy. Mims, a Wall Street Journal journalist, explores the complexities of global supply chains that bring products from factories in Asia to our doorsteps.

Renaud focuses on the macroeconomic and macrosocial effects of automation discussed in the book. He highlights the advancements in technology, labor dynamics, and logistical challenges within Amazon's fulfillment centers. The conversation goes into how automation impacts labor productivity, employment, and the nature of work in these highly automated environments.

Renaud also addresses the implications of these changes on the economy and workers' health, shedding light on the balance between increased efficiency and the potential for higher injury rates. Join us to discover whether this book is for you and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of global supply chains and automation.

Listen and consider how automation shapes the future of manufacturing and distribution.

Show Sections00:00 - Introduction and greetings.

02:14 - Exploring Amazon Fulfillment Centers.

12:47 - Economic Implications of Automation.

20:42 - Automation's effect on employee health.

28:00 - What could Amazon do to improve?

29:01 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Buy the book and read it yourself here: Arriving Today

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In Episode 231 of the podcast, Adrian and Renaud tackle listener questions on supply chain management. Renaud offers expert advice on ensuring a stable supply of components, managing lead times, and handling inventory and warehousing. From strategic procurement to vendor-managed inventory, get practical tips to optimize your supply chain operations.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on effective supply chain management in Asia.

Show Sections00:00 - Introduction and insights on Penang in Malaysia's electronics industry.

05:13 - Supply Chain and Logistics Questions.

05:45 - Ensuring Stable Component Supply.

17:39 - Managing Lead Times.

27:07 - Handling Inventory and Warehousing.

34:34 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Ford mentioned: 3 Supply Chain Risk Reduction Strategies: Integration VS Diversification VS Inventory * What Is Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)? * What types of supply chain management solutions do Sofeast offer? * End Of Life Electronic Components: Managing The Risk Of Them Being In Your Product * How To Manage the Bill of Materials, from Initial Design to Mass Production

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Welcome to episode 230 of China Manufacturing Decoded, brought to you by Sofeast! This week, your host Adrian and Sofeast senior engineer and new product development head Paul Adams take a journey into the fascinating world of silicone compression molding.

In this episode, you'll learn why this production process is so popular for silicone parts and products. They cover:

The silicone compression molding process
Its applications in developing new products
Its suitability for both low-volume and mass production.
Why, due to its unique properties such as temperature resistance, chemical stability, and flexibility, silicone is an essential material in various industries.
The benefits of silicone compression molding over other molding techniques like plastic injection molding
Some common challenges and considerations.
Expert tips and answers to frequently asked questions that can help you get the most out of silicone compression molding

Whether you're in the medical, automotive, or consumer goods industry, this episode provides valuable insights into optimizing your manufacturing process. Tune in now to discover why this versatile material and efficient production process might be the perfect fit for your next project.

For more information or to get in touch, visit our website at sofeast.com. We'd love to hear your feedback and topic suggestions for future episodes!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

04:41 - What is the Silicone Compression Molding process?

09:57 - Comparing silicone compression molding to other molding processes.

13:26 - Silicone's benefits as a production material.

22:11 - Does compression molding for silicon also allow complex geometries and designs?

25:14 - Industries that rely on silicone parts.

27:45 - Challenges and considerations when producing silicone products by compression molding.

34:40 - FAQs and tips.

44:04 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Silicone Rubber Compression Molding: A Guide to Getting Started * Watch our Silicone Rubber Material Info Video Playlist * How To Define Silicone or Plastic Finishes For New Products [Whitepaper] * The benefits of silicone as a production material and how it compares to common plastics [Whitepaper] * The Shore Hardness Test for Silicone and TPE Items * Exploring The Benefits Of Rapid Prototyping And Rapid Tooling [Podcast] * Get your parts and products made with Silicone Compression Molding at our subsidiary Agilian Plastic & Molds

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In this episode, we go into the intricacies of the Chinese legal system and explore the legal protections available for buyers who receive bad or fake products from Chinese suppliers.

Renaud is joined by Jessica Su, a senior trial litigator and legal counsel for various government bodies and private enterprises, and Clive Greenwood, a senior compliance counsel and award-winning technical legal consultant.

They discuss essential advice for Western companies facing quality disputes with Chinese suppliers, emphasizing the importance of due diligence, clear communication, and establishing rigorous quality agreements.

Jessica and Clive also shed light on the legal recourse available in China, including the process of taking legal action, the significance of evidence, and the potential to sue for consequential damages. Real-life case examples illustrate the challenges and strategies involved in navigating these disputes.

Don't miss this insightful episode that highlights the importance of preparation and the evolving landscape of legal protections for buyers in China. Tune in for practical tips and expert advice to safeguard your business interests.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction of our guests.

02:35 - What advice is there for Western companies in a dispute over product quality?

07:29 - Pursuing Legal Action in China.

12:03 - Suing for consequential damages.

16:44 - How legal cases where a foreign buyer takes Chinese suppliers to court work.

23:08 - Actions against fake certifications.

29:04 - Escalating to litigation.

31:25 - Conclusion.

33:53 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Risks A China-Based Manufacturer Faces When Making Products That Don’t Comply With The Export Country’s Laws? (Seminar) * Possible Risks and Insurance Manufacturers and Buyers need in China [Podcast] * How to Claim Compensation from a Supplier? | Disputes With Chinese Suppliers Q&A (Volume 18) * Get support from Sofeast to cover your bases with Combined Supplier Due Diligence Checks (Best Results & Value)

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Paul Adams, senior engineer and head of new product development at Sofeast, spills the beans on 3 key product design optimizations and best practices that it pays to follow to have a successful product launch, namely:

How to optimize the design for cost, size, and weight?
What are the best practices for PCB design and layout?
How to ensure the product's functionality and reliability?

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

02:34 - 1. How to optimize the design for cost, size, and weight?

02:51 - Optimizing for cost.

10:51 - Optimizing for size.

13:40 - Optimizing for weight.

17:29 - 2. What are the best practices for PCB design and layout?

26:31 - DFM for PCBs.

31:47 - 3. How to ensure the product's functionality and reliability?

43:51 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * Design for Reliability Secrets [Podcast] * How to Choose the Correct Outdoor Plastics for your next Product? (4 Guides) * DFM for PCBA – 40+ Improvements * 18 Steps for Selecting Electronic Components the Right Way

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Join Renaud and Adrian as they talk about the intricacies of prototyping and testing during new product development. They discuss 2 common FAQs from customers:

How many prototype iterations will be needed?
What are the essential tests for ensuring product safety and compliance?

Renaud explains how different product complexities affect the prototyping cycle and highlights the importance of simulations in advanced industries like aerospace. He also emphasizes the need for thorough documentation and clear communication with manufacturers to streamline the development process.

Furthermore, the episode explores the various types of tests required to validate a product's safety and compliance, distinguishing between simple consumer products and highly regulated industries like medical devices and automotive parts. Listeners will gain valuable insights into best practices for preparing to work with manufacturers and ensuring their products meet regulatory standards.

Show Sections00:00 - Introduction and greetings.

00:40 - Exploring Prototyping and Testing.

05:59 - Considerations for Product Development.

15:36 - Factors Influencing Number of Iterations.

18:30 - Preparing for Working with Manufacturers.

22:58 - Importance of Documentation and Clarity.

25:52 - Ensuring Safety and Compliance.

37:46 - Awareness of Industry Regulations.

42:31 - Conclusion and Next Steps.

Related content...* Prototyping Process To Test & Refine a New Product Design * Prototyping Essentials: The 5 Key Uses of Prototyping Equipment [Podcast] * How Many Product Samples Are Required For Reliability & Compliance Testing? * ”Help! I Have No Idea What Reliability Testing My Product Needs.” * Get help from Sofeast to develop your prototypes

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In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian and Renaud discuss the evolving role of software in the development and manufacturing of electronic products. They explore how software has become a significant source of competitive advantage, often surpassing hardware in importance.

Using examples from smartphones to cars, they illustrate how software drives innovation, user experience, and brand differentiation. The discussion also highlights the strategic shift from hardware-centric to software-centric designs, inspired by insights from Richard Rumelt's book, "Good Strategy, Bad Strategy."

Whether you're a manufacturer or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the critical balance between hardware and software in today's electronic products.

Show Sections00:00 - Introduction to the Importance of Software in Electronic Products.

05:38 - Evolution of Chip Design at Intel.

10:14 - Transition from Vertical to Horizontal Structure in Computers.

13:19 - Challenges and Expenses of Hardware Modifications.

15:24 - Advantages of Software Updates over Hardware Changes.

19:19 - Increasing Importance of Software in the Automotive Industry.

22:48 - Utilizing Software for Differentiation in Products.

26:06 - Building Brand Recognition through Software Interaction.

26:55 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Purchase the book referred to: Good Strategy Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why It Matters * 8 Must-Follow Tips for Software Companies Developing a New Hardware Product * Can Sofeast develop our electronic product’s firmware or mobile app?

Get in touch with us* + Contact us via Sofeast's contact page + Connect with us on LinkedIn + Subscribe to our YouTube channel + Send us an X @sofeast + Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

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Join us as we delve into the five main uses of prototyping equipment, including 3D printers, CNC milling, and more. Our host, Renaud, is joined by Paul Adams, head of the new product development team, to explore why prototyping is crucial for design houses, manufacturing companies, and product developers alike.

In this episode, we break down the distinctions between prototyping and production equipment and discuss the importance of having in-house prototyping tools.

We cover five key uses of prototyping equipment, including:

Creating functional prototypes to validate concepts and improve design.
Developing visually appealing prototypes to enhance user experience and aesthetics.
Combining look-like and work-like prototypes for comprehensive testing.
Conducting stress testing to ensure reliability and compliance.
Utilizing bridge production runs to meet early demand and maintain trust.

We also touch on how prototyping equipment can be used to create production tooling, such as jigs and fixtures, to streamline the manufacturing process. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of prototyping and how it can benefit your product development journey.

Don't miss out on this informative discussion that will help you understand the nuances of prototyping and its vital role in bringing new products to market efficiently and effectively.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

13:26 - The Importance of Functional Prototypes.

18:29 - Designing Look-Like Prototypes.

32:02 - Stress Testing Prototypes.

43:45 - Bridge Production Run Overview.

44:43 - Utilizing Prototyping Equipment for Production Tooling.

52:00 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Prototyping Process To Test & Refine a New Product Design * How Many Prototypes Are Needed Before We Get ‘Perfection?’ * Exploring The Benefits Of Rapid Prototyping And Rapid Tooling [Podcast] * Do A Bridge Production Rather Than Rushing Into Mass Production * Get support from Sofeast to do your Prototype Development

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Join hosts Renaud and Adrian as they discuss the ins and outs of factory audits and how to select the right one based on your specific requirements.

In this episode, Renaud shares insights from his recent experiences and highlights the latest developments at Sofeast Group, including the expansion of their plastic injection molding facility.

The main focus of the discussion is on different types of factory audits such as quality system audits, social compliance audits, and environmental system audits. They explain what each audit entails, why they are important, and how to choose the most appropriate audit for your situation.

Whether you are sourcing a new supplier or ensuring compliance with existing partners, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you make informed decisions and manage risks effectively. Tune in for expert advice and practical tips to enhance your manufacturing processes in Asia.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and discussing the expansion of our plastic injection molding facility.

02:32 - Selecting the Right Factory Audit.

09:38 - Diverse Approaches to Environmental Audits.

14:14 - Focus on Quality System Audits.

16:56 - Social Compliance Audits and Risks.

22:21 - Initial Factory Evaluation vs. Quality System Audit

25:58 - Factors Beyond Quality Systems in Supplier Selection.

27:37 - Dealing with Factories that Restrict Access

34:59 - Factory audits as part of the new product development toolkit

36:36 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Factory audits and quality inspections: Differences * Choose from our different factory audits * How To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need? * Get help from Sofeast's product engineering team to bring your product to market: New Product Introduction in China Solution

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Renaud hosts and is joined again by regular guest, Andrew Amirnovin. They talk about where China has come from quality-wise and the forces that aligned to transform Chinese products from poor to great quality in the past two decades or so.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

03:46 - What happened to transform China-made products from low to high quality over the past couple of decades or so?

17:05 - Why the foreign buyer's role cannot be underestimated.

22:09 - 4 key drivers of improved quality.

32:59 - Chinese ODMs and OEMs have an incentive NOT to provide poor-quality products.

39:06 - Which products have benefited from the most reliability and quality improvements?

44:47 - What quality challenges remain for Chinese products?

59:09 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Paul Midler's book: 'Poorly Made In China' * Documenting Your Company’s Quality Standard into the Details * The Rise Of The Dragon: Exploring China’s Technology Dominance [Podcast] * What do the USA’s May ’24 China tariffs mean for importers? [Podcast] * IP Protection when buying from China (Feat. Dan Harris, China Law Blog) [Podcast] * Download > Ultimate Guide To Sourcing From China And Developing Your Suppliers [eBook]

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Poorly Made in China: An Insider's Account of the China Production Game

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Adrian is on hosting duty and is joined by Sofeast's Head of Supply Chain Management, Kate. Rising shipping costs (sea, air, and otherwise) are an issue facing importers from Asia now in 2024, but what's causing it and are there any tips to help you cope? Also, in a second topic, Kate dispels the confusion about FOB vs FCA, explaining why the more common incoterm (at least when buying from Chinese manufacturers) isn't necessarily the best for you!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

01:23 - Shipping costs from China are spiking. How much are they now?

06:49 - What is causing the surging prices?

16:16 - What's the effect on shipping to Europe?

18:56 - FOB vs FCA Incoterms.

29:35 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* The Red Sea attacks on shipping are still happening * Brazil has increased the tariff on imported Chinese EVs * Check the various supply chain management services we can help you with, including logistics * Types of Incoterms [Guide] * What do the USA’s May ’24 China tariffs mean for importers? [Podcast]

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Adrian and Renaud get together to talk about Elon Musk's insights and philosophy into developing and bringing new products to market (from an interview by 'Everyday Astronaut' on YouTube at his launch facility a few years back). He shares his philosophies on new product introductions which cover some common sense topics that manufacturers of almost any product should bear in mind.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction to Musk.

07:20 - What can we learn from Musk?

11:08 - The Musk NPI philosophy.

16:08 - 1. Make Your Requirements Less Dumb.

20:44 - 2. Delete Parts or Processes, and Simplify/Optimize.

29:05 - 3. Accelerate cycle times.

32:46 - 4. Automate.

36:30 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* The NPI process (Including graphic) * Why does new product development take so long? * 7 Key NPI Tasks To Do Before You Take Your Product Into Production [Podcast] * Sofeast NPI process explainer video * Elon Musk Biography: DFM Learnings and more! * Get help from Sofeast's product engineering team to bring your product to market: New Product Introduction in China Solution

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Renaud hosts and is joined by Andrew Amirnovin, Sofeast's product reliability head, and they're looking at how Apple tests iPhone reliability and durability. Recently Marques Brownlee shared some videos from within Apple's testing lab and interviews with their head of hardware engineering and the insights were interesting. It turns out that Andrew has also visited Apple's lab and he shares his own insights about that, and the pair discuss what you can learn from the way Apple do things.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

01:08 - The advent of the iPhone in 2006 and the testing it required.

08:48 - Worries about reliability: What did Andrew learn at Apple's testing lab back then?

13:40 - What can we learn from the tests in Brownlee's recent videos (June 24) from Apple's labs?

22:00 - What kind of drop test were they doing?

26:07 - What are the different drop surfaces used for?

29:10 - Apple's hardware engineering head wants to make a product that 'never fails.' Realistic?

31:49 - Is repairability better than durability?

36:21 - Wrapping up and closing questions.

Related content...* Marques Brownlee posts on X about visiting the Apple labs (Thread) * JOHN DEERE AND NEBRASKA’S RIGHT TO REPAIR, THE AFTERMATH OF A FAILED PIECE OF LEGISLATION * Right To Repair: Blessing or Curse for Manufacturers? * Robust Design: Enhancing Product Quality and Performance

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Adrian hosts and Renaud goes deep into design reviews which can really save your skin by identifying and fixing problems that can lead to defects and failures. What kinds of product design reviews can be done to reduce problems, and when during the product design and development process should they be done?

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

02:25 - Why design reviews are important.

12:02 - The different types of reviews and when they're done: Phase 1. Early stages

17:18 - Phase 2. Proof-of-concept and feasibility study.

22:22 - Phase 3. Design FMEA when the design starts to take shape.

28:47 - When to do Design for Reliability / Manufacturing reviews?

34:08 - Process FMEA just before the design is locked and tooling is made.

37:22 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* The Benefits of a Feasibility Study (during new product development) * dFMEA: When to use it and how to get best results [Podcast] * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * Process FMEA: Template, Use Cases, and Examples * FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) * Get help from Sofeast: On-Site Process FMEA + Process Control Plan Workshops

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Renaud hosts and is joined by Fredrik Gronkvist, founder of Productmkr.com, to discuss near-sourcing from Europe + Turkey (and Mexico for North American buyers) VS buying from China. Fredrik has done a lot of research on how to source from China alternatives and he now offers a supplier database for subscribers to help make finding the right option easier. Here he shares his advice on near-sourcing and how it differs from the traditional approach of buying from China.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

04:14 - What are the key challenges importers face when near sourcing?

08:14 - How to improve your chances of receiving a response from non-Chinese suppliers?

11:04 - What is the impact of near sourcing on MOQs and lead times?

17:03 - Does near sourcing reduce quality and compliance risks?

22:40 - Does it make sense for all types of products?

27:23 - Is the process of identifying and screening potential suppliers in Europe/Turkey the same as in China or Vietnam?

32:19 - How should buyers approach sourcing from nearby countries? (Summary)

33:24 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Read Productmkr.com's analysis: Manufacturing in Europe vs China: A Comparison * Nearshoring To Mexico. An Alternative To China? * India Gaining Popularity over China as a Near-Shoring and Sourcing Destination * Globalism 2.0: North American Importers To Move Supply Chains Out Of China Soon?

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Adrian and Renaud are back to examine the recent May 14th news of new China tariffs being implemented by the Biden administration with the overall aim of reducing trade with China whom many in America see as flooding the market with cheap exports that damage American businesses who can't compete. EVs, solar panels, medical devices, steel and aluminum, and more are in the firing line. So, how does this affect US importers and the relationship between the two giants? Let's find out...

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction

03:26 - When did China tariffs start being used?

09:46 - Why add more tariffs now?

16:20 - What does China have to say in response to this?

20:45 - Which products and materials have been given these tariffs?

29:51 - The USA's target areas for improvement.

33:06 - Will Chinese companies find other customers instead?

36:36 - If you're an American buyer likely to be affected by these tariffs, what can you do?

39:51 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to Take Further Action on China Tariffs After Releasing Statutory Four-Year Review * He Helped Trump Remake Global Trade. His Work Isn’t Done. * Has the US declared economic war on China? * ”Enterprise China” – China’s Strategy for Economic Success (Author Interview with Drs. Allen J. Morrison & J. Stewart Black)

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Renaud welcomes Dan Harris, Partner of the Seattle-headquartered and globally officed Harris Sliwoski LLP and long-time writer of the China Law Blog, to the podcast! Over the years he has shared so much valuable information for importers who buy from and manufacture in China; a key topic being keeping IP safe when purchasing from Chinese suppliers.

So in this episode, we delve into Dan's decades of assisting Western companies navigate doing business with Chinese suppliers and get his tips on common IP risks and steps you can take to protect your business.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction

03:27 - What are the major risks to IP concerning working with Chinese companies that Western businesses should look out for?

07:58 - Western companies consistently underestimate the risks of their technology and IP being used against them.

13:39 - Has the Chinese legal system evolved for the better (or worse) regarding IP protection?

20:11 - Protection 1: The right partner.

28:11 - Protection 2: The right contract.

30:21 - Protection 3. The right protections.

38:26 - Wrapping up.

Related content...Great reads from China Law Blog:

China NNN Agreements: The Ten Most Asked Questions Answered
China Trademark Protection: Is Your Chinese Manufacturer a Friend or a Foe?
How to Avoid China Manufacturing Problems: A Primer
China Due Diligence: NOT Optional

You should also check out these resources from Sofeast:

Sofeast's FREE guide: IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide]
Video presentation: Legal Agreements & Tools Used By Manufacturers For Protecting Product IP
Sofeast Combined Supplier Due Diligence Checks (Best Results & Value)

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Renaud hosts and is joined by Sofeast Group senior engineer, Paul Adams, to discuss how to go from a design to mass-producing your plastic injection molded parts, first following the proven pre-production pilot run approach to ensure risks are kept to a minimum. You'll learn what should be optimized and what should not be skipped, even if sometimes getting to market sooner seems tempting.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction

01:49 - Why is an injection molding pilot run important?

05:05 - What are the steps involved?

09:53 - Why 'metal safe' is your goal after the trials.

12:39 - The supplier still needs to optimize the tooling

25:01 - Optimizing the injection mold press (machine).

34:55 - Keeping records of parameter settings helps to control the process.

39:04 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* The Plastic Injection Molding Process: Top Questions and Answers * Plastic injection molding explainer videos * Injection Mold Textures: How to Choose the Right One? * Mold Tech Texture Book * Get help from our subsidiary to make your plastic parts in South China

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Today Adrian and Andrew Amirnovin, our reliability and testing head, look at some of China's recent technology successes, what fuels China's tech dominance, and how technology is caught up in the middle of the US-China trade war.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

06:18 - What is fuelling China's tech dominance?

12:40 - The success story of Huawei.

20:32 - Other Chinese tech success stories.

23:30 - Is Chinese technology a privacy risk for users?

26:22 - How does the US-China relationship affect technology?

33:43 - New technologies coming out of China to be aware of.

36:10 - More semiconductor manufacturing to happen in the USA?

37:16 - Wrapping up and closing questions.

Related content...* Tech Please rewind: China's top tech feats of 2023 * Baidu * DJI Drones * U.S. bans new Huawei, ZTE equipment sales, citing national security risk * Surprise! China's top Android phones collect way more info * Huawei 5G kit must be removed from UK by 2027 * Huawei * The first phone maker to add satellite texting to its devices is... Huawei * The US is headed for a much more aggressive trade war with China regardless of who is president next year, economist says * America's billion-dollar bet on US chipmaking * Guide to China's e-commerce websites * This chart shows which countries produce the most lithium * China's AI Analog Chip Claimed To Be 3.7X Faster Than Nvidia's A100 GPU in Computer Vision Tasks (Updated)

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Adrian and Renaud get together to talk about 10 common problems that companies with Chinese manufacturing suppliers often face, AND how you can deal with them. Hopefully, you are not one of the unlucky ones, but being prepared with the knowledge to avoid issues is always helpful!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction

03:22 - 1. If your supplier refuses to ship the goods you paid for.

09:40 - 2. Your manufacturer tries to force you to accept poor quality that you’re uncomfortable with.

16:00 - 3. If the supplier has failed to prepare export packaging of your products for your scheduled quality inspection.

21:41 - 4. When your supplier has disappeared with your tooling and/or inventory.

25:33 - 5. Your supplier won’t provide important supply chain information.

29:30 - 6. You catch your supplier selling your products as their own!

34:59 - 7. Your ‘factory’ turns out to be a trading company.

39:00 - 8. Coping with an unexpected price increase from suppliers.

41:50 - 9. Your current supplier blocks the transfer of your mold tooling to a new supplier.

46:09 - 10. Worries about keeping sensitive product information secure.

48:26 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* We cover these cases: 10 Common Disputes With Chinese Suppliers And How To Overcome Them! * Sourcing Chinese Suppliers? 7 Expert Tips To Get You Better Results! * IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide] * Will A China NNN Agreement Protect Us If We Start Assembling Products There?

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Adrian and Renaud discuss Quality Fade. This bad practice from suppliers sees them put their profits before your product quality, but the big problem is that you may not even know it is happening as it's a gradual process where quality declines over time, bit by bit.

Are you at risk, how do you identify it, and what can you do to combat it? We reveal all in this episode!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction

02:27 - What is Quality Fade?

09:25 - Is it still happening today?

12:15 - Actions to help you avoid quality fade.

18:30 - If you are a victim of quality fade, how can you catch it?

23:44 - Examples of products affected by quality fade.

28:51 - Ongoing reliability testing: Warn the supplier, or do it secretly?

35:28 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* ‘Quality Fade’: China’s Great Business Challenge * Mattel Recalls 19 Million Toys Sent From China * Learn how to source the right supplier from China in these podcast episodes: DIY Sourcing from China Series * 5 levels of quality standards from best to worst practices

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On this episode of the China Manufacturing Decoded Podcast, Adrian hosts and is joined by Andrew, our reliability and testing head who is going to explain why the PCBA in your electronic product is critical, and how to protect it both physically and through product design.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

01:45 - What is the PCB and why is it so important?

03:04 - How and why do we protect the PCB?

04:40 - Conformal coating.

08:51 - Other PCB protection options.

14:14 - The process of protecting a product from the inside out.

18:42 - The costs of protecting PCBs.

23:44 - The coating process.

25:05 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* PCB Prototyping Methods: 5 Favorites * DFM for PCBA – 40+ Improvements * Get help from us! We can make your PCBA in China * CM + PCBA Factory vs. EMS Supplier in Shenzhen, China * Electronics Videos: Basics about PCB, PCBA, and the SMT Process For Importers

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Adrian and Renaud are talking about traceability for manufacturers which provides a detailed record of how the products are manufactured and the supply chain, from raw materials to finished products. Having this mindset and system can help you to reduce risks and deal with problems quickly by pinpointing where they arise. It can also help you be a more compliant business. Plenty of benefits, but it takes a cultural shift to put in place, so Renaud will explain how.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction

03:53 - Traceability takes a conscious effort to put in place.

06:07 - Introducing traceability and the difference between batch level and unit level.

12:06 - Benefits.

24:01 - Is it expensive to run a traceability initiative?

25:35 - How does traceability relate to product passports in the EU?

27:44 - How to implement it?

35:41 - How to audit a supplier's traceability system?

40:47 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Get help to audit your supplier's traceability system from Sofeast * Traceability in Manufacturing: Do your Chinese Suppliers Do it Right? * Checking for Forward and Backward Traceability in a Factory * What To Do If You Have A High Product Return Rate? [6-step Process]

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Air travel requires an extremely high level of safety, so it's very embarrassing for Boeing that they have been dogged by quality and reliability issues lately, resulting in a near-disaster on a brand new Alaska Airlines 737 Max.

Renaud and Paul look at Boeing's recent troubles, based on information from news reports, that seem to have been caused by bad manufacturing habits such as accepting sub-standard parts from suppliers without pushing them to improve, not fixing issues in-process and 'leaving them for later,' an over-reliance on inspections and rework when planes were complete, and a business culture which placed financial results above quality.

They also explain the best practices that good manufacturers follow to reduce risks as your key takeaway from the episode.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction - where is Boeing going wrong?

06:15 - What do good factories do to avoid problems like travelled work?

10:08 - Investing time for training suppliers in the upstream supply chain to reduce quality risks

18:24 - What can we learn about dealing with in-process issues from the automotive industry?

27:14 - Why a focus on inspection and rework later increases risks.

33:32 - Summary: Good manufacturers' best practices.

37:46 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Behind the Alaska Blowout: a Manufacturing Habit Boeing Can’t Break (WSJ) * Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 Near Disaster! Quality & Reliability Issues? * NPI process explained

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Our CEO Renaud is joined by Marc Burban and Amanda Han, insurance brokers from Asian Risks Management Services. We get advice from these two China insurance experts, explore the typical risks that manufacturers and buyers in China face, and learn how you can use insurance and risk management to mitigate them. For anyone manufacturing in China, this information will help you understand your best options moving forward and how an insurance broker can assist you in making the right choices.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

01:54 - What are the major risks that companies who are manufacturing or buyers having products manufactured in China need to keep in mind?

06:04 - How can these risks be mitigated?

10:02 - How does insurance work?

15:07 - Why national safety regulatory compliance is not necessarily enough to save a business when the worst happens?

20:30 - What kind of insurance policies are available in China for manufacturers and buyers?

25:12 - Changing EU liability laws will mean product liability insurance will be even more important in Europe.

26:34 - Why work with an insurance broker instead of going direct?

31:35 - Amanda introduces Asian Risks Management Services & wrapping up.

Related content...* Visit https://asian-risks.com/ to learn more about how they can help you with insurance in China. * Getting Ahead Of The Upcoming EU Product Liability Directive

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Renaud is joined by regular guest, Clive Greenwood, an international product compliance expert based in China. They talk about the growing risks of Li-ion batteries used in Chinese e-bikes and scooters amid many high-profile fires in China, deaths in the West, and grave warnings from the FDNY. Clive also makes suggestions about how legislation can change to improve safety moving forward.

As these personal vehicles become more popular and importers around the world source them from China, it pays to understand the risks...spoiler alert, they're no joke!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

03:57 - Looking at the risks of Li-ion batteries used in micro-mobility in China.

09:21 - What is the Chinese government doing to combat the dangers of batteries?

17:53 - What if you're buying e-bikes and scooters, or batteries for them, from China now?

21:22 - Does China need new battery regulations to make them safer, or to just enforce the current ones?

25:42 - Safety tips for battery buyers.

28:46 - E-bikes and scooters are a new source of risk people need to adapt to.

33:01 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* The Dangers of Cheap Li-ion Batteries and the Future of Compliance (Sofeast Podcast) * Lithium-Ion Battery Safety (FDNY) * FDNY warns that lithium-ion batteries are now a leading cause of fires and fire deaths in New York City * NYC journalist's death is city's latest lithium-ion battery fire fatality, officials say (USA Today) * Electric Scooter Explodes during Charging (Video from China) * EU Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation (2023): How Will It Impact Portable Electronics? * Download Clive's FREE whitepaper on Li-ion battery risks and mitigation.

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In this bonus episode, our host and CEO Renaud is joined by our product reliability and durability expert, Andrew Amirnovin, to talk about the bad news for Apple that their much-hyped Vision Pro headset is cracking just weeks after being released to the public. They explore the durability problems rearing their heads only a month or so into the product's general release in early February 2024, based on information found in online news articles and videos.

Show Sections00:00 - Introduction, what is the Vision Pro?

Apple's Vision Pro headset is an incredibly well-received augmented reality headset that earned rave reviews worldwide. It took more than 10 years to develop and is one of the most groundbreaking Apple products released in recent years.

02:29 - Uh-oh, cracks to the headset!

The external plastic layer, like a visor, is cracking in a straight line from the nose to the forehead on some models even though the customer didn't do anything like drop them. We don't know the percentage, so it's hard to ascertain what pattern there is, but these unsightly defects are not welcome in a device that costs over $3000+.

04:04 - How would an engineer start diagnosing this case?

Environmental or transportation conditions may cause a defect like this or it could even be the packaging placing some kind of stress on the wrong part of the visor that eventually results in the crack developing. It is fair to say that the plastic seems fragile.

Apple should accept field returns from customers and do a root cause analysis to identify the defect and its cause and then implement a corrective action plan.

06:40 - Is the return or repair policy straightforward? What should Apple customers do if they're affected?

Apple may need to clarify its returns or repair policy, as some customers have reported receiving different responses from Apple with some stores offering to repair or replace, and some refusing to take responsibility. With visor repairs costing $800, it seems sensible to at least invest in an AppleCare extended warranty for the device to reduce potential repair costs.

08:48 - Is it likely Apple's engineers missed this issue and never saw it during product testing and development?

It's hard to say, but was the visor that cracks added after most development and testing was done maybe for some reason? If so it may not have been tested (as much). If Apple doesn't fix this, and fast, it could damage their brand as this is such a high-profile release. The situation is similar to the problems they had with the Macbook 'Butterfly' keyboards in 2015/2016 which they replaced by returning to a scissor mechanism they then named the 'Magic' keyboard, although in those cases Apple replaced the defective keyboard (and sometimes added a new battery) for free.

11:29 - We all know that an iPhone is likely to suffer damage when dropped from 6ft, should we be surprised that the Vision Pro seems similarly fragile?

The Vision Pro does not seem very durable, the same as the iPhone. The majority of users put their iPhones in a protective case for exactly this reason.

An acceptable drop height for a mobile phone to withstand damage is about 1M, not 6ft. However the Vision Pro is meant to be worn on the face and is very front-heavy, so if it slips, it will likely fall from around 6ft. There is no protective case for the Vision Pro when it is in use unlike for phones, therefore, should it be durable enough to survive such a drop, especially for its price?

13:27 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Vision Pro owners are reporting a mysterious crack in the front glass * Some Apple Vision Pro units are developing glass cracks in the same spot * Making Apple Vision Pro - Apple Official Video * Apple Vision Pro DURABILITY Test! Worth $3500?

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Adrian hosts and is joined by Sofeast Group senior engineer, Paul Adams, and they talk about the uses and limitations of the metal and plastic 'development prototypes,' that is to say, product prototypes made during the development process and before mass production. Remember, these are not production-standard prototypes, but that doesn't mean that they aren't important as you will find out...it's all about controlling expectations.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction

02:06 - Why are we producing prototypes to start with?

04:09 - Plastic prototyping processes.

07:02 - 3D-Printed plastic development prototype limitations.

12:10 - The trade-off between quality and cost when it comes to prototypes.

15:34 - Metal prototyping processes.

18:18 - Metal development prototype limitations.

22:48 - Key limitations of development prototypes.

29:35 - Considerations for you regarding prototypes.

32:56 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Rapid Tooling Prototyping Guide * Plastic Enclosures for Electronics Projects (Plastics Sourcing Guide) * CNC Prototyping In Metal And Plastic * Development Prototypes for Parts: Issues and Limitations (2 examples) * Mold Tech Texture Book * Get help from Sofeast's engineering team to develop your prototoypes

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Adrian and Renaud discuss how to plan for the handover of your innovative new product to manufacturing (with a focus on hard goods with mechanical elements and some electronic/electrical parts). Product handover should be a structured process of actions taken mainly before the manufacturer gets involved to ensure a smooth transition from you to them so the product ends up being made to your specifications and requirements and the risks of issues before product launch are minimized.

You'll learn:

What a product handover is.
The drawbacks of not following a structured process and how not to hand over.
What the best practices for handover are so you can follow them to streamline your next project.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction

00:50 - Who needs to hand over their product to a manufacturer and why?

04:22 - The WRONG way to hand over to the manufacturer.

09:57 - Questions about the product that need to be answered.

12:55 - Who will do the DFM?

15:32 - What can happen if you just throw designs over the wall to a manufacturer without doing a DFM review?

18:15 - Handover best practices.

35:14 - When is the handover complete?

37:59 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Avoid Sending Immature Product Designs to a Chinese Manufacturer! [Podcast] * Sourcing Chinese Manufacturers: Western Or Chinese Model? [Podcast] * DIY Sourcing From China Part 1: Good Fit, Sourcing, Vetting, & Backups [Podcast] * OEM, ODM, Contract Manufacturers: Which Chinese Supplier To Choose? * The Danger of Developing your Custom Product with an ODM Factory

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Renaud hosts today and welcomes guest speaker Amit Rosenthal, CEO of Proboxx, to the show and this episode's focus is on moving your products from Asia to where they need to be via freight forwarding. They discuss how the latest technological advancements in freight forwarding are streamlining operations, improving tracking and transparency, and offering more reliable and efficient services for Amazon sellers.

Since many people manufacturing overseas end up selling on Amazon, at least as part of their mix, being up to speed on moving your products is useful, so hit that play button!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction of Amit and his freight forwarding business, Proboxx.

06:03 - How and why freight forwarding needed to go from old-fashioned to cutting edge.

13:20 - Why not knowing their shipment's arrival date at the distribution facility can make life difficult for sellers.

19:21 - How do Amazon sellers plan their sales?

22:31 - Are GPS trackers for the products in a container helpful?

26:33 - Many small freight forwarders set up in China since around 2020 are going bust, how does this affect overseas customers?

32:05 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Learn more about Proboxx and how they can help you * Impact of Yemen’s Houthis On Global Shipping in Jan ’24 [Bonus Podcast] * Types of Incoterms (Guides) * How Does International Shipping Work? * FOB Risk Of Loss Is A Real Problem. Don’t Be Caught Out! * HS vs HTS Codes: How to Find the Right Code for your Product? (incl. Links to Official Sources)

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Adrian and Renaud go through what makes a good QA auditing and inspection program for innovative new electro-mechanical products that will reduce risks of poor quality, reliability, and compliance, and detect the issues in time for them to be worked on before anything is shipped. Unless you are producing simple products or working with a supplier who is very experienced in manufacturing the exact product type you're developing, you will very likely require some form of QA program like this.

It's split into 5 points: 1-3 cover the preparation of the product and process design, then 4-5 are after the product starts mass production. Listen and explore what needs to happen to power up your product quality!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction

01:37 - Why do you need a QA auditing and inspection program?

06:53 - #1. A DFM review of some components (especially custom-designed).

10:50 - #2. A quality system audit of suppliers’ factories.

18:00 - Are market surveillance authorities scrutinising product compliance more than before?

21:13 - #3. Production line preparation audit at the assembly factory.

28:46 - #4. A product inspection during the pilot run(s).

33:12 - #5. Final product inspections during and after production.

41:09 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Explore Sofeast factory audits and product inspections * Documenting Your Company’s Quality Standard into the Details * What Is A Quality Assurance Plan? * Product Quality Checklist: How To Prepare It * How To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need? * How To Choose Which Product Quality inspection You Need?

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On this episode of the China Manufacturing Decoded Podcast, Adrian hosts and is joined by Andrew, our reliability and compliance expert, from the Sofeast Group for a deep dive into electrostatic discharge (ESD) – a critical factor in electronics production with the potential for significant impact on product success and customer satisfaction. They stress the importance of ESD testing for bulk-manufactured electronics and discuss the potential consequences of failing to consider ESD in manufacturing, such as financial loss and product recalls.

Beyond providing an overview of ESD's significance, this conversation also introduces listeners to three methodologies used for its testing: The Human Body Model (HBM), the Machine Model (MM), and the Charged Device Model (CDM). Andrew elucidates these models, their unique benefits, and their most appropriate application industries as part of a comprehensive ESD discussion.

The need for ESD-resistant design, sound manufacturing environments, and ESD-protective packaging are a few of the critical preventative measures emphasized. Additionally, the roles of regular auditing and assessments for maintaining compliance and enhancing manufacturing methods are also underscored. The episode culminates with specific ESD requirements and testing protocols per product, concluding with insights on how a comprehensive ESD prevention approach can help avoid product returns and financial disparities.

This episode equips listeners with the knowledge needed for safeguarding their electronic products against ESD, enlightening them about its potential damage, and details preventive measures for ESD in the manufacturing process.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

02:24 - What is ESD?

06:59 - 3 ESD test models.

13:41 - Common tests and voltages.

18:53 - The harm or damage that can be caused by ESD.

25:42 - How to prevent the effects of ESD?

35:53 - Product design to prevent ESD.

38:34 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* ESD definition * What To Do If You Have A High Product Return Rate? [6-step Process] * Get help and advice from our testing lab if you have questions about ESD testing

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Welcome to our special 200th episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, a podcast by Sofeast Group, where we discuss global manufacturing topics to help you decode and navigate the supply chain world.

In this episode, we discuss the impact of the Houthi Yemeni rebels' attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, and how it may affect your shipping costs and other issues you might face. We're joined by our very own Kate Oliynykova, Head of Supply Chain Management at Sofeast Group, who shares her insights on the current political events and their potential ripple effects on importers. Listen in as we unravel the complexity of this issue.

The Red Sea route accounts for 12% of global trade, including 30% of the container traffic passing through the Suez Canal. Any disruption in this route affects not only oil and gas prices but also the availability and cost of a broad range of goods. The current attacks have caused a direct increase in ship insurance costs, prompting bigger shipping companies to opt for alternative routes around the Cape of Good Hope. This, in turn, not only escalates transportation costs but also significantly extends delivery times.

In this scenario, we advise importers to diversify their supply chain, considering options like rail or truck deliveries, or partial shipments with air freight.

What are the repercussions if the situation is prolonged? How can importers better prepare for these unforeseen circumstances? Tune in to this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded as we discuss the critical aspects of this multinational issue. Remember, the Sofeast Group offers an in-house logistics department to help formulate a tailored solution that meets your needs most cost-effectively, given the present situation.

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In this insightful episode, host Renaud Anjoran and senior engineer Paul Adams delve into the intriguing world of the 'experience effect' - a phenomenon that offers a wealth of benefits in mass production through persistent refinement and accumulated knowledge. Immersing you in several industrial examples, Renaud and Paul throw light on how Boeing and the semiconductor industry have leveraged the experience curve to their advantage. Witness firsthand, the complex interplay between efficiency, cost reduction, and the tangible journey of relentless improvement in mass manufacturing setups.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

00:51 - The example of Boeing in the 40s and 50s.

04:04 - The theory behind the experience effect.

12:10 - It's more than just individuals improving on the production line...the whole business must evolve.

20:00 - Pilot and starting costs are higher, but don't be tempted to skip ahead.

25:46 - The learning curve.

28:23 - How does the experience effect translate in commercial terms?

32:54 - Who does improvement work the right way?

35:10 - Conclusion.

Related content...* Robust Design: Enhancing Product Quality and Performance * 5 steps for a Chinese factory to improve its efficiency * How To Improve Quality From Your Supplier? [Podcast] * Keeping your supplier’s costs under control [Podcast]

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Renaud and Andrew Amirnovin, Sofeast's Head of Compliance and Reliability, are talking about the Boeing 737 Max 9 airplane that has been in the news again following a very frightening incident where part of the body blew out leading to a sudden depressurization and emergency landing. But why did this occur? Are there more quality and reliability issues to worry about?

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

01:18 - What happened on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on Jan 5th, 2024?

05:03 - Has the FAA been going too easy on Boeing?

06:33 - Did Boeing rushing to redevelop the 737 lead to catastrophic problems?

10:57 - Why was Boeing under such pressure? A look back over a few decades.

13:43 - Worrying tales from angry former Boeing employees.

18:39 - 737 Max grounding.

22:38 - Time for new leadership at Boeing?

26:52 - FAA audit.

29:32 - Had warnings been properly heeded?

34:12 - Next steps and takeaways.

37:45 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Mid-air blowout can 'never happen again,' Boeing CEO says after Alaska Airlines accident * 'Loose hardware' found on more Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 planes * What happened after the Alaska Airlines flight took off, in 5 charts * NTSB not sure if the bolts on blown-out door plug on Boeing MAX 9 were even attached (Video) * Alaska Airlines Blowout Reveals Cockpit Door Vulnerability on Boeing Jet * You may also like: Why Did The Titan Sub And Siemens Gamesa Wind Turbines Fail?

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Adrian and Renaud tackle the big question of cost versus quality and how they both affect each other in manufacturing. You'll learn common Chinese attitudes towards them, the long-term power of lean, and some achievable levers that can bring you cost and quality benefits that most businesses can implement quickly.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction (inc. our team at CES '24!)

01:50 - What do we mean by Cost V Quality?

04:49 - A typical Chinese manufacturer's logic about quality.

15:29 - The Lean manufacturing ideal.

25:32 - Day-to-day keys that can give you quality and cost benefits.

26:38 - Do design for manufacturing and assembly
29:30 - Follow a sound NPI process
32:57 - Use good tooling and automation
35:12 - Staff training for avoiding defects and more
37:21 - Experience effects

38:21 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Documenting Your Company’s Quality Standard into the Details * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * NPI Process (New Product Introduction) * What is the “lean” approach to manufacturing, and is it applicable in China? * Design for manufacturing (Video) * Design for assembly (Video) * Get NPI support from Sofeast's engineers to bring your product to market

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In this episode...Adrian and Andrew Amirnovin kick off 2024 by going through 7 key New Product Introduction tasks you need to be aware of to get a positive outcome before mass producing your product. If this is the year you bring a product to market, get ahead of the curve by bearing these 7 things in mind from one of our most experienced team members who is also Head of Compliance and Reliability.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

03:01 - 1. Document your requirements early during the design and development phase.

06:36 - 2. Do functionality and reliability testing.

10:19 - 3. Compliance testing and pilot run before pre-production.

13:54 - 4. Do final reliability testing.

15:20 - 5. Lock the BOM.

17:16 - 6. Validate tooling and manufacturing.

20:26 - 7. Focus on shipping in the post-production period.

21:13 - Why it pays importers to be knowledgeable about the NPI phases, even if you work with a manufacturer to do the development and manufacturing.

25:17 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* What is the NPI process? * Prototyping Process To Test & Refine a New Product Design * Avoid Sending Immature Product Designs to a Chinese Manufacturer! * Transitioning to Manufacturing from Product Development | 2 Options * The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps! [Podcast]

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Adrian and Renaud return for the last podcast of 2023, a bumper episode where they go through 13 quality strategies you can adopt to achieve consistent product quality.

They're roughly split into pre-production and post-production strategies, so settle down and dive in here!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

Pre-production

02:18 - 1. Due diligence and factory audits to ensure the supplier has the capabilities to reach your quality standards.

04:31 - 2. Define a quality standard.

08:35 - 3. Product design with quality in mind (DfX principles).

12:44 - 4. Feasibility study.

17:04 - 5. Specify all aspects of the product to avoid grey areas.

23:11 - 6. Implement a QA plan.

26:04 - 7. Use a manufacturer with a quality management system.

30:32 - 8. Quality (and compliance) testing.

During and Post-production

33:32 - 9. Do IQC.

37:08 - 10. Conduct product inspections.

41:45 - 11. Process Controls.

45:13 - 12. Mistake-Proofing.

47:48 - 13. Traceability in the supply chain.

51:01 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* How a Supplier’s Quality can be Evaluated and Validated * Background checks on suppliers * Documenting Your Company’s Quality Standard into the Details * What Is A Quality Assurance Plan? * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * Why Skipping Incoming QC Is a Source of High Risks & Costs * The Benefits of a Feasibility Study (during new product development) * How To Do Product Reliability Testing? * Various product inspection solutions we provide you with * Process Control Plan * Traceability in Manufacturing: Do your Chinese Suppliers Do it Right?

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Adrian hosts and Paul Adams, one of Sofeast's senior engineers joins him to talk about how to add surface textures to plastic injection mold tooling and get the finish that we want on our plastic molded parts.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction to textures for plastic injection molded parts.

02:55 - General points about getting started adding textures.

07:59 - Draft Angle rules of thumb for mold design with textures in mind.

14:58 - 5 Common methods used to add surface textures to the mold tooling itself.

27:46 - Key benefits of Chemical Photoetching.

30:30 - Roughness: Ra Value and Mold Tool Textures

34:27 - Using mold texture books to help specify your texture/s

37:29 - Some examples of typical textures from the Yick Sang texture book.

43:20 - Summary and wrap-up.

Related content...* Plastic Injection Mold Tooling Management & Risk Reduction [Podcast] * What is a Mold Tech Texture Book? * Should Tooling Fabrication and Plastic Injection Molding Be Done Together? * Plastic Injection Molds: 8 Tips For When Requesting Quotes * Product Tooling: Possible To Avoid Paying for it in Full? * Using Prototype Injection Molds for the First Production: Realistic? * All about Plastic Injection Molding and Thermoplastics [Videos] * Avoiding 9 Plastic Injection Molding Defects: Key Preventive Measures

Get help from Sofeast with your tooling fabrication and management with these services:

Plastic Injection Mold Tooling Management Program
Mold Capability Validation Supervision (for Plastic Injection Molds in China)
Tooling Custody & Management (for Plastic Injection Molds in China)

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Adrian and Renaud chat about whether hiring a sourcing agent is necessary for businesses that want to purchase products from China. They also discuss the different options, such as doing the sourcing work yourself, and their pros and cons.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and news: CNY '24 prep and visa-free China entry for 6 countries.

08:06 - Who typically uses a sourcing agent to buy from China and what types are there?

13:10 - 4 sourcing approaches the buyer can take.

14:02 - When does each approach make sense (and pros & cons)?

41:25 - Sourcing options and compliance.

43:43 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Sourcing from China 101, Part 1: Do You Need a Sourcing Agent? * Why First-Time Buyers Fall for Trading Companies in China

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Adrian hosts and Renaud is onboard to offer some cautionary advice about working with 'the cheapest Chinese supplier' with a focus on relatively ordinary consumer and electronic products. What might sound like a good deal could actually land you in hot water. Here's why...

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction: Should we be wary of choosing the cheapest supplier?

05:35 - Warning signs from cheap suppliers.

09:54 - Do lowest prices = a stable relationship for the mid to long-term?

15:18 - Does a manufacturing contract protect you from the supplier making changes due to not being able to afford to honor low prices?

17:55 - What type of factory are you even dealing with?

24:36 - An example quote for very low-cost plastic injection mold tooling and the problems you might face in future if you accept.

27:23 - Avoiding the cheapest options and doing due diligence is a must for certain product types.

29:21 - What can go wrong when you work with a cheap/bad supplier?

33:47 - Is it really impossible to get a small factory to do a good job?

39:18 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* The four levels of Chinese factories * Learn how to source from China: DIY Sourcing from China Podcast Series * Free eBook: How To Find A Manufacturer In China: 10 Verification Steps * Hands-on buyers: qualifying factories and nurturing them * Hands-off buyers: accepting the risks of importing * Get help from Sofeast to do your due diligence on potential suppliers: Background Checks on Suppliers

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In this episode...Renaud hosts this episode on the EU's forthcoming directive on product liability which should get you nervous if you sell into Europe. Clive Greenwood and Prof. Simon Choi are two highly experienced compliance experts and Professor Choi brings a fresh outlook on how this affects manufacturers in China and EU importers in legal terms.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

04:23 - What is the intent of the directive?

06:53 - What does this directive change for economic operators on the distribution and retail side of things?

12:47 - Transparency in the supply chain.

16:56 - Even if a factory in, say, China can now be held liable for product problems as a supply chain actor under this new legislation, realistically, can an importer obtain compensation from them?

24:47 - How the burden of proof for manufacturers is changing.

28:45 - Product labelling must make it easier for any parties, especially consumers, to bring a case against a product's seller.

32:50 - Foreign manufacturers are going to be under a lot of pressure to change the way they do things.

34:02 - Why the product safety's burden of proof is on the party who brings the product into the EU.

37:17 - Will this directive even be possible to enforce in manufacturing in China?

39:38 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* How ISO 37301 Might Improve Chinese Suppliers’ Compliance * Exploring 9 Quality Management Challenges in China [Podcast] * The EU Ecodesign Regulation Is Coming, But Are You Prepared? [Podcast part1] * Exploring Product Safety & Reliability Issue Liability [Podcast]

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In this episode...Renaud and Andrew, Sofeast's head of New Product Development, are in the booth discussing how a supplier's quality can be evaluated and validated. In order to avoid purchasing parts or materials that will let you down, you need to be able to assess if a supplier is capable of reaching your requirements, and they're going to tell you how!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

01:31 - Why is supplier quality important?

05:56 - When should you start being concerned with supplier's quality and what should you do to mitigate risks of poor quality?

15:33 - Why the quality team must help to include your quality standards in the PRD (product requirement document).

22:05 - Why small businesses may benefit from working with a supplier who has in-house engineering resources.

23:32 - Doing due diligence to qualify that a supplier's quality is good.

33:16 - Checking the supplier's QMS.

35:07 - Regular audits can also uncover helpful information about suppliers.

37:35 - Formalize approved suppliers.

41:43 - Wrapping up.

Related content... Sourcing New Suppliers From China: 7 Tips For Success. * Free Download: Ultimate Guide To Sourcing From China And Developing Your Suppliers [eBook] * Click here to listen 👉 DIY Sourcing from China Series * Get help from Sofeast to source new suppliers for you and* do due diligence on them * Select numerous helpful factory audits from Sofeast

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In this episode...Adrian hosts and welcomes Kate Oliynykova, Sofeast's head of supply chain management, onto the podcast once again. This time she sheds light on how we do supplier identification for customers, sharing 7 tips for key areas to focus on and lots of advice that can help you get better results when you're sourcing from China (or other countries in Asia, too, actually).

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

04:12 - 1) How to find a good supplier in China: Platforms to use

10:02 - 2) Key points to pay attention to when selecting a supplier

12:39 - 3) Checking certifications

17:44 - 4) Collect supplier contact info. and cross-check

21:47 - 5) Getting better quotations.

27:59 - 6) Selecting the right incoterms.

32:45 - 7) Source yourself or use a third party?

35:41 - An example of what can go wrong if you've sourced suppliers yourself.

41:36 - Sofeast's tried-and-tested sourcing approach.

44:27 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Are Suppliers We Find On Alibaba.com And GlobalSources.com Trustworthy? * Chinese trading companies and their dirty little secrets * Work with Sofeast as we assist you with New Supplier / Factory Identification using our experienced teams around Asia to help you avoid risks and provide suppliers you can rely on * Sofeast supplier background check - it's great value and might just save your bacon! * Our guide into the key Incoterms importers might use * Read this eBook for free: Ultimate Guide To Sourcing From China And Developing Your Suppliers [eBook] * Read our many posts about disputes with Chinese suppliers and how to handle them

Get in touch with us* Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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Sofeast's CEO Renaud welcomes China business expert Angel Ho, CEO of Hongda Business Services in Shenzhen, onto the show to talk about what the business environment for foreigners seeking to do business there today is really like, and about the process of setting up a manufacturing facility in China for foreigners and all of the legal and administrative points you'll need to take care of. They also both share some of the key mistakes that foreign businesses make when setting up their factory.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings.

01:06 - Angel and Hongda introduction.

02:21 - What's the general business environment in China after 'Zero-Covid' really like for foreign businesses?

07:40 - The Chinese economy is less vibrant than before now. What is the government doing to encourage foreign investment?

11:55 - How easy is it to hire foreigners in China today?

16:41 - If a Western company wants to start their own manufacturing company in China, what's the process?

21:30 - Selecting the right area and government support for manufacturers.

25:55 - 7 Common mistakes foreign businesses make when setting up a manufacturing facility in China.

35:39 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Check out Hongda Business Services here and see what kinds of help they can offer you if you're doing business in China now or soon will be * How We Set Up A New Factory In China From Idea To Operation [Podcast] * Want To Prevent Assembly Problems? Use This Checklist.

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In this episode...Adrian and Andrew Amirnovin, Sofeast's reliability expert and our head of New Product Development, return and explore component selection (especially for electronics). This is just one piece of the manufacturing puzzle, but if you get it wrong it will come back to bite you! Luckily, Andrew is here to walk you through 18 steps that will help you choose components that fit the bill.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

01:17 - What is the component selection process and where does it occur during New Product Introduction?

04:20 - The component selection steps:

Define your Requirements
Select the Key Components

06:02 - 3. Analyze the Operating Environment/s

06:34 - 4. Identify Critical Parameters per component

10:04 - 5. Source the Components

15:26 - 6. Consider the Supply Chain

16:53 - 7. Check for Obsolescence

17:34 - 8. Analyze costs

21:01 - 9. Selecting Components of the right Reliability and Quality

24:53 - 10. Purchase Second-Source Components

26:28 - 11. Component Database

29:08 - 12. Design for Excellence, especially DFM

30:54 - 13. Compliance and Standards

33:49 - 14. Simulating and Prototyping the Product

35:14 - 15. Documentation and Record-Keeping

38:12 - 16. Design Reviews

41:13 - 17. Lock the Bill of Materials (BOM)

44:45 - 18. Pilot Run

45:59 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Get help from Sofeast to do Reliability Engineering & Testing (in a China lab) - we provide reliability engineering services including reliability testing on component and PCB levels as well as the product level on various types of consumer products. Some of these tests include drop, vibration, temperature and humidity and package testing. We can customize the right tests for your product. * How To Do Product Reliability Testing? * Golden Sample: Why You Need It Before Mass Production Starts * Planning For Effective Pilot Runs [Podcast] * DfX Product design video playlist

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In this episode...Renaud hosts and is joined by Sofeast's senior engineer Paul Adams to go through Technology Readiness Levels which is a product development framework that is often used to gauge the progress of a new product launch project, especially during prototyping. But is it useful for today's manufacturers who are mass producing, say, consumer electronics? Find out here...

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

01:08 - Where did the TRL originate?

04:37 - The 9 Technology Readiness Levels.

20:02 - Can we use this framework for products that will be mass-produced?

26:09 - What is missing from the TRL in order to manufacture products in large quantities?

37:38 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Technology Readiness Levels: A Better Product Development Framework? * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * DFX: Product Design Optimizations You Should Consider [Podcast] * The TRL explained [Video] * Get help to develop your new product and bring it to mass production from our experienced engineers who work with you to guide you and provide expertise where you need it: New Product Introduction support from Sofeast

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Sofeast's CEO Renaud flies solo in this episode and discusses what he thought of the recent Elon Musk biography by Walter Isaacson. What can we, the manufacturing community, learn from this enigmatic character? As you'll hear, one of his specialities is making positive DFM (Design for Manufacturing) changes, so there will be plenty of focus on those, but also on his 5-point algorithm for success, triumphs and failures in manufacturing, and more.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

06:25 - Elon Musk: A great contributor to humanity?

09:21 - Automation then de-automation

11:26 - Making product design engineers responsible for the manufacturing process.

13:24 - Musk's 5-point algorithm for success.

23:44 - The 'Idiot Index'.

25:44 - Material science: The unexpected choice to replace carbon fiber with stainless steel in some SpaceX parts.

27:31 - Using a revolutionary stainless-steel body for the cyber truck.

30:30 - Changing how die-casting is used in the automotive trade.

32:23 - Wrapping up.

Related content... What is Design for Manufacturing (DFM)? * DFM for PCBA – 40+ Improvements * Get help from Sofeast's product engineers to examine your* product and suggest ways that it can be improved for manufacturability by purchasing our DFM review for Manufacturing in Asia. * DFM and DFA explainer video * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * DFX: Product Design Optimizations You Should Consider [Podcast]

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In this episode...Adrian and Andrew Amirnovin, Sofeast's reliability expert and our head of New Product Development, are back on the pod and taking you on a journey into what testing to failure is, its benefits, and why you will find it a useful tool in your product reliability testing arsenal.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

01:28 - What is test to failure?

05:33 - Why does testing to failure matter to companies who are bringing a new product to market (5 reasons)?

14:30 - Some examples where weaknesses were found in products which allowed them to be fixed.

19:56 - What kinds of methodologies can we follow when doing test to failure?

32:31 - Products and industries where this is a very useful kind of testing to do.

37:20 - Is test to failure wasteful?

41:10 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Get help from Sofeast to do Reliability Engineering & Testing (in a China lab) - we provide reliability engineering services including reliability testing on component and PCB levels as well as the product level on various types of consumer products. Some of these tests include drop, vibration, temperature and humidity and package testing. We can customize the right tests for your product. * How To Do Product Reliability Testing? * DFR Design For Reliability Guide & Implementation Secrets * How Many Product Samples Are Required For Reliability & Compliance Testing?

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Sofeast's CEO Renaud explains what a manufacturing organizational chart is and, critically, 7 key things that we can learn about our suppliers from theirs. During your sourcing journey, Renaud's advice will help you spot potential issues with some red flags to be aware of. (Adrian from the team hosts).

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

02:03 - What is an organizational chart?

06:39 - 1. No Quality Dept.

10:26 - 2. Placing the quality department under the production manager.

14:44 - 3. Putting the production manager in charge of the planning department.

16:20 - 4. No planning system at all!

20:35 - 5. No team of manufacturing engineers.

24:16 - 6. No dedicated HR department or the HR staff are at a junior level.

27:08 - 7. Job titles are unclear on the org chart and sometimes inappropriate for the person.

30:44 - Summary and wrapping up.

Related content...* Organizational chart definition * Manufacturing Organizational Chart: Top 7 Common Mistakes To Avoid * Organizational Physics: The Science of Growing a Business Hardcover – Lex Sisney * Designed to Scale: How to Structure Your Business for Exponential Growth - Lex Sisney

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In this episode...Renaud hosts today and is joined by Andrew Amirnovin, Sofeast's reliability expert and our head of New Product Development, to cover the topic of reliability data and how it can be used to help you make better products and reduce your costs.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

00:43 - What kind of reliability data can we get?

04:43 - Keeping a database of past issues or 'lessons learnt.'

10:29 - Where do issues that occur during manufacturing come from?

12:50 - How can reliability data be used to make better products?

17:16 - How user experience can influence a new testing plan.

19:46 - Over-engineering and reliability: Mercedes Cars in the 1980s and NOKIA phones that seemed to be indestructible.

25:11 - How can reliability data be used to cut production costs?

27:56 - An example from the early automobile industry: Henry Ford's Model-T Kingpin

33:52 - Takata airbag safety scandal.

38:39 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Get help from Sofeast to do Reliability Engineering & Testing (in a China lab) - we provide reliability engineering services including reliability testing on component and PCB levels as well as the product level on various types of consumer products. Some of these tests include drop, vibration, temperature and humidity and package testing. We can customize the right tests for your product. * The story of the NOKIA 3210 * How To Do Product Reliability Testing? * DFR Design For Reliability Guide & Implementation Secrets * Henry Ford kingpin story * Takata airbag recall

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Renaud makes it clear where you need to be with new product designs before you approach Chinese manufacturers. He also explains the risks with immature designs, common red flags, and the work you'll need to do to have designs that can be called 'ready to industrialize.'

Show Sections00:00 - Introduction.

01:24 - What do we mean by mature product designs?

04:54 - Don't ignore important phases and milestones in the NPI process.

07:30 - What the average Chinese manufacturer will need from you before they can get started.

09:45 - Approaching suppliers in the right way.

16:20 - Is there a risk that a 'bad' manufacturer might take your project with immature designs and lead to failure and wasted time and money?

18:53 - Common red flags demonstrating that product designs are immature.

25:41 - Summary and wrapping up.

Related content...* Why Skipping NPI Phases Is A Big Mistake * See our visualization of the NPI process * The Benefits of a Feasibility Study (during new product development) * The Hardware Academy

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Renaud welcomes e-commerce guru and host of the popular 'The Seller Process' podcast, Gianmarco Meli, to the podcast today to talk about building better systems and processes for your company if you're importing and selling products that you make or buy in low-cost Asia online via e-commerce and want to be more successful.

Show Sections 00:00 - Introducing today's topic and Gianmarco.

04:19 - When starting up with e-commerce, what to work on (and optimize/systematize) first?

15:52 - Tips for systematizing and improving processes.

21:11 - When importing products and selling them in e-commerce, what are the biggest risks to watch out for? And what are the processes that really make a difference in reaching business objectives?

27:09 - The number 1 risk when selling products online.

30:02 - How to build good relationships with suppliers?

39:10 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * The NPI Process for Effective Product Development * Navigating Compliance: Protecting Your Business in Today’s Market * Get started sourcing from China...Listen to our DIY Sourcing from China Series * Kraljic Matrix: Sourcing a Strategic Supplier – Are YOU a Good Fit for THEM? * Check Sofeast's various supply chain management solutions where we can help you with sourcing, managing suppliers, storing and fulfilling your products from China, and much more!

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Renaud and Adrian talk about what a feasibility study for new products is, its benefits, and everything you need to know in order to implement yours. This will really help you to identify potential issues long before you manufacture your product, saving time and money on correcting them later on.

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

02:01 - Many people don't consider doing a feasibility study.

03:11 - The 6 phases of the NPI process for an electro-mechanical product.

15:12 - The role of industrial designers in realizing concepts where the product needs to look good and who else helps you here.

20:10 - What to do in projects where figuring out how to make the product work is paramount.

23:01 - Using the feasibility study's designs and prototypes for marketing and sales.

24:54 - The 'Just Do It' or 'Go' syndrome is the biggest mistake to avoid.

38:30 - What if a product is rushed into mass production?

44:21 - Tips on how to do your own feasibility study based on how large businesses conduct theirs.

50:26 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Why Skipping NPI Phases Is A Big Mistake * Crowdfunding Failures: 4 Great Prototypes That Failed To Launch * dFMEA: When to use it and how to get best results [Podcast] * Don’t Send Immature Product Designs To A Chinese Manufacturer! * See our visualization of the NPI process

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In this episode... Join Andrew Amirnovin, Sofeast's reliability expert and our head of New Product Development, on a deep dive into what component-level testing is, the process followed for selecting and testing components that won't let you down, and the various benefits you'll get by doing this during the product design and development process.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

01:21 - What is the difference between component-level and product-level testing?

08:14 - What's the component qualification process?

15:59 - The 10-point component testing and evaluation process.

36:13 - Why businesses and entrepreneurs bringing a new product to market shouldn't be expected to have the testing expertise in-house and what we do to help.

40:18 - Examples of problems that might occur if component testing is not done properly.

43:37 - Do YOU need to decide on and do all types of component-level testing?

47:10 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Get help from Sofeast to do Reliability Engineering & Testing (in a China lab) - we provide reliability engineering services including reliability testing on component and PCB levels as well as the product level on various types of consumer products. Some of these tests include drop, vibration, temperature and humidity and package testing. We can customize the right tests for your product. * How To Ensure your Chinese Factory Purchases Good Components? * What is the Pilot Run for Components and Products? * Component Selection: Should I Use Tried-and-Tested OR Cutting-Edge Components? * CTQ Components: How Component Engineers Manage Their Quality * How To Reduce The Risks Of Substandard Components In Your Productions

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Renaud and our senior engineer Paul Adams discuss the Taguchi method, also known as Robust Design. The Taguchi method is a tool used in engineering and manufacturing to improve product and process quality and reduce defects at an early stage. It is a statistical analysis approach used early in the product development process that reduces your costs and improves product quality and reliability, so is a popular way to develop products that are less risky to manufacture.

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

01:07 - What is the Taguchi method? (Summary)

04:01 - Would a Taguchi method analysis point out risks and provide solutions about how to change the product design and/or manufacturing processes so the product could be made consistently well?

06:36 - Example: Plastic injection molding.

12:25 - Taguchi method is not a recent innovation, it's a well-established methodology.

18:03 - What do you need for good finished products?

21:05 - Benefits of doing early Taguchi analysis.

24:54 - The concept of value loss.

30:49 - How do teams who try to develop a new product without using the Taguchi methodology usually get on?

34:13 - When to follow a Taguchi testing approach?

36:50 - Caution: Statistical approaches are not a magic bullet.

38:49 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Robust Design: Enhancing Product Quality and Performance * New Product Launch: Planning & Discovery Phases Are So Important * Don’t Send Immature Product Designs To A Chinese Manufacturer! * Basic Statistics Any Chinese Factory Can Understand

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In this episode... China-based British compliance expert, Clive Greenwood, joins Renaud this time to discuss the risks that cheap Li-ion batteries from China flooding the globe pose to consumers.

They go on to discuss in detail the health and safety and compliance laws governing batteries (and most products), and forthcoming sustainability laws that will be in place from next year that will affect all importers. It doesn't matter if you're in the EU, USA, or elsewhere; you're running out of time to comply with the laws discussed, and no, those cheap batteries aren't going to be compliant...

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing Clive.

02:41 - Today's topic: The Risks Posed by Cheap Batteries from China.

06:09 - The battery lifecycle.

11:31 - Some examples of the differences in cost and risk of batteries and EV components from China.

20:19 - Existing and forthcoming standards and regulations affecting batteries.

26:52 - How personal EVs will probably be governed by IATF 16949 in future.

29:10 - New legislation coming in 2024 and 2025 that targets consumer lithium batteries specifically and what this means to importers.

37:19 - From 2025 the liability for fires and other dangers caused by poor-quality batteries is going to be on YOU, the importer, and there's no escape.

41:13 - Selling products with a Li-ion battery? Take these actions...

43:47 - Most issues with batteries are 'near-misses' that importers may never hear about leading to a lack of awareness about the risks with batteries.

45:35 - Chargers and the prevention of battery fires.

47:51 - The ESPR represents a serious challenge for importers with a supply chain in China (and other Asian countries to an extent).

50:19 - Liability for problems won't wait for the importer to put things right, they need to be right the first time around.

52:14 - What changes are happening in other parts of the world regarding health and safety?

57:08 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Chinese battery danger Telegraph article * Get help from Sofeast to prepare to comply with the EU ESPR * What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation? * The EU Ecodesign Regulation Is Coming, But Are You Prepared? [Podcast part 1] * How To Comply With The EU Ecodesign Regulation? [Podcast part 2] * E Waste Impact on the Environment (Analysis) * Understanding The Environmental Impact of EV Batteries

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud and Andrew Amirnovin, reliability expert and our head of New Product Development, explore two high-profile product reliability nightmares that have been in the news recently: the destruction of the Oceangate Titan submersible that catastrophically imploded near the wreck of the Titanic and the reliability failures of the Siemens Gamesa wind turbines that suffered from vibration landing them with a $ 2 billion price tag to fix and denting their stock prices

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

02:23 - 1. The destruction of the Titan submersible visiting the wreck of the Titanic.

22:14 - Do strict standards actually stifle innovation and make it hard for new companies to enter a market?

27:46 - 2. Vibrating Siemens Gamesa wind turbines.

34:52 - Comparing possible testing solutions for the Titan sub and the wind turbines.

39:52 - Summary: What it takes to manufacture and keep manufacturing a reliable product.

Related content... * The Oceangate Titan submersible * The Siemens Gamesa wind turbines * Get help from Sofeast to do Reliability Engineering & Testing (in a China lab) - we provide reliability engineering services including reliability testing on component and PCB levels as well as the product level on various types of consumer products. Some of these tests include drop, vibration, temperature and humidity and package testing. We can customize the right tests for your product. * How Reliability Testing Is Critical To Obtaining Great Mass-Produced Products * The Design for Reliability Process for Launching Reliable Products

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Sofeast CEO Renaud welcomes our friend Fredrik Grönkvist of Compliancegate.com to the show today to talk about EU product compliance, in particular, harmful substances of note, common regulations or directives you need to comply with, and what we can learn from recent data about non-compliant products found by EU market surveillance authorities. They also provide some great advice about how to ringfence compliance from your suppliers during the procurement stage of your project which is helpful no matter where you're listening!

Show Sections 00:00 - Introducing our guest: Fredrik Grönkvist of Compliancegate and our topic today.

03:16 - Why has the EU banned certain substances from being used in products?

05:40 - Examining the list of non-compliant products caught in the EU since 2022 for chemical composition safety reasons. What can we learn?

10:00 - 4 directives or regulations related to the chemical makeup of products imported into the EU.

16:02 - What are the key non-compliances and problem substances found for common product categories imported into the EU in the past year?

23:09 - Are there any problems with using data about harmful substances found and common non-compliances to predict future issues with your products?

27:36 - What actions do importers need to take to be compliant in general?

29:16 - What's the role of procurement when it comes to product compliance?

36:35 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Don't forget to visit Fredrik's site Compliancegate.com and request help with your project. Their tool is great for most consumer products and will give you a detailed understanding of your potential compliance requirements. * Learn how to create a valid manufacturing contract in China * Find the right supplier from China. Click here to listen 👉 DIY Sourcing from China Podcast Series * What is EU RoHS certification? * 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements * Get help from Sofeast with Compliance Testing Consulting where our experts confirm which standards your product must comply with and create and implement a compliance testing plan for you. * Watch: on Youtube (The video version is a recording of the discussion and includes graphs and charts showing the data discussed)

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Renaud and Adrian tackle the issue of whether partnering with your Chinese factory is a misguided intention. The Western win-win mindset doesn't mean as much in China, and buyers may find that neglecting basic protections such as a manufacturing contract in the name of not upsetting their supplier and having a 'strong partnership' is a big mistake. Here's why...

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

01:22 - Why some buyers are attracted to 'partnering up' and what it really means.

05:18 - What is the basis for a good partnership that really makes sense for buyers who develop their own products?

08:24 - How about the relationship for buyers purchasing existing products from an ODM?

13:33 - Why there is an unspoken assumption by Chinese ODM suppliers that if they do you a favor, you will owe them one back.

15:57 - Leaving things open because you want a good partnership with a supplier and don't want to upset them by enforcing a contract is a recipe for trouble.

22:31 - Activities you can take as a buyer that will help to build a good relationship with your supplier.

31:02 - Be aware of your track record with suppliers, because word spreads.

35:00 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Negotiating terms, leverage over suppliers, and describing your needs * Responsible & Sustainable Purchasing Practices in Focus * Vetting Chinese suppliers (Podcast series) * Kraljic Matrix: Sourcing a Strategic Supplier – Are YOU a Good Fit for THEM? * Learn how to create a valid manufacturing contract in China * OEM, ODM, Contract Manufacturers: Choose your China Supplier Wisely * Responsible purchasing practices

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In this episode... Sofeast's Andrew Amirnovin, product reliability expert, joins Adrian from the team to introduce reliability testing and explain the kinds of questions you'll need to answer if you're bringing a new product to market and want to assure that it's as reliable as possible. You may know that you need your product to be reliable, but what's involved? Listen in, and you'll get a good grounding in reliability and be ready to answer the questions your reliability engineer will be asking you.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introduction to today's topic.

02:01 - What is product reliability?

04:41 - Quality is not the same as reliability.

07:06 - Someone doesn't know how to get started with reliability testing. What questions might we ask them in order to proceed?

What industry is the product in?
What kind of product is it?

14:29 - What are your reliability needs for the product?

16:54 - What if someone's reliability demands are too extreme or not strict enough?

18:45 - Examples of common reliability testing requirements for a typical consumer product (a smartwatch in this case).

22:11 - Reliability does have a cost, but is it a worthwhile investment?

28:45 - For many consumer products, focus on your product being at least reliable enough to last beyond its warranty period, but without over-designing and testing it to the point of overkill.

30:49 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Design for Reliability Secrets [Podcast] * Why Product Safety, Quality, and Reliability Are Tightly Linked * Cost Of Poor Quality and Reliability: “Pay Me Now, or Pay Me Later.” * How Reliability Testing Is Critical To Obtaining Great Mass-Produced Products * What To Do If You Have A High Product Return Rate? [6-step Process]

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Renaud answers four exciting questions from our listeners in this episode. We cover new product development, if and how to start purchasing and importing electronics, supplier bankruptcy, and tips for controlling product quality and reliability.

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

01:22 - 1. New product development for a product with a GSM module. How to integrate the module (if at all)?

11:34 - 2. How to buy and sell electronics like laptops, smartphones, and their accessories on a budget?

20:11 - 3. How to know if my manufacturer is going to go bankrupt soon?

31:16 - 4. The products I receive keep breaking, how to control quality?

38:23 - P.S. If you are visiting China, activate digital wallets!

42:22 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Alipay and WeChat wallet for foreign users * How Reliability Testing Is Critical To Obtaining Great Mass-Produced Products * Sofeast Example Quality Assurance Plan (for an electronic product) * Click here to listen 👉 DIY Sourcing from China Series * How To Switch To A New Chinese Manufacturer And/Or Develop A Backup Supplier (Free eBook)

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In this episode... Sofeast's Andrew Amirnovin, reliability expert and head of New Product Development, joins Adrian from the team as they discuss which factors impact electronic product design costs and why. This will be a helpful reminder for any business designing a new product that wants to keep a control over costs.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

01:14 - Why controlling product cost is more important these days?

03:26 - 1. Component Selection

05:35 - 2. Manufacturing processes.

08:01 - 3. Material Selection.

09:58 - 4. Assembly and Labor Costs.

14:14 - 5. Product size and Weight.

17:31 - 6. Energy Efficiency.

21:03 - 7. DFM (Design for Manufacturability).

24:14 - 8. Testing and Quality Assurance.

28:18 - 9. Regulatory Compliance.

33:24 - 10. Product Lifecycle Costs.

37:29 - How we handle the above factors when working with customers.

43:02 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Ultimate Guide To Sourcing From China And Developing Your Suppliers [eBook] * Design for X approaches [Video playlist] * Cost of quality [Video playlist] * Your Cost of Poor Quality Is Higher Than You Think * What To Do If You Have A High Product Return Rate? [6-step Process]

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Renaud and Adrian discuss responsible and sustainable purchasing, the latter taking things even further than the former, and why buyers play an important role in their suppliers' ESG performance. This episode will give you food for thought on how your actions affect the supply chain.

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

02:44 - What is responsible purchasing? (+ 3 examples)

14:34 - Responsible product design practices is a linked topic.

16:29 - What is sustainable purchasing?

18:55 - How sustainable procurement affects the supply chain.

25:50 - 'Big buyers' are in a position to make positive changes. Small buyers, less so, but you still have options.

30:30 - Forthcoming EU regulations will demand buyers to purchase more responsibly and sustainably.

35:06 - The good news: You will save money!

36:51 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * RPP quote source * The ISO 20400:2017 standard * Ultimate Guide To Sourcing From China And Developing Your Suppliers [eBook] * Click here to listen 👉 DIY Sourcing from China Series * What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation? * Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Requirements: What Manufacturers need to know * Cost of quality video playlist

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Renaud and Adrian are both coming live from China for the first time on the podcast. Now they've both been able to visit following covid, what has most obviously changed? What tips do they have for business visitors? How's the economic landscape? Here are their observations, focusing on Guangdong, as that's where Sofeast is based.

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction: China's sluggish recovery from Covid.

03:55 - Are Covid restrictions still around?

05:26 - Fewer foreigners in China now.

09:33 - Chinese EVs rule the road.

15:05 - E-bikes are now permitted in the city center.

19:24 - The transport system across the 'Greater Bay Area' is expanding faster than anyone can imagine.

25:26 - High-speed rail is easier for foreigners to use, just beware of new crowd control measures.

27:25 - Facial recognition technology is in use in a lot of places, especially to pay for goods and enter buildings.

29:08 - Restaurants in Shenzhen are pricier and ordering may be harder for foreigners now.

32:43 - LinkedIn is now blocked in China.

36:13 - Paying by cash and even card is more difficult. You need to go digital.

39:52 - Online deliveries have exploded.

46:00 - People seem to socialize a bit differently, congregating in malls.

47:32 - Is China as hostile to foreign business as the media suggests?

51:27 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Health Declaration Form via the China Customs website * Guidance for setting up Alipay from HSBC bank

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud and head of New Product Development, Andrew discuss how to build a product while keeping the whole customer journey in mind. There is more to launching a product than just making a good product, strange as it may sound at first, and you'll see that manufacturers need to consider the whole customer journey when designing and developing their products. The customer journey can be split into 8 steps, and we go through them here...

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

04:49 - 1. Awareness.

13:06 - 2. Education

17:51 - 3. Acquisition.

24:31 - 4. Product.

27:39 - 5. Onboarding.

32:15 - 6. Usage.

38:08 - 7. Support.

41:51 - 8. Loyalty.

48:22 - In conclusion.

Related content... * An Importer’s Guide to New Product Manufacturing in China [PDF eBook] * The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps! [Podcast] * What’s the real Cost of Poor Quality and Reliability? [Podcast] * How Reliability Testing Is Critical To Obtaining Great Mass-Produced Products

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Renaud and Adrian from Sofeast are talking about forthcoming sustainability requirements which are going to require importers to have a LOT more visibility over their supply chains, especially those who sell in the EU. They dig into how this will affect you in this episode...

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

01:40 - The EU 'Green Deal's' new sustainability requirements and what they mean.

07:35 - What sustainability information must be collected?

17:12 - How easy will it be to get visibility into your supply chain?

29:18 - Approaches used to oversee supply chains.

43:46 - Why the old business model of buying off-the-shelf products from an ODM will probably need to change?

46:14 - Conclusion: What you can do to prepare and how this will affect many areas in future.

Related content... * Get help from Sofeast to comply with EU sustainability regulations: EU Ecodesign Regulation Risk Assessment & Preparation * WSJ article: Companies Rush to Trace Sprawling Supply Chains as Sustainability Rules Loom * The EU Green Deal * What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation? * 23 Ideas For Producing More Eco-Friendly Products * How To Get Transparency And Control Over Your Supply Chain? [podcast] * Design For Sustainability * 15 Key Eco Certifications For Green Manufacturers * Various Green Manufacturing Resources

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In this episode...Sofeast's resident reliability expert and head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, joins Adrian from the team to show you the 5-step process of how to fix problem products that are being returned by customers. Everyone hopes they won't be affected by product reliability issues resulting in returns, but if it does happen this information will help you deal with the problem effectively.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic about how to find and fix the issues causing your product to be returned by customers.

01:46 - 1. Identify the field issues.

10:17 - Are problems exhibited by returned products that have been in the field usually reliability-related?

15:59 - 2. Determine their root cause/s.

19:46 - 3. Develop a solution/s.

22:02 - 4. Implement the solution/s.

29:35 - 5. Monitor the results.

34:21 - Why this process is important and more cost-effective than doing nothing.

40:17 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* We can help you do reliability engineering and testing for your product in our testing lab in China. * Cost Of Poor Quality and Reliability: “Pay Me Now, or Pay Me Later.” * Product Quality and Reliability Issues: Typical Classification * 7 Secrets Behind Low Product Return Rates * Why Product Safety, Quality, and Reliability Are Tightly Linked * 5 Main Reasons For A High Product Return Rate

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Renaud, assisted by Adrian from the team, provides a number of environmental improvement strategies based on the IEC 62430 standard for environmentally conscious design that you can follow when designing your new product.

Improving sustainability is becoming more important for businesses, especially with new legislation like the EU's ecodesign for sustainable products regulation, coming in. You don't need to implement all of these tips, but embracing even a few could reduce your environmental footprint by quite a good amount!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction: why are we talking about products' environmental footprints and sustainability?

09:54 - Good product design practices for bringing to market products with a lower environmental impact from IEC 62430:2019.

14:09 - 1. Design for material sourcing

24:44 - 2. Design for manufacture

30:45 - 3. Design for transport and distribution

36:58 - 4. Design for use (including installation and maintenance)

51:23 - 5. Design for end of life

55:11 - Why importers need to start thinking about and planning for more sustainable products

60:20 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* IEC 62430:2019 for 'Environmentally conscious design' * What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation? * Designing New Products With A Cradle To Cradle Cycle In Mind * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * How To Do an LCA? (Measuring a Product’s Environmental Impact) * 23 Ideas For Producing More Eco-Friendly Products

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Adrian and Renaud return to continue the journey through 9 of the key questions businesses that're developing new products commonly need answers to.

Here's part 2 of this podcast covering questions 5-9...

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

01:07 - 5. What is the product's production cost?

19:24 - 6. What's the pricing strategy for the product?

28:59 - 7. What is the distribution strategy?

37:52 - 8. What will the timeline for developing and launching the product be?

48:46 - 9. What are the risks of launching this product?

51:35 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* How to estimate unit cost [Video] * How to Calculate the Cash Needed to Prototype & Launch your New Product [Podcast] * What is an NRE Cost (Non-Recurring Engineering)? * An Importer’s Guide to New Product Manufacturing in China [PDF eBook]

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In this episode...Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, is back with Adrian from the team. They're talking about manufacturing alchemy: taking a cheap product and converting it into a high-profit one! How can importers do this? Andrew shares 5 ways to boost your profits here.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

03:06 - Sell expensive or low-cost products?

08:11 - 1. Add value to the product.

16:23 - 2. Target a Niche Market.

19:50 - 3. Improve the packaging.

25:10 - 4. Upsell and Cross-sell.

30:03 - 5. Invest in marketing.

33:53 - Wrap-up.

Related content...* Sourcing & Manufacturing In China For E-Commerce Sellers [Interview By Proboxx] * 10 Mistakes New Buyers Manufacturing In Asia Keep Making * What are your 4 options when sourcing suppliers in China? [Podcast] * Why First-Time Buyers Fall for Trading Companies in China * How To Reduce Risks As Your Order Sizes Grow When Working With Chinese Manufacturers?

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Sofeast's CEO Renaud is joined by Adrian from the team and they're going to go through 9 of the key questions businesses who're developing new products commonly need answers to.

Here's part 1 of this podcast covering questions 1-4...

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's episode.

01:22 - 1. What is the target market for the product?

07:51 - How to do market research.

13:26 - 2. What problem does the product solve for the customer?

23:03 - 3. What is the unique selling proposition of the product?

26:57 - 4. What features and functionalities should the product have?

42:44 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps! [Podcast] * Transitioning to Manufacturing from Product Development | 2 Options * An Importer’s Guide to New Product Manufacturing in China [eBook]

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In this episode...Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, talks us through why pilot runs are so important, the best practices and benefits, and how to plan for yours in order for it to be a success. If you're mass-producing your products you're not going to want to miss this episode!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic.

01:10 - What is a pilot run?

02:46 - Important ways to get the best out of pilot runs.

10:12 - Common problems that the pilot run will uncover that you will want to avoid.

13:17 - How it helps to control processes.

17:50 - 5 steps to plan for before you start your pilot run.

Consider the scope of the pilot run.
What are the main objectives?
Who will perform it?
Do you have a plan to carry it out?
How will you document and evaluate the pilot run?

25:50 - How does the cost of doing pilot runs compare with not doing them?

27:48 - Do Asian manufacturers have the habit of doing pilot runs?

29:16 - In conclusion.

Related content...* What is a pilot run? * New Product Launch: Taking Shortcuts vs. Preventing Risks * How To Set Up A Process Control Plan [11 Steps] * What is the Pilot Run for Components and Products? * Understanding The Role Of Manufacturing Process Control In Your Factory

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In this episode...Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, joins Adrian in this short bonus episode to explain what the RoHS directive is, and how it affects the manufacturers of electronic and electromechanical products in regard to product safety and compliance.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic.

00:51 - What is RoHS?

03:55 - The list of hazardous substances.

06:14 - How to test for them?

09:13 - How much does RoHS testing cost and which labs should be used?

11:10 - Listing the 10 hazardous substances in full.

13:05 - The order that materials were added to the RoHS list over time.

14:39 - What process does the lab follow to test products for RoHS after receiving them?

17:50 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* EU RoHS Directive info * List of hazardous substances (UK gov) * Get help from Sofeast to work out which standards your product needs to comply with and get your test plan created.

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In this episode...Renaud and Adrian outline 10 common mistakes that new buyers make when buying from Asian manufacturers, especially in China. Avoid these pitfalls and you'll be far more likely to develop good relationships and get your products on time, on budget, and at the expected quality standard!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and talking about the Hong Kong electronics fair in April 2023.

04:53 - Exploring the top mistakes that new buyers make when buying from China and other Asian countries.

Renaud wrote this list of mistakes in 2011, but it's still relevant today!

05:55 - 1. Always pursuing the lowest price.

12:37 - 2. Agreeing on crazy payment terms with a supplier.

16:16 - 3. You fail to inspect product quality before shipment.

19:07 - 4. Failing to realize that pre-production samples are selling tools.

21:40 - 5. Not trusting the supplier at all and being obvious about it.

24:47 - 6. Not keeping 2-3 weeks of padding in the shipment schedule.

27:44 - 7. Having no visibility over your supply chain.

29:27 - 8. You forget to describe and document an important product feature or your packaging requirements.

32:47 - 9. Hoping that an unsatisfactory manufacturer will improve over time.

37:45 - 10. Not registering your trademark in China when buying from China.

40:43 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* DIY Sourcing From China Part 2: Negotiations, Terms, Leverage, & Quality Standards [Podcast] * See Sofeast's range of product inspections * How To Get Transparency And Control Over Your Supply Chain? [podcast] * How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook] * IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide] * Read the original post this topic was taken from here.

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In this episode...Renaud and Andrew talk about how to develop hardware products specifically for software companies used to using an agile design approach (often SCRUM) for software products that now need to create a new hardware product to support their business (such as a device that runs on the software).

They share their thoughts on the book 'SCRUM for hardware design' by Prof. David G. Ullman, warnings about the limitations of the agile design approach where hardware is concerned that you'll need to be aware of and plan for, and 8 tips for software companies who're in this position to help you understand where other software companies often go wrong.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings & today's topic.

01:56 - What's the difference between traditional project management and the agile approach?

08:18 - Why is the agile design approach so popular with software companies?

11:07 - 13 points about hardware design is different from software design from the book 'SCRUM for hardware design' by Prof. David G. Ullman.

Less evident modularity
Longer design cycles
Higher functional interdependence
Poor refactoring opportunities
Higher need for specialization
Longer time to demonstrate function
Higher cost of change
More demanding range of operation
Different testing demands
More secondary design activities
More challenges in developing specifications
Higher difficulty proving a task is done
Higher price of premature commitment

23:20 - 8 points that companies that are used to running agile design for software development tend to overlook when developing new hardware products.

23:39 - 1. Agile is good, but planning and documentation can't be skipped.

31:35 - 2. You need to freeze the product design (including freezing the firmware) at one point.

33:48 - 3. An engineering change management process must be taken seriously from a certain point.

35:46 - 4. You need supply chain visibility and to manage it yourself.

39:15 - 5. You will need a quality function.

42:21 - 6. BOM, drawings, schematics, etc. are all as important as software code.

47:55 - 7. Product reliability is important, especially if they have a "product as a service" business model.

52:46 - 8. Product compliance is an entire topic to take seriously.

54:37 - Summary and wrapping up.

Related content...* The New Product Introduction Process Guide * Why Designing Hardware Using Scrum is Difficult (Video) * 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements * How To Do Product Reliability Testing? * Cost Of Poor Quality and Reliability: “Pay Me Now, or Pay Me Later.” * What Is Compliance Testing? [Podcast]

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In this episode...Renaud and Adrian are back and talking about how to comply with CE and UKCA regulations as an indication that they comply with the safety, health, and environmental requirements of the EU and Great Britain. They cover what these requirements are, the process to become compliant, how and why the UK is diverging, and more. No matter where your business is based, if you sell products in these markets you'll need to add the CE or UKCA mark to them.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic.

00:38 - What is CE and what kinds of products does it cover?

04:22 - How to obtain CE marking: Overview.

09:23 - Who is 'the manufacturer?'

11:20 - What are the risks if you don't follow the CE compliance process?

20:38 - What's the difference between CE and UKCA?

24:51 - Why UKCA is not required for Northern Ireland.

27:06 - EU 'harmonised standards' are called 'designated standards' in the UK.

28:16 - The UK government is threatening to repeal a lot of EU laws due to Brexit. How realistic is this?

31:25 - Why seeing CE-marked products when sourcing from China might mean nothing at all.

35:35 - What notified bodies are and when do they need to be involved?

41:21 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Official CE Marking Guidance * The definition of manufacturers according to the European Commission * Using the UKCA marking * List of products requiring a CE mark * The NANDO database for notified bodies

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In this episode...Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran and senior compliance officer and friend of the show Clive Greenwood are back together and talking about the challenges of quality management in China. You'll learn about communication, supply chain transparency, cultural factors that affect quality, what an effective quality management system needs to include, and a lot more in this bumper episode!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction to our guest, Clive and this episode's topic: Challenges of Quality Management in China.

02:52 - Why do importers face challenges when trying to ensure consistent quality, reliability, compliance, etc, from Chinese suppliers?

03:20 - 1. Poor communication.

08:15 - 2. Working with the wrong kind of supplier that you cannot really trust.

13:26 - SMEs have 2 common due diligence & quality approaches when working with Chinese suppliers depending on the type of product development required.

16:45 - 3. A supplier who doesn't provide supply chain transparency negatively impacts quality.

20:48 - 4. Expecting the supplier to inform you about quality issues independently without you doing your own due diligence is a mistake.

23:19 - 5. There is no concept of separation of powers at many Chinese suppliers: "If the boss says it, do it."

28:36 - The role of factory audits.

32:29 - 6. A lack of supply chain transparency, traceability, and compliance.

37:37 - 7. Cheap and/or fast will usually come with a reduction of quality in the minds of Chinese suppliers.

42:59 - 8. Inspecting quality too late and not enforcing your quality standard.

44:37 - 9. A lack of risk thinking and acting on problems when they occur.

52:07 - If production is not ok, that failure is probably on you the buyer.

53: 58 - Summary: How to successfully manage quality in China?

54:35 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* How To Get Transparency And Control Over Your Supply Chain? * How ISO 37301 Might Improve Chinese Suppliers’ Compliance * Using Real Data to Prove the Link between Factory Audits and Better Quality Products * How To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need? * What Is The Minimum Viable Quality Management System For A New Manufacturer? [8 Steps]

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In this episode...Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, joins Adrian to explore the topic of Design for Reliability (DfR) in detail. He explains the process you need to go through to avoid unreliable products, some warnings about what an unreliable product may end up looking or behaving like, and how the DfR process should be implemented and some commonly overlooked secrets so you know how to implement it yourself.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic of DfR.

01:08 - What is DfR and its objectives?

04:29 - What makes an unreliable product?

20:26 - What are some of the secrets to applying DfR that people need to know about?

23:08 - Recap: The best engineering practices for reliability.

24:32 - The process we follow to reduce our clients' reliability risks.

28:37 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * Design for X - Product Design Optimization series (Video playlist) * ISTA Package Testing: Get It Done Before Shipment To Protect Products * What To Do If You Have A High Product Return Rate? [6-step Process] * How To Do Product Reliability Testing? * Get help from Sofeast to implement and perform reliability and durability testing.

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In this episode...Renaud and Adrian from Sofeast share the positive news that China is reopening its borders to all travellers today, March 15th 2023, including issuing tourist visas now. After 3 long years, we look at changes that might affect business travellers who are eager to visit suppliers in particular.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings - What is the news? (China issuing all types of visas as of March 15 '23)

03:19 - Chinese business visas, and changes to applying for them.

08:30 - The points system used for work visas.

09:52 - Tourist visas are now available!

11:48 - Why the end of Covid has caused the loosening of entry restrictions now.

13:18 - Why PCR tests probably won't be required from travellers moving forward in most cases.

15:54 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* China is fully reopening to tourists after three years of border restrictions (CNN) * China to fully reopen borders to foreigners but near-term hurdles remain (Reuters) * China set to open its borders to foreign tourists for the first time since Covid-19 pandemic (SCMP video)

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In this episode...Renaud welcomes Clive Greenwood and Sean Li of the BSI onto the podcast. They talk about the ISO 3730 standard for compliance management, how to implement it, how it is being adopted in China and how this affects you if you work with Chinese suppliers, and more.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic and guests.

03:21 - What is the ISO 37301 standard about?

06:25 - What is a compliance management system and how does it fit in with other common standards such as ISO 9001, 14001, etc?

12:29 - What does a compliance management system in China look like, and is the government taking it seriously?

17:24 - How about traceability, when supply chains in China have been historically opaque? Will businesses struggle to comply?

25:11 - How best to implement ISO 37301 along with other specific standards?

30:16 - Looking at a company’s organization, its checks & balances, its values, etc.

36:00 - Summary: The importance of an independent auditor to supervise the compliance management system.

37:25 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Removing Probability Analysis from Risk Management? * What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation? * BSI ISO 9001 Certification * Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Requirements: What Manufacturers need to know * What Are Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)? * 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements

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In this episode...Renaud, Paul, and Adrian are talking about assembly and checking fixtures. You'll learn what they are, how they work, and when to work on designing them.

If improving the speed, consistency, and quality of your products during mass production is important to you, as well as reducing costs, then you need to consider implementing fixtures in production to spur these improvements.

The same can be said for checking quality, too, as you'll see how in-line checking fixtures help you to avoid problems during production that can result in defective products creeping through.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic: What happens if you have repeated quality issues from your manufacturing supplier?

01:17 - What are assembly fixtures? (+ examples).

11:00 - Benefits of assembly fixtures.

11:37 - Fixtures' role in mistake-proofing.

16:04 - Why good product design must include manufacturing process design.

20:24 - The timeline of when to work on process engineering and fixtures.

22:50 - Are fixtures hard to build and what materials can be used?

23:37 - Who pays for and owns the fixtures?

26:50 - What are checking fixtures (used for QC)?

27:59 - Examples of checking fixtures.

30:52 - How to decide where and how you need to be checking quality during production.

36:20 - The ROI of using fixtures.

38:15 - Why pilot runs are helpful for identifying where fixtures are needed.

39:24 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Exploring The Key New Product Development Deliverables [Podcast] * What’s The Investment Required To Bring My New Product To Market? * Why A Pilot Run On A New Product, Before Mass Production, Is Very Helpful * Understanding The Role Of Manufacturing Process Control In Your Factory

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In this episode...Renaud and Adrian discuss the unwelcome scenario of recurring quality problems from your outsourced supplier who's handling your manufacturing in China. They cover your quality standard, 6 tips on how to handle common recurring quality problems, and several reasons WHY these issues might be happening in the first place.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic: What happens if you have repeated quality issues from your manufacturing supplier?

01:57 - YOU need to make sure that the supplier understands your quality standard first.

03:46 - Tip 1. Always inform the supplier clearly how and why they went wrong.

08:18 - Tip 2. Give feedback on issues as early as possible during production.

10:44 - Tip 3. NEVER accept quality lower than your standard, including making an exception.

14:00 - Tip 4. Clearly define your quality standard including critical, major, minor, and non-defects.

22:01 - Tip 5. Set AQL limits (i.e. tolerances for defects) that correspond to your quality standard.

26:09 - Tip 6. Switch to a newer better supplier.

31:46 - Why product design issues could actually be the cause of your troubles.

33:43 - Why poor manufacturing might be the cause.

37:08 - Why your supplier's suppliers might be the cause.

41:27 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* 4 quality standard levels [Podcast] * What is the AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit)? An exhaustive guide * Different inspection levels * Negotiating with suppliers, including quality standards [Podcast] * Learn how to switch to a new supplier if you can't accept the problems any longer * Explore Sofeast's different supplier Audit Solutions and due diligence checks

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In this episode...Adrian from the team and Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, talk about ISTA package testing. Importers should consider doing this testing to gain peace of mind that the shipping cartons they select will get their products to their destination safely. You'll learn what the tests include, how much they cost, when to do them, and much more.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic of ISTA package testing.

03:02 - Who is ISTA and what testing standards do they offer?

09:28 - ISTA-1a.

10:34 - ISTA-2a.

15:46 - ISTA-3a.

18:49 - Is ISTA testing mandatory?

19:47 - What does it cost?

22:26 - What does an ISTA test pass actually mean?

24:28 - What if your package fails the test?

26:01 - When should importers start thinking about packaging options?

29:33 - Do the tests require real product samples to be used?

31:19 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* 9 Types of Packaging (Benefits, Costs, Sustainability, and more) - Guide for Importers * Learn more about ISTA testing in detail from their website. * What Is A Package Drop Test? * What Is A Package Vibration Test? * Carton Compression Test (what it is and its procedure) * What Is A Packaging Atmospheric Conditioning Test? * Packaging Damage * How To Check Humidity In Wood And Cardboard * Sofeast can help you do ISTA testing, source packaging, and handle your shipping from A-B. Get in touch with us to have a discussion about your needs.

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In this episode...Sofeast's head of Supply Chain Management, Kate, joins Adrian in this short bonus podcast with a logistics focus to explain what HS and HTS codes are, and why they're so important for importers who are shipping their products from where they're manufactured to where they're going to be sold.

These codes are added to your customs declaration and classify what your product is. Different product codes will attract different levels of import duties, taxes, and tariffs, so selecting the right code is critical (and more than one might be appropriate for your product)! Your product classification may also influence the materials, components, and packaging you use, so that's also something to be aware of.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings.

01:11 - What are HS and HTS codes?

02:53 - How to select appropriate codes for your product/s?

03:33 - How the US/China trade war has affected costs for importers from China and why being aware of potential duties for your product is necessary before you ship.

06:319 - An example of where researching a better HTS code saved an American importer a lot of money.

08:59 - Kate's advice on getting the best code for your needs.

Related content...* HS vs HTS Codes: How to Find the Right Code for your Product? (incl. Links to Official Sources) * Shipping Marks * Types of Incoterms * Where does Sofeast provide logistics support from? * Sofeast's logistics experts can help you get your products from Asia to where you need them - explore our Logistics Management solution where we take care of the entire process for you, from packing, incoterms, and warehousing, through to fulfillment and managing duties and tariffs upon arrival. Get a tailored quotation for your needs.

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In this episode...Inventors with a new product concept are rightly concerned with IP protection. They sometimes ask if they should invest in a patent for their new idea ASAP. Renaud and Andrew join Adrian to cover this topic here.

You'll learn about types of patents, their cost, when a product is most likely to benefit from being patented, best practices for protecting your IP that you can follow before you file a patent, and plenty of examples of real businesses that had legal issues related to patents or who got to market successfully by being smart and careful about IP.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings & today's topic: Patents for new hardware products.

03:33 - IP protection Basics 1: Always sign an NDA when disclosing the product concept to people in the industry.

04:58 - IP protection Basics 2: These actions will get your product idea copied early.

07:14 - The different types of patents.

10:39 - Approximate costs for patent applications and PPA timeline.

17:24 - If patents are too expensive, what alternatives are there for protecting IP?

22:04 - The 2 main fears of people launching a new product.

33:32 - The dangers of going to investors and pitching your new product idea.

36:37 - What to do if you have a 'home run?'

39:17 - What if your product is not a home run?

41:14 - Which version of the new product really needs a patent?

46:20 - The dilemmas you face: To patent, or not to patent, and when?

50:39 - Summary and wrapping up.

Related content...* Read a whole selection of our content about Product IP Risks & Protection When Manufacturing [Resources] * IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide] * New Physical Products: Patents Should Come After Market Success * What’s The Investment Required To Bring My New Product To Market? * Misguided Legal Advice Given to Startups in China: 8 Examples * How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IP * Will A China NNN Agreement Protect Us If We Start Assembling Products There?

Get help from Sofeast to check that potential manufacturers are trustworthy: Combined Supplier Due Diligence Checks (Best Results & Value)

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In this episode...Renaud and Adrian talk about the 11 points buyers need to cover when sourcing a contract manufacturer in China for electronic products (although much of this advice is relevant to many hard goods in general and suppliers in other Asian countries, too) so you can find a partner you can rely on.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings & today's topic: Sourcing a CM in China for manufacturing electronic products.

02:10 - What is a contract manufacturer in comparison to other supplier types?

06:55 - 1. What will your order quantity be? (This influences the type of CM that is suitable)

09:43 - 2. Will you order a high-volume, low product mix setup, or the opposite?

12:24 - 3. Do you have visibility and transparency over the supply chain?

19:14 - 4. Will your Intellectual Property be protected, and how?

20:48 - 5. Will they be helping to develop your product and make it compliant?

23:51 - 6. What manufacturing processes does the CM have in-house?

27:45 - 7. What is the CM's QC capability?

28:35 - 8. What kinds of tooling, fixtures, and jigs does the CM have for in-line testing?

29:37 - 9. Who has liability for safety and compliance issues?

31:00 - 10. What payment terms can they accept?

32:01 - 11. What delivery terms do they provide (incoterms)?

34:56 - Summary and wrapping up.

Related content...* OEM, ODM, Contract Manufacturers: Which Chinese Supplier To Choose? * Typical Problems with Electronic Contract Manufacturers in China * 6 best Practices When Working With Contract Manufacturers In China * 6 Terms You Should Specifically Negotiate With Your Contract Manufacturer * Using One Turnkey Manufacturer vs. Several Suppliers for China Production * IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide] * How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IP * Will A China NNN Agreement Protect Us If We Start Assembling Products There? * How To Get Transparency And Control Over Your Supply Chain? [podcast] * Explore Sofeast's different Factory Audit Solutions

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In this episode...Adrian is joined by one of Sofeast's senior engineers, Paul Adams, who will take us through 7 key tests that importers who are developing new products and checking that their quality remains on target after production should consider to check and validate certain critical points in materials, components, and products, such as their hardness, durability, and chemical makeup.

He explains what each test is, the equipment used, the industries and products that use them, and more, so you can decide if they're right for your product.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings.

01:04 - Introducing Paul Adams.

02:56 - Today's topic: The tests most importers should consider performing and why.

Namely:

Tensile test
Impact test
Hardness test
Flexural test (bend test)
Chemical analysis
Fatigue testing
Creep test

These are NOT in order of importance.

05:44 - Test 1: Tensile test

16:20 - Why importers should have an understanding of test machine types.

17:20 - Test 2: Impact test.

25:46 - Test 3: Hardness test.

34:21 - Test 4: Flexural test (bend test).

42:06 - Test 5: Chemical analysis.

49:46 - Test 6: Fatigue testing.

57:09 - Test 7: Creep test.

1:04:26 - Summary of tests covered & wrapping up.

Related content...Need help with testing? Sofeast can help you devise and perform appropriate testing such as those outlined here on your materials/parts/product in our own lab: Reliability & Durability Testing (Products & Packaging in a China lab)

What’s the real Cost of Poor Quality and Reliability? [Podcast]
What To Do If Your Electronic Product Contains Unreliable Components?
When and Why a Product Failure Analysis is Required [Podcast]
How to Reduce Your Product Return Rate? [Podcast]
Content from Paul about selecting and testing common thermoplastics
Checking Steel's Properties [Video playlist including many tests]
Silicone Rubber Properties Testing (Tensile strength, Elongation, & Tear strength) [Video]
How To Test Silicone Hardness? [Video]
Plastic Testing [Video playlist including many tests]
How Reliability Testing Is Critical To Obtaining Great Mass-Produced Products
CTQ Components: How Component Engineers Manage Their Quality
List of testing laboratories in China
Product Reliability Testing | 7 FAQs

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In this episode...Adrian welcomes back Sofeast's head of New Product Development and resident product reliability expert, Andrew Amirnovin, and in this bonus episode, they're discussing UL compliance.

You'll find out what UL certification is, what it involves, the types of products that require it, and where. UL compliance is especially important for American importers, but UL screening gives any importer a good understanding of their product's safety, too, so give it a listen here.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings.

00:30 - The topic: UL compliance.

What is UL, and does your product require it?

01:51 - What kind of product might be seen as a safety hazard?

The exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone is a well-known example of a product safety failure. Therefore, consumer electronics with Lithium-ion batteries or that plug into mains power are technically potential hazards for consumers due to their ability to cause fires and injury when faulty and will likely require UL testing and certification.

02:48 - Where is UL usually required and is it mandatory?

UL is usually required for the US market only, but importers to other countries may benefit from putting their products through UL safety testing. UL is actually NOT mandatory, however, most retailers will demand UL certification before they buy products from manufacturers and not having the certification can open you up to litigation if things go wrong.

05:53 - Risks if you do not do UL certification.

This is an expensive certification, ranging from two or three thousand dollars, up to over one hundred thousand, so some importers may not want to do it to control costs, but there are risks.

You may be liable to costly lawsuits if a non-compliant product injures someone or damages their property.
You will be blocked from selling or possibly even importing in the USA because UL certification is so widely demanded by retailers.

07:48 - How long does UL certification take and what does it cost?

A small and simple product could cost between $2-5k, requiring several samples per test, and take about 3-4 weeks to complete the testing.

For larger, more complex electronic products UL testing can cost more than $50k and take over a month.

13:00 - Do you need to re-certify a new version of your product?

Once a product has gained UL certification, it will need to be re-certified if there are ANY changes to the product.

15:36 - When should you start working on UL compliance testing?

The best time is when prototyping has been completed and you have a locked design and the product is ready to go into mass production. Doing other product testing and validation and the pilot run at this time will prepare you to go straight into mass production as soon as the UL certification result is available.

19:40 - Some ideas to avoid doing full UL certification.

Select components inside your product that are already UL-certified.
If electrical products need to plug into a wall socket, make sure that the socket is UL-certified to avoid needing to test it.
Try to use a USB charger instead of mains power, then the adapters can be UL-certified by the supplier, and you won't need to worry about UL certification for the power aspect of your product.

Some importers who sell independently online in small quantities and do not sell through retailers might not need to do UL certification, but you need to weigh up if the product could be a safety hazard.

24:13 - Why UL compliance is important, which labs you need to use for the testing, and the kinds of advice and support we usually provide to help clients comply.

UL compliance is not just for electronics, it's important for any kind of product that could possibly pose a safety risk or consumers.

Importers don't always have a thorough understanding of product compliance, we help guide them through the process and can make product design suggestions to make a product more compliant and can put them in touch with the right UL-accredited lab because you must use one for the testing and certification.

A point to note is that UL testing labs probably won't provide much product feedback, their role is to test to see if the product complies. So you can work with other partners, like our company, to screen the product in advance to assure that it will pass the certification before you make the large investment into the testing.

30:44 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements * North American Product Safety & Compliance Certifications And Requirements For Electronics (UL, ETL, and CSA) * FAQ: Can Sofeast help us with the certification of our new product? * Get help from Sofeast to handle your product compliance process if you are unsure or confused. Our engineers research and take the time to understand which standards your product needs to comply with during the development stage, passing on testing suggestions and quotes from testing labs: Compliance Testing Consulting

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In this episode...Renaud and Adrian dissect two recent FT articles concerning how Apple set up a successful supply chain in China that helped them dominate rivals, how they handle the NPI process in a fairly unique way, and whether, in light of the current geopolitical situation, they're too reliant on China and what moves they're making to diversify.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings.

01:20 - The topic: A focus on Apple. How they built a successful supply chain in China, and whether are they too reliant on China now.

04:00 - "I want to make a product with Apple's quality and design." Realistic?

08:06 - Finding new suppliers to keep the pressure on their supply chain and get the best deal possible.

11:26 - Apple has 15k of their own staff in China. What does this mean?

17:47 - Apple may not own the factories, but they do own a lot of the equipment. Why?

23:32 - They get sub-suppliers to commit to building custom parts just for Apple in large quantities.

27:27 - The benefits of using CMs like Foxconn.

29:29 - Giving away too much control and technical know-how is not the Apple way.

35:27 - Apple's attempts to diversify supply chains into Vietnam and India.

40:07 - Will/should they leave China entirely?

49:48 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Article 1: How Apple tied its fortunes to China * Article 2: What it would take for Apple to disentangle itself from China * Further confirmation that India’s exports to North America are booming * ”Enterprise China” – China’s Strategy for Economic Success (Author Interview with Drs. Allen J. Morrison & J. Stewart Black) * Can We Remove China From Our Supply Chains? [Podcast] * How Sourcing From India Has Changed In 2022 (Part 1: Trends & Manufacturing Landscape) * Globalism 2.0: North American Importers To Move Supply Chains Out Of China Soon? [Podcast] * How to Manage the NPI Process based on your Manufacturer's Ability [Video]

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In this episode...Renaud returns this week, but this time he's flying solo and coming to you from Las Vegas where he's been at CES 2023.

What's new, what's interesting, and everything else you need to know about this gigantic consumer electronics trade show is included in this episode!

Show Sections00:00 - Greeting from Vegas!

00:39 - Why is CES important and how is it structured?

05:46 - There was a strong Korean showing.

07:04 - Reinvented 'smart' products were a hot category.

10:16 - Products that are more revolutionary.

12:16 - Health and concept products.

14:19 - The Metaverse.

17:40 - Other 'hot' products.

23:58 - Electric Vehicles.

25:12 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* The weirdest and most wonderful products CES 2023 had to offer * An Effective New Product Development Process for Electronics * Why New Product Development of Electronics Takes So Long * Electronics Videos: Basics about PCB, PCBA, and the SMT Process For Importers * Plastic Enclosures for Electronics Projects (Plastics Sourcing Guide) * Typical Problems with Electronic Contract Manufacturers in China

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In this episode...Sofeast's head of Supply Chain Management, Kate, joins Adrian from the team who is on hosting duty to kick off 2023 with an interesting discussion about how logistics from China are affected by the current Covid epidemic at the beginning of 2023, what has changed in the logistics and shipping industry (such as costs), and what other changes might be on the horizon for importers from China.

After some troubled years, it's mainly good news!

Show Sections00:00 - New year's greetings, introducing Kate, and introducing today's topic: changes in logistics from China to the West since 2021 and looking ahead into 2023.

01:16 - What is China's Covid epidemic like right now in early Jan '23 and how is it affecting importers?

07:36 - What is the current situation in logistics from China now?

13:37 - What logistics challenges are we facing now in early 2023?

21:31 - Looking ahead into 2023.

24:56 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Chinese New Year 2023 Comes Early. Be Prepared! [Podcast] * What Does a Re-Opened China (Without Quarantine) Mean for Foreign Business? * Where does Sofeast provide logistics support from? * Sofeast's logistics experts can help you get your products from Asia to where you need them - explore our Logistics Management solution where we take care of the entire process for you, from packing, incoterms, and warehousing, through to fulfillment and managing duties and tariffs upon arrival. Get a tailored quotation for your needs.

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In this episode...Renaud and Adrian review 2022's largest geopolitical and new stories that have affected manufacturers with supply chains in China and other Asian countries.

Covid has continued to be problematic in China for numerous reasons, even now that the Zero Covid policy has been dropped, the Russian invasion has the world nervously looking at China's actions towards Taiwan, the USA and China continue to fight a trade war, and other Western countries' relationships with China have also started to worsen. That's just a few of the stories discussed!

We also cover some of the Sofeast group's activities and achievements during 2022, and refresh your memory about our top podcasts and best pieces of content published during the year!

See you back here in 2023! 😉

Show Sections00:00 - New Year's Greetings

01:20 - Covid's effects in 2022 and into 2023.

08:57 - Logistics and shipping costs and availability.

12:06 - Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

15:14 - The US/China trade war and tech war.

21:03 - Political friction increasing between the West and China.

24:27 - The expansion of Chinese-owned enterprises around the world and the future of ODM products.

29:21 - Key Sofeast group highlights from 2022.

33:01 - Top podcast episodes of 2022.

These episodes were the most popular with you all this year.

Is It Time For North American Importers To Leave China? (Feat. Andrew Hupert)
How to develop your Chinese suppliers? - Sourcing from China (Part 7)
Levels of Quality Standards (from Basic to Advanced)
An Effective QA Program For New Electronic Products
’Design for X’ Overview: 12 Optimizations for New Products (Feat. Andrew Amirnovin)
The One ’MUST DO’ Before Mass Producing Your New Product (Feat. Andrew Amirnovin)
Chinese Or Western Model Manufacturer. Which To Use In China?
Risks You Face When Skipping New Product Introduction Steps (feat. Andrew Amirnovin)
Factory Audits = Better Suppliers = Better Quality Products. Real Data Analysis! (Feat. Prof. Neale O’Connor FCPA)
Calculating the Cash Needed to Prototype and Launch your New Product
How To Start Developing Your New Product (Feat. Liz Long)

38:33 - Sofeast Content highlights

A series of in-depth articles about the types of plastics that can be chosen for various common types of products like signage, electronic products, etc. How to Choose the Correct Outdoor Plastics for your next Product? (4 Guides) and Sourcing Guides for Internal Use Plastic Mechanical Parts.
Content about product environmental impacts: - What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation?- The EU Ecodesign Regulation Is Coming, But Are You Prepared? (Podcast part 1)- How To Comply With The EU Ecodesign Regulation? (Podcast part 2)- Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Requirements: What Manufacturers need to know- How To Do an LCA? (Measuring a Product’s Environmental Impact)- Minimizing a Product’s ‘Cradle to Grave’ Environmental Impact- 15 Key Eco Certifications For Green Manufacturers
Blog posts about sourcing different popular products from India.

41:25 - Wrapping up ~ happy new year to all of our listeners! 🎉

Related content... Ultimate Guide To Sourcing From China And Developing Your Suppliers [FREE eBook] * Get help from Sofeast to comply with the EU Ecodesign regulation if you import into Europe. * Sofeast assists you with LCA and/or EPD Support (For Measuring a Product’s Environmental Impact) * Don't forget to catch up with our monthly newsletter where we remind you about the latest content and you won't miss any - subscribe to the Sofeast newsletter here*. * We will continue to blog every month on Sofeast's blog, QualityInspection.org, and the Agilian Technology blog.

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In this episode...Renaud and Adrian revisit the topic of protecting product IP and your business interests when doing your product development and manufacturing in Asian countries. Renaud shares 5 key pieces of advice for anyone who is concerned about this topic, such as which agreements to use and why, not getting bogged down with patents, what to share online about your new product idea and when, and much more!

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings

00:24 - Today's topic: Protecting IP and yourself when manufacturing in Asia.

03:26 - 1. Don't let worries about being copied consume you and put you off from manufacturing in China.

10:59 - 2. Don't immediately take what IP and patent lawyers say at face value.

11:55 - Doing market research and raising funds the smart/safe way.

21:18 - 3. Don't get bogged down with questions about IP rights from investors.

23:46 - When to register trademarks?

24:29 - 4. DON'T add a category to your product name.

27:11 - 5. Use the right agreements.

34:03 - How agreements can help with supply chain transparency and protecting your business.

39:59 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide] * How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IP * Will A China NNN Agreement Protect Us If We Start Assembling Products There? * Chinese Copycats: A Real Problem For Entrepreneurs? * Exploring Product Development Agreements For Importers [Podcast] * Correctly Using A Non Disclosure Non Use Non Circumvention Agreement [Podcast] * How To Get Transparency And Control Over Your Supply Chain? [podcast] * My Supplier Won’t Provide Important Supply Chain Information!

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In this episode...Sofeast's CEO Renaud hosts a roundtable discussion about what is going to happen in China now that the Zero Covid policy has been abandoned with China-based experts Clive Greenwood of SMC GLOBAL Manufacturing Consultants and Ben King of Kinyu SCM (a support platform for businesses with a Chinese supply chain).

As you may know, the Chinese policy has shifted significantly in the past week or so at the time of publishing (Dec 13th 2022), so what does this mean for YOUR business? Let's find out...

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings & Introductions.

02:02 - The national strategy is pivoting away from Zero Covid, but locally what has changed within China?

07:43 - How do the local governments announce and implement the changes?

14:16 - How will the local authorities react to the easing of restrictions?

21:31 - How quickly will the Chinese border reopen?

25:53 - Will people even want to come back to China if/when it reopens?

31:08 - Zero Covid and China's approach have been accelerating decoupling.

35:43 - What might happen next in China, then?

40:56 - If you are manufacturing in China and exporting to Europe or the USA, what will happen next year (2023) and how can you plan for it?

50:16 - Is the population ready for the end of Zero Covid? Will the government control the process?

55:47 - Conclusion.

Related content...* Unable To Go To Your China Factory Because Of Coronavirus? * If you can't always get to your factory in China, such as if they have a lockdown...How Blending Off-site & On-site QA Activities Helps You Reach Your Objectives * 6 Advantages Of Conducting An Off-Site Product Inspection * Off-Site QC VS In-Factory QC * 100% Inspection in a Third Party Facility in China: The How-To * Thinking of decoupling? We help you to source suppliers elsewhere in Asia. * Setting up Manufacturing in Vietnam vs China: Focus on Vietnam

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In this episode...Renaud lifts the lid on the factors that can drive up product inspection costs. We all know that we need to inspect product quality, but if inspections aren't optimized you could end up spending too much on them. On the other hand, there are ways to improve production processes to reduce the need for as many inspections. Listen in for these and more tips on lowering inspection costs while getting the result you need.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings

01:19 - Today's topic: QC inspections and how to reduce their cost.

02:46 - Elements from your (the buyer's) side that drive inspection costs - 1. the product type.

06:33 - Inspecting a bicycle (example).

07:59 - Elements from your (the buyer's) side that drive inspection costs - 2. ordering patterns.

09:52 - Elements from your (the buyer's) side that drive inspection costs - 3. the choice of manufacturing facilities and how 'good' they are.

10:42 - Inspection processes that drive costs - 1. 100% or random sampling inspection?

12:14 - Inspection processes that drive costs - 2. Should you check every batch or use skip lot inspections?

13:08 - Inspection processes that drive costs - 3. Should you inspect close to the source or when you receive products as an incoming inspection?

15:31 - Approaches you can take to reduce the cost of random sampling inspections.

19:17 - Process engineering for the inspection process can make it more efficient.

24:20 - Quality: Pay me now or pay me later.

26:30 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* How To Choose Which Product Quality inspection You Need? * What is the AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit)? An exhaustive guide * Using the Limiting Quality Level (ISO 2859-2:2020) Instead of AQL * What Is A Quality Assurance Plan? * How To Conduct Stricter QC Inspections Without Lowering The AQL? (5 Tips) * Pay me now, or pay me later: What’s the real Cost of Poor Quality and Reliability? [Podcast]

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In this episode...Sofeast's CEO Renaud welcomes two guests, Dr. Allen J. Morrison & Dr. J. Stewart Black, to the podcast. These American leadership, strategy, business and manufacturing experts have recently written a new book "Enterprise China: Adopting a Competitive Strategy for Business Success" which was released on December 1st 2022.

Renaud read an advance copy of the book before this interview and discusses China's strategies for economic success and also asks some questions about risk analysis and risk mitigation for companies buying products from China.

Show Sections00:00 - Greetings & introduction of today's guests.

02:02 - What is 'Enterprise China' about?

03:27 - China's 3-pillar strategy to succeed economically.

There are 3 strategic pillars to China's strategy for success.

Reducing (or eliminating) their external dependency on importing key technology (03:39)
Dominate domestically (06:00)
Winning globally (17:23)

20:55 - Why Western companies seeking growth by looking to the emerging markets may be too late in some cases.

23:44 - How should companies who buy from China do their risk analysis when considering diversifying supply chains to include other sources other than just China?

31:21 - How about a Zero-China strategy?

34:53 - Talking about the book 'Enterprise China,' when it's on sale, and where it can be purchased from.

36:00 - Wrapping up.

Related content...* Can We Remove China From Our Supply Chains? [Podcast] * Globalism 2.0: North American Importers To Move Supply Chains Out Of China Soon? [Podcast] * Nearshoring To Mexico. An Alternative To China? [Podcast] * How Sourcing From India Has Changed In 2022 (Part 1: Trends & Manufacturing Landscape) * Interested in having a conversation about sourcing from other Asian countries? We can help you.

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In this episode... Adrian and Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, delve into the topic of the cost of poor quality and reliability and why the phrase “Pay Me Now, or Pay Me Later" is so appropriate for when engineers talk about it.

You'll learn what makes up the cost of GOOD quality and reliability and why this amount is actually dwarfed by the cost of POOR quality and reliability. So if manufacturers don't pay now before production to solve and avoid issues, they're certainly going to pay a lot more later to put them right (if you even can by then)!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic.

01:34 - What does “Pay Me Now, or Pay Me Later" mean?

03:34 - Why is the cost of poor quality so important?

05:34 - What is the difference between the cost of GOOD and POOR quality & reliability?

07:18 - What drives up prevention costs?

09:31 - What drives up appraisal costs?

18:40 - What drives the cost of internal failures?

22:56 - What drives the cost of external failures?

26:55 - Our recommendation: Pay now!

30:27 - Key takeaways from this episode.

Related content... * What is Design for Quality (DFQ)? * What Is “Quality?” * Watch 3 quality experts discuss the cost of quality on our YouTube channel * What To Do If You Have A High Product Return Rate? [6-step Process] * You NEED to do product qualification BEFORE mass production! * How To Do Product Reliability Testing?

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In this episode... Renaud and Adrian from the team are looking ahead to Chinese New Year 2023 which is early next year on January 22nd. Take this as your annual reminder about why the holiday period can disrupt your supply and what you need to do to prepare for it, because in all likelihood your suppliers will be off for a good couple of weeks or so and the time periods surrounding the holiday also throw up challenges, too, which we'll get into...

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings

00:30 - When is Chinese New Year?

02:27 - Be aware if your suppliers are likely to be busy around this time.

05:37 - Why the risk of naughty factory owners taking your money and running is higher just before CNY.

08:54 - Do you have enough inventory to carry you through the holiday?

11:28 - There is a lot of uncertainty in China in the manufacturing industry.

19:13 - Why NOT to have all your eggs in the China basket...

24:12 - Would it be realistic to schedule orders to be produced by suppliers outside of China in and around the CNY period as a way to reduce the risks of disruption of supply?

26:13 - Why the time period before and after CNY is also a 'red zone.'

32:49 - When is it safe to start ordering as normal?

59:03 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Chinese New Year: how to manage the disruption? * Can We Remove China From Our Supply Chains? [Podcast] * Globalism 2.0: North American Importers To Move Supply Chains Out Of China Soon? [Podcast] * DIY Sourcing From China Part 5: Building Rapport & Communication [Podcast]

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud has an interesting guest on this episode: Prof. Neale O’Connor who is a China business and accounting expert and international keynote speaker!

Neale examined lots of Sofeast factory audit, product inspection, and manufacturing project data to determine the relationship between factory audits and good-quality products. He also checked thousands of complaints about Asia-wide suppliers from Global Sources data to work out if there were actions that importers could take to mitigate the chances of being scammed.

In this episode, you'll hear some very insightful results from his research that can help you source and work with better suppliers, reduce your risks, and avoid scammers!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings, introducing the topic, and our guest, Neale.

02:10 - Why Neale examined hundreds of our factory audits performed pre-covid to find the main patterns.

06:05 -Why product inspections/audits are different?

08:47 - What is the data saying about the incidents of pass/fail/hold aspects in product inspections?

14:11 - What did the data tell us about factory audits?

19:21 - How to reduce the number of factory audits you need to do if you only plan to work with one supplier?

21:23 - What does the data tell us about complex products?

23:47 - The takeaway from the Sofeast data analysis.

24:48 - Four key ways to avoid being scammed by Asian suppliers.

35:14 - Summary and wrapping up.

Related content... * Listen to this 9-episode mini-series where we teach you how to source safely from China and develop the suppliers you’ve found for even better results once you start working together.

Click here to listen 👉 DIY Sourcing from China Series * Download your free copy of our 80+ page eBook: Ultimate Guide To Sourcing From China And Developing Your Suppliers * Sofeast provide you with all of the activities discussed in this episode across Asia: to find new suppliers, perform background checks on them, do factory audits, and inspect product quality * Connect with Neale on LinkedIn * Tech Asia YouTube channel - see more of Neale's videos here

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Renaud and friend of the show, compliance expert Clive Greenwood, are talking about why today's manufacturers should assess the environmental impact of their productions in China, because of the impending EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) that will demand that products become more sustainable and that you open up your supply chains for scrutiny. They also talk about what Chinese manufacturers think about this and provide some advice on how to get started on becoming compliant.

If you sell into the EU now, don't skip this! And if you sell into other developed markets, such as Canada, the USA, the UK, etc, it still applies to you as similar legislation is coming.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic and our guest, Clive.

03:20 - The sustainability trend is embodied by the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation for putting products on the EU market. What is it?

07:37 - Does product design for sustainability play a role?

09:00 - Are any product categories in the crosshairs of the EU first?

18:00 - What are Chinese manufacturers doing about this sustainability requirement? Do they even know or care about it?

19:35 - Lithium-ion batteries: A growing environmental issue.

28:02 - Are other governments taking notice of this?

30:19 - How do companies usually assess the environmental impact of their products, including extraction and manufacturing?

33:12 - What a mobile phone lifecycle may include, and how ecodesign might affect how it's designed and developed.

39:45 - How will 'Fast Fashion' be affected?

42:30 - What can businesses do to become compliant?

50:51 - Your new commercial decision will not only be about a supplier's costs but also if they're able to assist you to comply with the new Ecodesign regulation.

53:04 - What the product passport includes.

55:18 - Advice for you if you're selling into the EU now.

59:03 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation? * The EU Ecodesign Regulation Is Coming, But Are You Prepared? [Podcast part1] * How To Comply With The EU Ecodesign Regulation? [Podcast part 2] * If this episode has scared you and you feel you need help to take control and protect your business from being blocked from selling your products into the EU, Sofeast can help you. Take a look at this solution that we offer and speak to us about your project: EU Ecodesign Regulation Risk Assessment & Preparation

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In this episode... When designing a new electronic product do you start with the PCB or enclosure? For example, some industrial designers might tell you to start with the enclosure, but this may not be suitable for every project.

So to get to the bottom of this, Adrian caught up with our head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, to get his opinion on which comes first and a list of steps you can follow to help make the decision for your product.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic

01:53 - Enclosure or PCB design first?

There is no steadfast rule and it really depends on the product, the important point is to work out which direction YOU need to go in.

04:52 - 5 elements that will help you evaluate which you should design first.

Making sure that you have the following 5 elements will help you make the right decision about whether to design the PCB or enclosure first:

05:37 - 1. Create a Product Requirements Document (PRD).

06:41 - 2. Industrial Design.

08:32 - 3. Product Functionality.

10:05 - 4. Bill of Materials.

10:42 - 5. Competitor analysis and customer feedback.

12:08 - Department heads meet and discuss all of the above in order to make the best decision for their project.

15:50 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Read our comprehensive collection of PCB Assembly & Testing resources and videos * Navigating The Product Design and NPI Maze For New Products [Podcast] * How Bad Product Design Leads to Many Quality Issues * PCBA Schematics Design for Your Production in China * Unsure and have questions? Our product engineering team can help you, so contact us if you'd like a no-strings discussion about your project. * Visit the Hardware Academy (paid forum)

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In this episode... Renaud and Adrian investigate what China's current politics might mean for manufacturers with a supply chain there and if 'Zero China' is realistic or even possible. They also talk about minimizing supply chain disruption by following a China +1/many strategy, how to approach doing this, and suitable countries to look at. Finally, they gaze into the crystal ball and make some predictions about how worried importers with Chinese suppliers should be right now given everything that is going on in the world and China politically.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic: Zero China.

01:52 - What is Zero China?

03:14 - Looking back in history at the origins of the 'China + 1' approach.

04:57 - Garment companies: early adopters of a diversified supply chain.

07:34 - After 2015 politics started changing in China...spurring businesses to adopt China+1/many policies.

18:29 - Looking at Apple as an example.

27:46 - How about SMEs with manufacturing in China? What options do they have now?

35:32 - How about pursuing Zero-China?

43:51 - Should Western companies with Chinese supply chains right now be panicking?

48:02 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Japanese companies explore how to go 'zero-China' amid tensions [Nikkei Asia article] * The end of Apple’s affair with China [Economist article] * Globalism 2.0: North American Importers To Move Supply Chains Out Of China Soon? * Chinese Communism with North Korean Characteristics and “ZERO-China” * Interested in sourcing components or suppliers in Vietnam, India, or elsewhere in Asia, but unsure where to start? Sofeast can help you.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Renaud shares 9 ways that importers who are using overseas suppliers to manufacture their products can save money.

Today, more than ever, cost-cutting is important for people at home and in business. Material costs, shipping, and energy costs are all rising, putting the squeeze on importers' profits.

So if there are ways that you can get your products made and delivered and shave the costs somehow, they're sure to be welcome. You'll learn how to reduce costs by sourcing great manufacturers, reducing risks during product design and development, reshoring or near-shoring production, optimizing the product inspections you're doing, and much much more!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings.

00:41 - Pre-chat: Our team member's story when she ended up in a quarantine hospital in China.

This episode can be heard here and real photos of the conditions are included: Travel To China In 2022 – Don’t Test Positive!

02:48 - Today's topic: 9 Ways for importers to save money.

03:29 - 1. Avoid big problems on the manufacturing & transportation side.

08:18 - 2. Avoid big problems on the distribution side.

14:04 - 3. Re-engineer your products.

21:42 - 4. Place larger orders with fewer key suppliers to benefit from lower pricing.

23:17 - 5. Use competition among your suppliers to drive down prices.

26:08 - 6. Avoid buying via a trading company if they don't add value that warrants the extra cost (in most cases).

29:49 - 7. Relocate manufacturing.

31:51 - 8. Internalize manufacturing (DIY).

36:21 - 9. Spend money more wisely on inspections, testing, etc.

41:35 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Travel To China In 2022 – Don’t Test Positive! * Get help to find great suppliers in China: DIY Sourcing from China Podcast Series * Explore a comprehensive new product introduction process * Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer! * 9 Types of Packaging (Benefits, Costs, Sustainability, and more) - Guide for Importers * 5 Main Reasons For A High Product Return Rate * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * Introduction to Design For Assembly (DFA) * Is My Supplier A Trading Company Pretending To Be A Manufacturer? * Chinese trading companies and their dirty little secrets * Globalism 2.0: North American Importers To Move Supply Chains Out Of China Soon? [Podcast] * How to optimize inspections & drive suppliers to improve quality to reduce costs & risks? * Sofeast is tracking the costs of China raw materials to help give you transparency and control when dealing with your suppliers * Get help with your product inspections and select only those that you need

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Renaud is back with Adrian this time and they're discussing the concept of quality.

You'll learn the difference between 'Little and Big Q,' why customer expectations matter, and how to drive quality improvement with your suppliers.

Importers know that quality is important, but are you taking a holistic view that can improve product quality as early as the design stage rather than quibbling over defective pieces with your supplier after production is over? After listening to this episode, you'll want to!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and Renaud's first in-person presentation in 3 years (!) at the Global Sources show in Hong Kong.

You can rewatch Renaud's presentation about how to find the RIGHT suppliers on the Sofeast LinkedIn page 👀

03:27 - Today's topic: What is Quality?

04:42 - 'Little q' quality.

09:45 - 'Big Q' quality.

11:38 - Deming's Total Quality Management principles.

13:36 - Juran: A smart definition of quality.

18:59 - Getting away from 'Little q' quality.

20:35 - Customer quality expectations differ from product category to product category.

23:40 - David Garvin's book: Managing Quality.

35:57 - Summary about quality.

38:40 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Quality Control Plan: Defining Expectations Before Production * Product Quality and Reliability Issues: Typical Classification * What Is A Quality Assurance Plan? * Design for Quality (DFQ) * How To Get Better Quality Products From Suppliers & Optimize QC Inspections? [Podcast] * Sofeast has an entire range of solutions to help you improve both Little and Big quality in China, India, Vietnam, and elsewhere in Asia!

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Adrian is here with our head of supply chain management live from her Chinese quarantine hotel, discussing what it takes to visit China as of October 11th 2022...a perfect topic for you if you'd like to visit China on business soon.

She recently travelled back to China from Europe and explains the various hoops you need to jump through to get into China, what to expect if you test positive for Covid (as she, unfortunately, did), and some tips on how to minimize your risks of anything untoward happening.

If you've been planning on visiting China this episode gives you some real truths about how complex it can be, so buckle up...her experience is a bit of a shock! 🙈

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran and Adrian from the team talk about what founders need to do in order to validate their new hardware product idea in the eyes of potential investors.

You'll learn about a huge blindspot that many founders have that can easily destroy their chances of success, what potential investors and manufacturers are looking for from a startup and its idea, and some tips on how to get information at an early stage that can positively influence your design before you have even invested in prototypes!

If you have a new product idea you want to bring to market, this episode is a must-listen!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings

00:25 - Pre-chat: Hong Kong has dropped quarantine and is open to visitors!

08:36 - Today's topic: How to validate your new hardware product idea in the eyes of investors?

12:18 - The 3 key risks faced by founders with a new hardware product idea.

14:01 - An example of market risk: A new energy-efficient cooking solution.

22:33 - What to do with the feedback from target customers?

25:59 - The minimum viable product for hardware startups.

27:54 - 2 key milestones investors use to validate a new product and the startup behind it.

30:07 - The Hardware Academy - a good place to get advice.

31:30 - No market research = Higher risk of project failure, lack of investment, and difficulty in working with the best manufacturers.

34:50 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Hong Kong drops pre-flight tests and quarantine for visitors * 8 Ways To Get Funding For Hardware Startups * How To Develop and Launch a New Product? Feat. Liz Long [Podcast] * Read The New Product Introduction Process Guide for SMEs and hardware startups * Prototyping Process To Test & Refine a New Product Design * Hardware startup founders can get a lot of help and guidance from The Hardware Academy

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran is back with Adrian from the team this week and they're discussing which communication medium is best for communicating with Chinese suppliers, why, and when it should be used.

Learn about WeChat, email, project management software, DingTalk, and much more, as well as the importance of using clear working templates as opposed to 'freestyling' it!

Select the wrong medium and it can lead to a breakdown in communication, delays, quality issues, and dissatisfaction all round, so this episode will help you avoid those problems.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic

01:59 - Common issues that cause communication difficulties

06:43 - WeChat

12:46 - Email

16:11 - Project Management Software

19:31 - DingTalk

23:09 - Working templates

30:00 - Formal legally-enforceable agreements

33:41 - Why templates for deliverables are so important

38:03 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Communication with Chinese Suppliers: Banging Your Head Against the Wall? * DIY Sourcing From China Part 5: Building Rapport [Podcast] * 7 Signs That Your Chinese Factory Is Poorly Managed [Infographic] * Quality Control Plan: Defining Expectations Before Production * Learn how to create a valid manufacturing contract in China, with a focus on protecting product IP * Sofeast can help check that you're ready to go into production with an NPI deliverables review

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined by special guest Liz Long, founder of Learn to Make a Product, a platform that supports customers to launch products, providing expert advice and assistance to set up their supply chains, develop products, and go through all of the steps needed to get to market!

American new product manufacturing expert Liz shares her own experience, best practices, and tips in this episode to help entrepreneurs and SMEs get an understanding of the first steps required to start developing their own new products.

If you've been sitting on your new product idea, hopefully, this episode will give you the impetus you need to start bringing it to market!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic: How to start developing your new product

01:27 - Who is Liz Long?

04:00 - How could a would-be entrepreneur start out with their new project and how long before they see 'success' after launch?

06:20 - How long would it take to be ready to launch?

07:40 - Benefits of private labelling VS custom product development from scratch.

14:06 - Are there product types that have a lower barrier to entry or lower investment required to get to market quickly?

20:14 - What tools, sites, and resources are helpful to someone who is developing a new product?

26:38 - Finding the right supplier/factory and if working with an intermediary is OK?

31:42 - The dangers of being overly optimistic when starting.

34:47 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Sofeast can help with your NPI process and product launch, with our engineers and supply chain experts supporting you every step of the way with product engineering solutions for every need. * What is the New Product Launch Process? * NPD Project Constraints (3 common examples) * What is an NRE Cost (Non-Recurring Engineering)? * How to Calculate the Cash Needed to Prototype & Launch your New Product [Podcast] * Ultimate Guide To Sourcing From China And Developing Your Suppliers [eBook]

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In this episode! The Sofeast Group's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, shares his 8 secrets for successfully implementing a dFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).

This approach will help you de-risk your product design at an early stage, greatly reducing the chances of failure once the product reaches customers.

Many businesses and staff members know what the dFMEA is, but not so many know the secrets to successfully implementing it so the preventive actions you come up with 'stick' and you enjoy long-lasting improvements.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic: dFMEA.

01:29 - What is a dFMEA and its purpose?

04:40 - How to implement the dFMEA (10 steps included in the process)?

09:01 - The 8 secrets of dFMEA implementation that will set you up for success.

17:29 - Wrapping Up.

Related content... * FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) definition * Risk Priority Number (RPN) definition * dFMEA: 8 Secrets for a Successful Implementation * 3 Basic Process Improvement Tools: Flow Chart, FMEA, Control Plan * NPI Process (New Product Introduction) * Process FMEA: Template, Use Cases, and Examples

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran and Adrian from the team are back and talking about something else you don't want to experience but may if you're unfortunate. A failed product inspection!

Renaud will explain to you why the type of inspection matters, a step-by-step process to follow to fix problems highlighted by a product inspection report now, and how to put corrective and preventive actions in place to stop the problem from reoccurring in future production runs.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & Topic: What happens if a product inspection is failed?

01:56 - What kind of inspection has been failed?

03:42 - Actions you need to take to fix the problem/s now if a final inspection has been failed.

04:10 - 1. Insist that the manufacturer does NOT ship anything until the matter has been investigated and settled.

05:57 - 2. Examine your quality standard, the situation found by the inspector, and what the cause of the gap between them is.

17:56 - 3. Make the right people at the factory aware of the inspection report in a neutral manner to get their cooperation.

20:43 - 4. Get the manufacturer to fix an issue.

25:12 - 5. Order another inspection before shipment to remove doubt.

26:14 - Preventing the same problem from occurring again in future.

32:54 - In summary.

Related content... * Sofeast offers an incredibly wide range of product inspections throughout the manufacturing cycle for you to take advantage of across East, SE, and South Asia. * Use a Corrective Action Plan after a Failed Inspection * How To Fill Out an 8D Report and Fix a Problem in a Factory * Fixing Product Quality Issues: MFG vs. Product Design Causes

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran and Adrian kick off the episode by talking about Hong Kong's new and improved immigration and Covid procedures and the heatwaves and draughts in China that have been affecting manufacturing there.

The main topic is getting to grips with is calculating how much money is required for prototyping and then launching your new product - a popular question for many entrepreneurs and SMEs who aim to bring their new product concept to market!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings.

00:37 - How visiting Hong Kong in August 2022 has become easier.

04:20 - What effects are the heatwave and drought in China, especially in the Western provinces of Sichuan and Chongqing, having on manufacturing?

09:13 - The psychological side of launching a new product and how ambition affects a product launch.

14:46 - What are the finance numbers involved?

What's your investment required to be ready for manufacturing (NRE costs)?
How much is the unit cost going to be?
What will the selling price be?

22:59 - What's included in these costs? (action & item breakdown)

NRE costs
Total landed cost per unit (production & shipping cost)

32:39 - Why do many products end up being sold at a loss?

35:06 - Other 'hidden issues' that don't always show up in the calculations.

37:39 - In summary.

Related content... * Sofeast can support you when bringing your new product to market in almost all aspects discussed in this episode, for instance, select our NPI support solution * Explainer: Hong Kong’s ‘3+4’ Covid-19 hotel quarantine arrangements for international arrivals * China drought causes Yangtze to dry up, sparking shortage of hydropower * New Product Launch Process * What Are Your Non-Recurring Engineering Costs for Production in China? * Getting To Grips With Non-Recurring Engineering Costs (NRE) [Podcast] * How to calculate landed cost * Dangers of Amortizing Development Costs in the Production Price

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran and Adrian from the team discuss product failure analysis. Hopefully, you never need to do one, but if you are hit with quality, reliability, or safety problems with your product during development or, more likely, in the field, it may be necessary to help you decide what to do. This is especially important if problems are severe enough to warrant a recall.

Renaud explains what a failure analysis is, when it may be required, and the FA methodology you can follow step-by-step with required actions per step.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings

00:45 - Today's topic: Product failure analysis.

01:18 - The 'firefighting' or 'scattershot' approach to problem-solving by many factories that doesn't work well.

What kinds of problems warrant performing a failure analysis?

Failure analysis may be required in these 2 scenarios:

06:27 - Failure analysis during new product development

09:41 - Failure analysis after products have been shipped

19:02 - What failure analysis methodology could you follow?

0: Who will work on this analysis and what are the timelines and project context?

Gather information
Document any information about the failure
First analysis
Deeper analysis
Containment, if needed
Corrective action plan
Corrective action implementation & follow-up

35:45 - Wrap-up.

Related content... * Get help from Sofeast's experienced product engineers to perform your product failure analysis and follow-up testing if required. * Missing Important Tasks During DVT Could Result In Damaging Product Recalls! [Podcast] - Philips medical device recall example. * Investigating the Causes of Product Failure and Improving Design * Why Product Safety, Quality, and Reliability Are Tightly Linked * Product Reliability Testing | 7 FAQs * 8D Problem Solving Process

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In this episode... The Sofeast Group's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, is back on the pod with Adrian from the team and are discussing what happens if mistakes are made during the DVT and PVT phases of NPI process.

Electronics giant Philips has been in the news due to a huge recall of ventilators and sleep apnea machines that have, unfortunately, caused deaths and injuries. This got us to thinking: What could have caused such a problem to make it into the production of such sensitive medical devices, and what can we learn from this example?

Andrew explains that issues like this likely originate in the DVT stage of the NPI process, talks about what activities and testing are included, why they're necessary for your new product launch project and talks about how DVT issues spill over into PVT and then into mass production, too.

If you're bringing a new product to market, this story demonstrates why following a detailed new product introduction process that leaves no stone unturned when trying to find potential risks is crucial for manufacturing safe, high-quality, and reliable products.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings, introducing the topic: DVT & PVT, and activities during each NPI phase that are important to bring a successful product to market.

01:44 - What do the acronyms EVT/DVT/PVT mean?

04:42 - The risks of rushing into production without completing DVT thoroughly.

07:43 - The huge Philips medical device recall happening in Summer '22.

11:58 - What happens during DVT to help us avoid product risks and recalls?

16:39 - The need for a solid reliability growth plan.

19:44 - The temptation to rush into production and miss DVT steps.

27:25 - What a reliability engineer looks out for when devising the reliability test plan and use cases.

31:42 - What is PVT and why can it also cause a lot of product issues after production if steps are missed?

40:19 - Wrap up.

Related content... * Philips parts ways with CEO in midst of massive recall * Philips recalls ventilators, sleep apnea machines due to health risks * Listen to The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps! * Watch a number of videos we created about the NPI process * You NEED to do product qualification BEFORE mass production! * The NPI Process You Need To Follow For Successful Manufacturing * Get help from Sofeast to devise and implement your reliability and durability testing and to help bring your new product to market using our tried-and-tested NPI process

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Sofeast's podcasting duo, our CEO Renaud Anjoran and Adrian from the team are back to talk about strategies that importers who are placing large and valuable orders with their oversees manufacturers and performing a lot of product inspections can follow to optimize the inspection schedule to get better results and, perhaps, reduce costs without increasing risks, and upstream preventive measures that can be put in place to improve quality before and during production that reduce the need for as many inspections in the first place.

SMEs and larger companies that regularly do a lot of business with Asian manufacturers could benefit from cost and time savings and reduced risks with this advice.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings

01:05 - Changes to Hong Kong Covid quarantine and news of Covid lockdowns in Yiwu (although not too severe).

11:02 - Today's topic: How to optimize QC inspections and get better results. Why would a business seek to do this?

16:22 - Adjusting inspection type, severity, and regularity could be a helpful cost-saving exercise.

18:26 - What does a business need to prepare before starting an optimization initiative like this?

23:38 - What information should we gather from the supplier's side?

35:35 - Which kinds of importers this upstream product development and process optimization is more relevant to?

37:03 - Delegating inspections to the supplier over time (without raising risks, hopefully).

41:56 - Wrap-up.

Related content... * Get a quotation from Sofeast for help from our quality engineers and QA team who will assess your situation and find ways to make the optimizations discussed here: QA/QC Inspection Optimization Services * Read more about why Supplier Self-Inspections Are Getting More Popular in China * Learn about Switching from Acceptance Sampling to Process Control * HK is cutting hotel quarantine to 3 days, plus 4 days medical surveillance * How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook] * Why you need a good quality standard * Explore boundary/limit samples * Read The New Product Introduction Process Guide for Hardware Startups * Listen to The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps!

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... The Sofeast Group's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, joins Adrian once again to discuss what the product return rate is and how to reduce yours.

He provides a checklist of activities you can take during development to avoid issues that result in returns, and, should the worst happen and you start receiving returns on products that have been sold already, he also gives you a series of activities to follow to triage and fix the problems.

Don't miss it, this information could save you a LOT of effort, money, and damage to your reputation!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings, introducing the topic.

01:17 - Andrew introduces his role as new product development head in the Sofeast group.

02:58 - What is the product return rate?

05:07 - How return rates vary depending on product type.

06:45 - What are the 5 main causes of product returns?

10:37 - 7 Steps you can take to ensure you get as low a return rate as possible BEFORE the product is sold.

25:51 - If a product you’re already selling starts getting returned, what can you do? (6 steps)

33:00 - Some famous product recalls.

36:10 - The role of the NPI process.

38:27 - Wrap up.

Related content... * Our foreign-owned and managed contract manufacturing subsidiary Agilian Technology can help you develop and mass produce your new product in China. * Read The New Product Introduction Process Guide for Hardware Startups * Watch New Product Introduction Process Walkthrough (For New Electronic Products) * Listen to The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps! * Watch a number of videos we created about the NPI process * The Takata airbag scandal

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined by Adrian from the team to discuss the dangers you face if buying parts for your product's mass production from Taobao.

Taobao is a convenient Chinese online marketplace where you can purchase almost anything, usually at a decent price. If you can jump onto the site and find a vendor and quickly place an order, where's the harm in that?

This bypasses a secure sourcing process and impacts your product's quality, safety, and compliance negatively...here's why.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings + why not to take checked baggage on flights within Europe + the UK's 2-day heatwave 😂

01:59 - Today's topic: Why not to buy parts from Taobao to use in mass production?

02:40 - What is Taobao?

10:36 - Scams and other issues on Taobao.

11:32 - Why buying parts from Taobao for use in early proof-of-concept prototypes is fine.

13:00 - More advanced prototypes and mass production are not the same as proof-of-concept.

15:55 - 5 reasons why using Taobao parts for mass production is not a good idea.

Batches may vary each time.
The item on your BOM might suddenly be delisted.
You buy subject to Taobao's terms and conditions.
The vendor probably has little liability for performance or quality issues.
They might not be a real company.

27:06 - Could your IP be at risk when dealing with Taobao vendors, and will you get the best price?

28:29 - You can't really pay and get an invoice (fapiao) that is needed for business purchases.

30:58 - The lack of transparency and control.

32:06 - Wrap-up.

Related content... * If you really want to check out Taobao, visit their site here (just don't buy production parts!) * Get help from Sofeast to source great suppliers and benefit from more stability and better prices. * Read our 80+ page eBook: Ultimate Guide To Sourcing From China And Developing Your Suppliers * Learn how to source your own suppliers in China by listening to our DIY Sourcing from China Series * Does your China factory sell your products on Taobao.com? * How to complain about counterfeit/fakes on Taobao

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined again by US East-Coast supply chain and logistics expert, Marshall Taplits founder of Ship It Done.

As we get to grips with the new reality of higher shipping and energy costs, delays, and war in Europe, Renaud asks: What is the logistics situation like now in the USA, what will it be like for the rest of 2022, and what might it be like a few years from now.

They give their thoughts on cost drivers, near-shoring, the state of China and more, too.

If you're interested in global logistics and/or are importing into the USA, this one's a must-listen!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

01:49 - Introducing our guest Marshall Taplits.

Marshall gives his history and also introduces his business, US East Coast 3PL warehouse: Shipitdone.com and his new warehouse management system, 3PLMax.com.

04:53 - What is the logistics situation in the USA right now (July '22)?

11:25 - Has getting containers into and out of US ports improved recently?

15:15 - Has the change in legislation for truckers in California made a difference?

16:39 - Why energy, gasoline, and diesel costs are a key driver in trucking costs.

18:24 - What might the logistics situation in the USA be like for the rest of 2022 (July to December)?

21:57 - Focusing on China.

27:29 - How might the logistics situation in the USA be in 3 years' time?

33:13 - Have other countries taken a bite from China's business?

36:55 - Wrap-up.

Related content... * Sea freight costs falling in summer ‘22. Too early to celebrate? * The Impacts of Russia Sanctions on International Trade & Logistics * How Do Logistics From China Work for Importers? * Types of Incoterms [Guide] * What’s Causing The USA’s Logistics Troubles? [Podcast] * Logistics Management from Sofeast's supply chain management team - we support you by setting up and managing your shipping from suppliers in Asia to your location with acceptable costs and lead times

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... We wrap up our mini-series of episodes on how to do your own sourcing from China today.

Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran has talked you through every stage of the sourcing process, from finding suitable suppliers, negotiating, getting your products manufactured, and building lasting relationships with them. The final topic focuses on improving existing supplier performance, in particular: How to keep their costs under control.

If their costs are lower, your costs are lower...

By the way, this is part 9 of 9 of this mini-series, and if you want to go back and listen to every earlier part of this series check out the links below.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings

00:58 - Brief recap of last week's episode about the EU Ecodesign regulation

You can listen to both parts on this topic here (Part 1) and here (Part 2).

04:31 - Why should we be concerned about our suppliers' costs?

07:45 - Who may be able to influence their supplier to undertake work to take control of costs.

10:28 - Using sourcing as a tool to control costs.

How factory owners or key customers can get their/their supplier's costs under control?

12:48 - 1. You find out what is driving their costs by visiting.

15:47 - 2. Stop buying in large quantities and making large batches.

21:39 - How to make suggestions to the supplier that they will listen to.

26:34 - 3. Tackle manufacturing aspects that are hidden costs.

29:21 - 4. Find hidden office costs.

35:11 - How does India differ from China?

36:44 - Summarising keeping costs under control.

38:11 - Mini-series wrap-up.

Related content... * Part 1: Good Fit, Sourcing, Vetting, & Backups [Podcast] * Part 2: Negotiations, Terms, Leverage, & Quality Standards [Podcast] * Part 3: Project Management & Checking Quality Early [Podcast] * Part 4: Final Inspections [Podcast] * Part 5: Building Rapport [Podcast] * Part 6: Hands-on or hands-off buyer? [Podcast] * Part 7: How To Develop Your Chinese Supplier? [Podcast] * Part 8: How To Improve Quality From Your Supplier? [Podcast] * Quality Assurance In China Or Vietnam For Beginners [eBook] 👈 Download for free * The Sofeast group's own contract manufacturing subsidiary: Agilian Technology

These resources will also help you understand how to build relationships with suppliers or improve (or end) those that you already have:

Get help to find a good manufacturer in China with this free eBook
When a relationship turns sour with a Chinese supplier

And, if all else fails and you need to ditch your current supplier and switch to a new one...

How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud is joined again by Clive Greenwood of SMC GLOBAL Manufacturing Consultants, to continue discussing the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation that's going to have quite a significant effect on importers of products into the EU.

In part 1 on this topic, they explained what the EU ESPR is and why it's something importers need to start preparing for now.

Now, in part 2, they're going to talk you through how to comply with the regulation, providing some actionable advice to get you started.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & Introduction to today's topic: EU Ecodesign Regulation.

02:26 - Why is product design important?

08:07 - The role of 'Repairability' and 'Maintainability.'

10:12 - The need to document your approach.

12:03 - How product designs will need to change according to the EU ESPR proposal .

18:38 - Addressing 'Greenwashing.'

20:47 - Postmarket surveillance.

25:01 - Calculating energy consumption throughout the product lifecycle.

30:11 - Supply chain information will be transparent - suppliers who are more sustainable will be preferred.

34:37 - The example of garments and their supply chain.

37:58 - Detailed traceability & visibility over the supply chain - requirements.

43:18 - ESPR will evolve over time and cause headaches for importers...

46:23 - The key data you need to start collecting NOW.

48:13 - Will ESPR negatively impact SMEs more than large businesses?

52:36 - You have been warned!

Related content... * What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation? * The EU Ecodesign Regulation Is Coming, But Are You Prepared? (Part 1) * We support clients to comply with ESPR, too, so if you're stuck or concerned Sofeast's experts can help you get control of your supply chain and become more sustainable * REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL (establishing a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products and repealing Directive 2009/125/EC) - if you want to read the forthcoming regulation in full. * Ecodesign for sustainable products * What is the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)? * Sofeast can help you do a full background check on new (or existing) suppliers in Asia * We can also source suppliers who provide transparent supply chain information to help you comply with EU demands

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:

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In this episode... Our CEO Renaud is back with Adrian and talks about a serious problem for buyers: unauthorized subcontracting.

This is where the supplier you think is manufacturing your products, outsources the work to someone else that you have no knowledge of and haven't given permission to work on your products. This, obviously, is not a good situation...let's explore it in more detail.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings, catching up with Renaud, and some discussion about his India trip and the various content we created about it (check the links below).

04:13 - Introducing the topic: Unauthorized subcontracting.

05:04 - What is subcontracting/unauthorized subcontracting?

07:45 - Why this happens in China quite a lot and how it affects social audits.

What problems does unauthorized subcontracting cause? 12:41 - Non-compliance.

13:41 - Poor quality.

17:51 - IP at risk.

19:26 - Products made in banned areas or staff where slave labor is a concern.

How to reduce the risks of unauthorized subcontracting happening? 23:16 - 1. Factory data collection.

26:45 - 2. Plan to improve capacity and reduce delays.

32:40 - 3. Sign a manufacturing agreement with the supplier.

34:09 - 4. Give the supplier a pre-order confirmation.

35:57 - 5. Follow up on production.

36:38 - 6. Utilize unannounced audits.

41:14 - Extra: Travel to China in Summer 2022.

44:13 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IP * Read a whole series of blog posts about vetting Chinese suppliers to help you find a lower-risk supplier * Renaud was interviewed about social audits in this news article - unauthorized subcontracting has a serious effect on these * Get help from Sofeast to source great suppliers * Audit your supplier's processes with one of our process management audits in order to reduce the risks of them not coping and subcontracting * Sofeast project managers check on and manage your supplier to assure that the project is on track

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... The Sofeast Group's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, joins Adrian to talk about the process of getting a new product to market and, in particular, the one key thing you must do before you start mass production.

You'll get a good insight into the different kinds of testing you need to do in order to get your product to market with low risks.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings, introducing Andrew and the topic.

02:25 - What's the difference between validation and verification?

05:59 - What MUST you do before you go into mass production?

13:00 - Is a qualified design and prototype a golden sample?

16:28 - Product qualification.

18:05 - Manufacturing line qualification.

21:02 - Compliance and regulatory qualification.

24: 33 - How to get started with product qualification?

27:40 - In summary.

Related content... * Our foreign-owned and managed contract manufacturing subsidiary Agilian Technology can help you develop and mass produce your new product in China. * Read The New Product Introduction Process Guide for Hardware Startups * Watch New Product Introduction Process Walkthrough (For New Electronic Products) * Listen to The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps! * Should I use a Golden Sample or Limit Samples? * Watch a number of videos we created about the NPI process

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Our CEO Renaud and Adrian from the Sofeast team delve into what a great Quality Assurance program for new electronic products looks like, as new products come with a large number of unknown risks (there are many things that can go wrong in terms of components, firmware, testing, production processes, and more, which we'll get into).

Controlling these risks has become harder for importers since Covid as it's not always possible to travel to China (and other Asian countries to a lesser extent) easily or at all, meaning that they were not able to oversee the development and manufacturing of their products increasing the risks of them going into production with problems.

So, how to use local resources to do Quality Assurance activities to control those risks in your new electronic product, and what does a QA program for new electronics include?

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings, mentioning Renaud's recent trip to India to check out component suppliers.

01:55 - Introducing the topic: Why Quality Assurance is particularly important for new electronics that have a lot of risks.

Electronics QA Program 07:21 - Activities to do at the start of product development.

20:34 - Activities do when the design is frozen and we're transferring to manufacturing.

27:49 - Activities to do during mass production.

31:08 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Sofeast provides electronics QA programs for our clients - explore them & get a quotation for your project! * Watch as Renaud walks you through a typical QA program in this video * Read The New Product Introduction Process Guide for Hardware Startups * Watch New Product Introduction Process Walkthrough (For New Electronic Products) * Read What Is A Quality Assurance Plan? * Listen to The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps!

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Renaud comes to you live from Chennai where he's been travelling around India for two weeks exploring a lot of different types of component suppliers. He reports back on what he's learnt on this visit, how India has been changing, and why there seem to be many reasons now to consider India as an alternative to China for, at least, some of your production.

Renaud covers:

Which areas he visited & regional differences
Political stability
What types of suppliers could be alternatives to Chinese counterparts
Manual Work VS Automation
Where China still trumps India, for now
Who has already been moving to India
Benefits he found about dealing with factory owners and managers, and their operations, over those in China
Is India still let down by a lack of component suppliers for your supply chain?

Sofeast does a lot of work in India, and some of our clients are asking about moving sourcing and production out of China to more stable countries. If you're thinking the same, this quick bonus episode will be very educational!

Related content... * Read our blog posts about sourcing from India * Pros and cons of sourcing products in India vs. China * Manufacture in China, Vietnam, India, or Elsewhere? [Podcast] * Our local team in India can provide new supplier identification to help you source great components and manufacturers there

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Sofeast CEO Renaud is joined by a returning guest, Clive Greenwood of SMC GLOBAL Manufacturing Consultants, to talk about new EU regulations that are coming in soon about supply chain transparency and 'Ecodesign.'

If you sell products in Europe you're going to be affected by today's topic soon, and the regulations promise to spread globally, too, in due course, so hit play to listen to what the future will be bringing in terms of supply chain transparency and Ecodesign.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & Introduction to today's topic

01:19 - Some background.

03:29 - What is the Ecodesign regulation going to be?

07:12 - Verifying the supply chain

17:12 - A LOT more due diligence will be required by buyers.

21:00 - What's the difference between an EU directive and an EU regulation?

23:10 - Compliance with the Ecodesign for sustainable products regulation will be taxable.

25:00 - Targeting 'bad' industries like Fast fashion.

28:23 - How ready are YOU?

33:01 - Traceability using a product passport.

38:09 - The CSRD (EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) will replace the NFRD (EU Non-Financial Reporting Directive) reporting requirements starting in 2023.

41:02 - What can YOU do to cope with these changes?

44:40 - Summary of what the EU Ecodesign regulation focuses on.

45:40 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * How To Get Transparency And Control Over Your Supply Chain? [podcast] * REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL (establishing a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products and repealing Directive 2009/125/EC) - if you want to read the forthcoming regulation in full. * Ecodesign for sustainable products * What is the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)? * How To Push a Chinese or Vietnamese Supplier for Supply Chain Transparency * Sofeast can help you do a full background check on new (or existing) suppliers in Asia * We can also source suppliers who provide transparent supply chain information to help you comply with EU demands

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... A common problem that buyers from China particularly suffer from is a lack of transparency and control over their supply chains.

Do you know exactly who supplies your main supplier at all times? If the answer is no, this episode is for you, especially if you are worried about compliance, safety, quality, reliability, and the reputation of your business.

Sofeast CEO Renaud and Adrian from the team go over the risks of lacking visibility over your supply chain, why it's becoming even more important, and some best practices that will help you have more transparency and control.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & Introduction to today's topic: how to increase visibility over your supply chain

03:05 - Does everyone know who's in their supply chain?

05:18 - Background: Regulations coming into action requiring more supply-chain visibility.

11:29 - Real examples of people we've worked with at Sofeast who suffered problems caused by a lack of visibility over their supply chains.

14:06 - Do Chinese suppliers often try to hide supply chain info and why?

19:18 - The drawbacks of NOT having visibility over your supply chain.

You will suffer from more unwelcome surprises because if you don't have visibility, you don't have control.
You are at risk of very bad PR.
Product quality issues are probably going to more common.
Production will be more inefficient.

31:19 - Best practices that will help you have better supply chain visibility.

Tips if you're developing your own products
Tips if you're buying products off-the-shelf
Confirm that you're buying from a manufacturer rather than a trading company
Have a manufacturing agreement

38:18 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Get help to source suppliers and products from Sofeast * 8 Elements of a Low-Risk Supply Chain in China [Webinar] * How To Push a Chinese or Vietnamese Supplier for Supply Chain Transparency * How To Qualify A Contract Manufacturer Or Component Supplier [Podcast] * Developing New Products? Which Suppliers Are The Right Fit For You? * Have You Revised your Supply Chain Risk Analysis? * 6 Steps and 1 Key To Reduce Subcontracting Risks in China

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:

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In this episode... We’re diving back into our series of episodes on how to do your own sourcing from China, from finding suppliers, getting the products manufactured, and through to post-cooperation soft skills such as building rapport with them, following up on production, and today’s topic: Improving the product quality that you’re getting from your now current supplier with 6 tips and best practices from Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran.

Who doesn't want better product quality from existing manufacturers, right?

By the way, this is part 8 of this series, and if you want to go back and listen to every earlier part of this series check out the links below.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & Introduction

02:29 - Are product defects impossible to avoid?

Some advice for getting towards zero defects (with low/no capital investment)

07:53 - The supplier needs to be incentivised to care about quality

10:54 - Tip 1: Beware of batch and queue

15:57 - Tip 2: Local management needs to build up a disciplined culture

21:06 - Tip 3: Getting operators to do some QC work

26:23 - Tip 4: Implement a usability engineering approach & mistake-proofing

31:35 - Tip 5: Clear work instructions & staff training

37:18 - Tip 6: Process controls

41:54 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Part 1: Good Fit, Sourcing, Vetting, & Backups [Podcast] * Part 2: Negotiations, Terms, Leverage, & Quality Standards [Podcast] * Part 3: Project Management & Checking Quality Early [Podcast] * Part 4: Final Inspections [Podcast] * Part 5: Building Rapport [Podcast] * Part 6: Hands-on or hands-off buyer? [Podcast] * Part 7: How To Develop Your Chinese Supplier? [Podcast] * Quality Assurance In China Or Vietnam For Beginners [eBook] 👈 Download for free * Many more blog posts about quality * The Sofeast group's own contract manufacturing subsidiary: Agilian Technology

These resources will also help you understand how to build relationships with suppliers or improve (or end) those that you already have:

Get help to find a good manufacturer in China with this free eBook
When a relationship turns sour with a Chinese supplier

And, if all else fails and you need to ditch your current supplier and switch to a new one...

How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:

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In this episode... Our CEO Renaud is joined by another special guest, Belinda Jacobs founder of Techpacks.co, a company that has been helping soft goods designers and brands improve production & decrease waste, through tech packs since 2016.

On the podcast we have often discussed electrical and mechanical products, but how do you develop and bring new apparel to the market? Who better to help Renaud explain than Belinda who's an expert in the field! Together they explain what tech packs are and go through the apparel development and production process step by step pointing out best practices and potential pitfalls along the way.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & Introduction to today's topic.

01:07 - Belinda's background and business, Techpacks.co

02:58 - What are tech packs?

05:51 - Do apparel manufacturers have the tendency to skip a lot of pre-production steps and rush straight into mass production unless they're told very clearly what actions to take beforehand by the customer?

The apparel development steps one by one 08:42 - Initial design.

09:53 - Why using another brand's garment as a basis for yours is dangerous.

12:52 - What comes first? Sizing, or an initial sample from the supplier for you to check the look of the garment?

14:18 - After your preliminary plan, the importer asks the manufacturer to prepare some elements. What are they?

17:18 - How do designers communicate their ideas for colors to the manufacturer, and what do they give you for approval?

20:08 - The manufacturer has produced a sample in the right style, color, and fit, what's the next step?

21:44 - Full size set samples. Needed, or not?

24:02 - When do labelling and packing need to be documented and confirmed?

27:26 - What's the best way to communicate with suppliers once you start working with them?

29:34 - At what point will importers feel confident to pay the downpayment and start mass production?

33:07 - What are 'TOP samples?'

36:01 - Summary: The garment development process that designers need to keep in mind

39:53 - Wrapping up and how to contact Belinda and Techpacks.co

Related content... * What does CMT (Cut, Make & Trim) mean? * Some Problems Can’t Be Detected During Apparel QC Inspections * Auditing Cut & Sew Processes for Garment Manufacturing * How The Gap Increases Speed in their Apparel Supply Chain * 3 Basic Guidelines for Garment Quality Assurance in China * Implement a Production Monitoring Program for Apparel in China, India, & Vietnam from Sofeast where our experts handle the development and production steps described in this episode locally. * Get help from Sofeast to assure your apparel production starts with lower risks with a Pre-Production Meeting.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:

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In this episode... Our CEO Renaud is joined by a special guest in this episode, Andrew Hupert, a cross-cultural management and communication expert, coach, and trainer who spent 10+ years in China, is currently based in Mexico, and also creates a podcast you should check out: Globalism 2.0.

They discuss why companies are starting to leave China, in particular, American companies, where they're going, and why Western companies need to start thinking about diversifying supply chains rather than focusing on China alone. Andrew also gives some helpful insight into the business environment of Mexico and why it is a candidate for near-shoring supply chains for some American and Canadian companies.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & Introduction to today's topic.

03:04 - Andrew's background.

04:21 - What is 'Globalism 2.0?'

13:29 - What is a bad scenario in the next few years that companies who manufacture products in China for sale in the USA need to plan for?

21:59 - Is there a timetable where the situation between China and the US becomes very hard for importers?

22:57 - Implementing China +1 and going further.

26:27 - Is Vietnam a potential China alternative?

29:56 - Have a lot of companies selling into the USA & Canada already near-shored their supply chains into Mexico?

33:15 - What's the relationship between Mexico and China?

40:22 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Read Andrew's book: The Fragile Bridge: Conflict Management in Chinese Business * Follow Andrew on LinkedIn to read his latest posts * Listen to Andrew's podcast, Globalism 2.0 * Why Your Product’s Final Assembly Should Be Close To Its Key Components * When Should American Companies Reshore Manufacturing Or Stay In China? * How To Diversify Manufacturing Sources Out of China and Cut Risk * Nearshoring To Mexico. An Alternative To China? [Podcast]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:

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In this episode... Renaud answers 3 great questions that came in from our listeners, assisted by Adrian from the Sofeast team.

He'll cover how to communicate fabric quality to suppliers, tactics for coping with US tariffs on China-made goods, and strategies to cope with volatile material costs today.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & Introduction

01:43 - "How to communicate the quality of materials/fabrics you want to buy to your supplier..? There are qualitative aspects that are outside a fabric spec description."

13:02 - How to minimize tariffs on China-made goods imported to the USA under our brand?

24:58 - Any tactics for handling volatile material and shipping costs today?

32:03 - Is China as affected by energy cost rises as other regions right now?

34:32 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Plastic, Silicone, Steel, and Others: Updated China Raw Materials Costs (Late Feb ’22) * Rising Raw Material Prices: What Strategy To Follow? (6 Approaches) * How To Cooperate With Your Chinese Supplier, Part 16: Bad News from China, Raw Material Prices Just Increased! * How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... In order for your manufacturer to truly understand what you expect from them a quality standard for your product is required. This lays out how the product should look, its components and materials, what defects are and aren't acceptable (if any), its color, and so many other important aspects that Renaud will go into here.

There are different levels of quality standards, from most basic to advanced...you'll see how they all fit together to keep everyone aligned and reduce quality problems from the start of your cooperation with the supplier.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & Introduction

01:03 - What are quality standards?

07:51 - Does every importer implement a clear standard?

10:41 - 1. The golden sample.

16:20 - 2. Specifications sheet.

27:13 - 3. Defect board.

29:23 - 4. Boundary samples.

34:37 - How to handle and keep physical samples safe?

38:19 - Avoiding different conclusions being drawn during inspections by confirming the measurement system to be used, etc.

41:57 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Product specifications template for importers in China [FREE download] * Documenting Your Company’s Quality Standard into the Details * Is your China factory’s quality standard too low? * Golden Sample: Why You Need It Before Mass Production Starts * Why Is A Pre-Production Sample So Important? [Podcast] * Quality Control Plan: Defining Expectations Before Production * Product quality inspections in China/Asia [solutions from Sofeast]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... A few episodes ago we put a call out to listeners for questions about manufacturing, especially in China, that they'd like Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran to answer.

One particularly good question that would require too long an answer for just one section of an episode was:

What checklist of activities does an importer need to perform when ending business relationships with a Chinese contract manufacturer?

So, in this episode, Renaud takes you through what happens if you decide to leave your Chinese supplier, including reasons why you'd need to, how to manage the process, and some of the typical actions that need to be taken (in a kind of checklist).

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & Introduction

01:47 - Why can starting the process to leave your Chinese supplier be tricky?

06:29 - Reasons why you might decide to leave a supplier.

19:49 - Why the difficulty of doing business with Chinese suppliers these days may force some businesses to move away from even good suppliers.

21:26 - How to manage the process of moving production out of one factory in China to another?

27:31 - How to onboard your new manufacturer?

30:09 - What to do about your tooling?

36:21 - Lying to a supplier to ease a move. Yes, or no?

38:39 - What activities should we plan to do when transferring production from one supplier to a new one?

40:57 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * 7 Reasons To Switch To A New Chinese Manufacturer * Tips to Manage the Transfer of Production To Another Chinese Factory * How To Plan for Transferring Production To a New Factory: 45 Point Checklist * Get help to find a good manufacturer in China with this free eBook * When a relationship turns sour with a Chinese supplier * How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Many importers are new to sourcing from China so we've been creating a mini-series of episodes that explores the sourcing process with advice and best practices from Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran.

In this series of episodes, we’re exploring how to do your own sourcing from China, from finding suppliers for your products to getting them made.

Last time in episode 98 we discussed how to follow up on ongoing production and what it means to be a hands-on or hands-off buyer, and continuing on with soft skills like this we’re now at the point where we’re working with a supplier who’s doing our manufacturing for us in China (or elsewhere in Asia), and the question is: how to develop them for better performance and results, and what sort of results should we be aiming for? This is where implementing a development program comes into it!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & Introduction

02:20 - What is supplier development and is it overlooked by buyers?

Next, we'll go into what a supplier development program includes:

08:36 - 1. Selecting suppliers with the right profile.

12:43 - 2. Helping the supplier during product development and new productions.

17:09 - How phases 1 & 2 are connected to being a hands-on buyer and building rapport with the supplier.

18:44 - 3. Ensure your quality standard is met.

27:34 - Proactive approaches. 4. Targeting low-hanging fruits (small projects for quick wins).

33:05 - 5. Reorganizing manufacturing and/or supply chain processes.

38:51 - Summarizing what a supplier development plan is.

40:46 - When is supplier development worthwhile over switching suppliers and starting again?

41:45 - Why we started our own contract manufacturing subsidiary to embody the best practices discussed here.

43:21 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Part 1: Good Fit, Sourcing, Vetting, & Backups [Podcast] * Part 2: Negotiations, Terms, Leverage, & Quality Standards [Podcast] * Part 3: Project Management & Checking Quality Early [Podcast] * Part 4: Final Inspections [Podcast] * Part 5: Building Rapport [Podcast] * Part 6: Hands-on or hands-off buyer? [Podcast] * Developing a Chinese Supplier * The Sofeast group's own contract manufacturing subsidiary: Agilian Technology

These resources will also help you understand how to build relationships with suppliers or improve (or end) those that you already have:

Get help to find a good manufacturer in China with this free eBook
When a relationship turns sour with a Chinese supplier

And, if all else fails and you need to ditch your current supplier and switch to a new one...

How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined by Adrian from the team to explain how to set up a receiving quality inspection on incoming components or materials that will be used by your factory or manufacturer to produce your products.

We've all heard the saying: "Garbage in, garbage out." This principle applies to manufacturing. So by conducting a receiving quality inspection, we assure that the components going into our products reach our expectations and reduce the chances of quality and reliability issues occurring in the finished products.

Keep listening to understand what the inspection is and how to set it up...

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

01:02 - Covid in China.

06:28 - What is a receiving quality inspection?

14:11 - Benefits a receiving inspection provides.

16:16 - Some observations about why receiving inspections are needed.

19:22 - How a receiving inspection is made up (5 parts).

21:55 - 1. How to define receiving inspection requirements?

23:59 - 2. How to focus on the most important criteria (most critical parts and the highest risk)?

26:39 - 3. What incoming inspection procedure to follow?

31:13 - 4. How to report the findings?

33:08 - 5. How to drive improvement in the supplier base?

35:41 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Product Inspection Solutions In China & Asia (from Sofeast) * How A Material Review Board (MRB) Works & Why YOUR Factory Needs One * How to set up a Receiving Inspection: Checklist, Procedure, Reporting form * Use a Corrective Action Plan after a Failed Inspection

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:

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In this episode... To celebrate our 100th episode Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran takes questions from our listeners and answers as many as possible in this special episode.

100 episodes is an important milestone and we're so glad that listeners enjoy the podcast and find it helpful, so thanks for the kind comments in your emails!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introduction.

01:50 - Should importers be worried about Chinese supply chains in relation to the Russian invasion and its sanctions?

06:56 - What inspection level is needed for medical devices? (AQL limits).

10:19 - How to improve the quality of products being purchased from China? The bikes and office furniture we buy keep breaking!

18:13 - Any tactics to deal with volatile costs these days?

25:02 - How to work with Chinese suppliers without being ripped off?

30:10 - How can I be sure that the product quality is as expected if I'm not in China to supervise the order myself?

38:34 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * The Impacts of Russia Sanctions on International Trade & Logistics * What is the AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit)? An exhaustive guide * Manufacturing Contract: Fear And Its Impact On Payment Terms * Factory audits * Product inspections

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined once again by our head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, and this time they're giving an overview of 12 things that a company can optimize for when designing and developing a new product. These include 'Design for Manufacturing,' Design for Assembly,' and many more. So, what are the DfX principles, what are their benefits if adopted by designers, and which could be right for you to focus on? Keep listening...

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic of DfX.

02:30 - 1. Design for Short Development & Time to Market.

05:16 - 2. Design for Crowdfunding.

08:13 - 3. Design for Manufacturing (DFM).

10:29 - 4. Design for Assembly (DFA).

13:35 - DFM & DFA tips for product designers to keep in mind.

19:19 - The rise of modularization.

25:04 - 5. Design for Quality & 6. Design for Testing

32:37 - 7. Design for Packaging.

35:45 - 8. Design for Reliability

45:12 - 9. Design for Maintainability.

49:15 - 10. Design for Ease of use/Ergonomics.

49:35 - 11. Design for Fewer SKUs.

50:20 - 12. Design for Sustainability.

51:02 - Which DfX principles are crucial?

51:55 - How to implement DfX?

53:58 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * Design for Distribution (DFD) * Design to Cost (DTC) * Design for Manufacturing (DFM) * Design for Quality (DFQ) * Design For Sustainability * Design For Crowdfunding (Kickstarter & Indiegogo) * Design For Assembly (DFA) * Design for Distribution: What Hardware Startups Need To Know

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:

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In this series of episodes, we’re exploring how to do your own sourcing from China, from finding suppliers for your products to getting them made.

We’ve moved onto soft skills, and last time in episode 92 we spoke about building rapport with your suppliers. Now, we’re going to look at how closely to follow production - either closely as a hands-on buyer, or with more distance as a hands-off buyer. Either approach might benefit you, but it depends on a number of factors, such as product type, the volume of SKUs being purchased, whether or not you're developing a new product from scratch, and more.

Listen and decide if you'd be better served by being more hands-on or hands-off.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & quick mention of Covid in China

01:42 - Introducing the topic: How closely to follow production?

02:41 - What is a hands-off buyer?

08:33 - Buyers who should be more hands-on, but aren't, and the risks they face

11:29 - What is the typical sourcing process for hands-off buyers?

17:59 - What is a hands-on buyer?

23:32 - Benefits of being hands-on.

30:06 - Is there a risk of the supplier taking advantage of long-term customers who're reliant on them?

35:10 - Wrapping up.

These resources will also help you understand how to build relationships with suppliers or improve (or end) those that you already have:

Get help to find a good manufacturer in China with this free eBook
When a relationship turns sour with a Chinese supplier

And, if all else fails and you need to ditch your current supplier and switch to a new one...

How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:

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In this episode... Renaud is back with a bonus episode about the Covid situation in China. Since our last episode, the situation has gotten a lot more serious and there are lockdowns all around China, including in some major manufacturing cities and provinces, including Guangdong, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Changchun (to name but a few).

Until now supply chains probably haven't been affected so much, but now factories are being shuttered, staff are at home, and deliveries and shipments can't take place. Add this to the sanctions on Russia, and times are getting complicated.

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

00:52 - The uncertain situation. Have the figures been accurate?

02:05 - Shenzhen has been locked down, here's what we know.

04:28 - Focus on South China (including Hong Kong)

08:08 - Can the government contain the outbreaks and what's the impact on manufacturing?

14:14 - Other areas and cities around China's North facing restrictions.

16:06 - How these lockdowns will impact importers, especially logistics.

21:34 - Ports in China and shipping are at particular risk of disruption by Covid cases.

22:37 - Wrapping up.

Related content... Here are some related posts:

The Impacts of Russia Sanctions on International Trade & Logistics
China Massive Lockdowns (March 22): The Domino Effect In Full Force
Supply Chain Risk Reduction Strategies [Presentation]
How Blending Off-site & On-site QA Activities Helps You Reach Your Objectives

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In this episode... Renaud and Adrian are back to discuss 'Cradle to Cradle' product design. Sustainability is in the media a lot these days as we have global instability from Covid and war causing energy, material, and shipping cost increases (among others) and climate change and environmental damage becoming more serious leading to the need to reduce carbon emissions as well as lowering the amount of hazardous waste produced.

So, traditional products that become waste at the end of their lifecycles are starting to be replaced by more sustainable ones, and one of the most sustainable product design concepts is C2C that, theoretically, stops products from becoming waste at all.

Sit back and listen as we discuss the history of manufacturing, how it has evolved to become 'less bad' in the late 20th Century and now more sustainable in the early 21st, what's included in C2C certification, how to design Cradle to Cradle products, and the pros & cons of following this approach.

However, as the Covid situation in China becomes more serious, we start by checking in on how this could be affecting supply chains and the situation on the ground there...

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introduction to the topic.

01:47 - The Covid situation in China and Hong kong.

07:45 - How we got from unsustainable (take/make/waste) to more sustainable (cradle to grave) manufacturing.

15:08 - The move to fully sustainable (cradle to cradle) manufacturing due to the failure of recycling to be sustainable.

20:22 - Key features of the C2C ethos.

25:18 - How much can manufacturers do to increase their use of renewable energy?

27:20 - C2C certification.

33:54 - C2C product examples.

36:55 - What do product designers need to keep in mind when designing a C2C product?

41:15 - Benefits of C2C.

44:55 - Drawbacks of C2C.

49:16 - How Sofeast can help your businesses become more sustainable.

53:22 - Wrapping up.

Related content... Here are some related posts:

15 Key Eco Certifications For Green Manufacturers
Minimizing a Product’s ‘Cradle to Grave’ Environmental Impact
Designing New Products With A Cradle To Cradle Cycle In Mind
Sofeast Oil Based Plastic Alternatives whitepaper
The Benefits Of Silicone As A Production Material And How It Compares To Common Plastics
What Items Are Recyclable?
What does biodegradable mean in the context of manufacturing?
Sustainable Manufacturing
What Does ‘Eco-Friendly’ Mean?
What does compostable mean in relation to manufacturing and packaging materials?
What Is Recommerce?
9 Types of Packaging (Benefits, Costs, Sustainability, and more)
Advantages of Bioplastics vs. Disadvantages: Memo for Product Designers
7 Negative Effects Of PVC And Other Environmentally Harmful Plastics
How Can Poor Quality & Reliability Products Affect Your Business? [Podcast]
C2C product certification - official site

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Renaud and Adrian speak about the current war in Ukraine as we reach about a week into Russia's invasion. How can large-scale wars like this affect global supply chains? Where does China come into it? Is the West likely to turn its back on China in a similar way as they have done with Russia in the future? Finally, Renaud leaves you with some tips to reduce supply chain risks by potentially not leaving all of your eggs in the China basket.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introduction.

01:15 - Some thoughts about the war in Ukraine.

04:26 - The speed of Western sanctions against Russia and their effects.

07:57 - Will sanctions on Russia affect China?

10:34 - Logistics costs.

12:28 - Could the decoupling happening to Russia happen to China, too?

17:24 - Is the risk of a sudden decoupling from China higher or lower now?

20:29 - What can be done to reduce supply chain risks in this time of instability?

25:06 - Wrapping up.

Related content... Here are some related posts:

Ukrainian invasions adds to chaos for global supply chains
A Guide to Fast-Moving Russian Sanctions and Export Controls
You may check up-to-date information on the war in Ukraine on Reuters
Supply Chain Risk Reduction Strategies [Presentation]
Supply Chain Risk Management, Part 1: What are VUCA and Black Swans?
Supply Chain Risk Management, Part 2: The Business Continuity Plan
Supply Chain Risk Management, Part 3: A Purchaser Supply Chain KPI Scorecard’s Benefits
Supply Chain Risk Management, Part 4: How Much Inventory Do You Need?
Supply Chain Risk Management, Part 5: Moving Manufacturing to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, or India (Pros & Cons)

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In this episode... Andy Bartlett, an experienced UK-based product designer, joins Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran on the podcast once again. Following on from a recent episode where Andy introduced industrial design and how to work with designers, this time they break down the ID process (with a focus on electro-mechanical products being made by startups and SMEs) into 6 detailed 'phases' and Andy explains each drawing from his own long experience. This will be helpful for anyone who's currently developing a new product and will need to work with an industrial designer as you will understand roughly how the process will work.

Apologies for any occasional tapping sounds during this recording 😉 🙏

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introduction.

03:22 - What does the ID process typically include?

There are 6 phases:

Clarification of needs
Early discovery
Initial concepts
Focus on 1 concept
Detailed aesthetics
Handover & follow up

04:38 - Clarification of needs.

16:29 - Early discovery.

19:19 - Initial concepts.

33:57 - Focus on 1 concept.

41:29 - Handover & follow up.

43:07 - Detailed aesthetics.

45:17 - Follow up once the product is being developed.

47:36 - Wrapping up.

Related content... Andy is a friend of the show and has been on a few times. You may remember him from shows about good project management of Chinese suppliers and NPI process best practices.

What Does An Industrial Designer Do? [Podcast]
Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer!
Why Product Reliability Testing Is A MUST During Product Design [Podcast]
A Product Designer’s Tips For New Product Launches
How Bad Product Design Leads to Many Quality Issues
Is Your New Product Design Ready for Manufacturing in China? [5 Questions]

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In this episode, Renaud and Adrian give a bonus update on the Covid situation across China as localized Omicron outbreaks lead to restrictions and difficulty moving in and out of affected areas.

Why is this important information for importers?

Some major manufacturing hubs are affected, including Shenzhen, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Suzhou. This could mean that your supply chain is affected as workers are quarantined. Alternatively, it may affect your ability to keep control over or in contact with your supply chain and visits such as factory audits and product inspections may need to be cancelled.

Restrictions are affecting logistics, too, as shipping to and from China is currently subjected to fairly strict quarantine procedures.

We also explain some of the ways that we've used at Sofeast to keep providing remote services such as inspections at times when access to manufacturers is not possible...these could be helpful for you if your supplier is in an affected area.

Related content... * How Blending Off-site & On-site QA Activities Helps You Reach Your Objectives * Get help from Sofeast to remotely audit a supplier's factory during times when auditors may not visit * Utilize an off-site product inspection to maintain control over product quality even if an inspector can't visit * 6 Advantages Of Conducting An Off-Site Product Inspection * Does Sofeast need to go on-site to audit a supplier?

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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Up until now, we have discussed hard skills in parts 1-4 (links below) such as how to identify suitable suppliers, arrange backups, negotiate terms, create your quality standard, manage your project, and inspect product quality.

But dealing with suppliers takes soft skills, too, and this is the area that Renaud and Adrian explore today as they discuss how to build rapport and relationships with Chinese suppliers and the benefits of doing so.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introduction

02:48 - Examples of 3 types of typical customer/supplier relationships

07:25 - Reciprocity for favors between suppliers and customers

10:18 - What are the inner and outer circles in Chinese relationships?

13:30 - Is it worth befriending your Chinese supplier to break into the inner circle?

16:04 - What is the concept of 'face?'

23:13 - Tips for how to build relationships with suppliers in China.

26:20 - How to be seen as a 'good customer?'

28:15 - Risks facing customers without a good relationship

31:31 - How to get better results from email communication?

33:22 - Wrapping up.

These resources will also help you understand how to build relationships with suppliers or improve (or end) those that you already have:

Get help to find a good manufacturer in China with this free eBook
When a relationship turns sour with a Chinese supplier
Relationships with Chinese suppliers: be clean!
Bad relationship with a Chinese supplier: just end it!

And, if all else fails and you need to ditch your current supplier and switch to a new one...

How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook]

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In this episode... Renaud is joined this week by two guests who both have decades of industry experience each: Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin who has a background in electrical engineering and a keen focus on product reliability, and Clive Greenwood a quality consultant at WWMG associates who is a Six Sigma Black Belt and has a special focus on medical devices and product compliance.

They'll be discussing the long-term costs of poor product quality and reliability, including some real product examples you've probably heard of, the negative effects of poor reliability and quality products hitting the market, how to prevent those issues when developing & making a product, and how to prevent those issues when building a quality management system.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & today's topic

01:16 - Clive & Andrew introductions and industry experience

03:59 - Some real-life examples of products that suffered from bad quality and reliability

11:17 - People often focus on quality, but not reliability. A mistake?

17:28 - How to make a reliable product and prevent quality & reliability issues?

27:27 - Where do design engineers go wrong?

34:34 - Compliance standards

37:22 - A list of typical costs of poor quality once a bad product hits the field

39:39 - The example of a defective toy and how it affected the brand

42:47 - The relationship between the design and quality & reliability teams

47:45 - Process risk analysis

50:51 - The 8D corrective action process

55:26 - Summary and conclusion

Related content... * What’s The Cost Of Quality? [Podcast] * How To Drive Your Chinese Suppliers To Improve Reliability * Your Cost of Poor Quality Is Higher Than You Think * How Bad Product Design Leads to Many Quality Issues * Sofeast product engineering solutions to help you develop a reliable and good quality product * Sofeast QA solutions for inspecting products and assuring compliance

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In this episode... Adrian from the Sofeast team catches up with a friend of the show, British product designer Andy Bartlett, to have a lively chat all about industrial design.

If you're bringing your new product idea to market you're going to need to work with an industrial designer to explore the idea and create designs that can actually be produced by a supplier in their factory. So let's get acquainted with some of the key aspects of industrial design here.

What is industrial design? What are the best practices followed by designers? What tools might they use and when? What role does CMF (color, material, finish) play in the design process? What do industrial designers need to know from you when you start working with them?

These and more questions will be answered by Andy, so keep listening to find out...

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings

00:59 - Today's topic

1:10 - Andy introduces himself and his experience as a product designer

02:16 - What is industrial design?

04:56 - When can/should you engage an industrial designer?

07:13 - What tools & processes will industrial designers use?

11:34 - Can you go into prototyping before finishing 3D designs?

13:24 - CMF: Color, Material, and Finishes

17:22 - Is it beneficial for industrial designers to specialize in one product type or have a broader experience?

19:14 - Why compromise is a useful skill for designers

21:11 - What information do industrial designers need from their clients at the start of an engagement and how to manage the customer's requirements?

28:57 - Tips about being a part of a multinational project (customer in one country, designer in another, production supplier in Asia)

33:33 - Wrapping up.

Related content... Andy has been on the show before, of course, and you may remember him from shows about good project management of Chinese suppliers and NPI process best practices.

Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer!
Why Product Reliability Testing Is A MUST During Product Design [Podcast]
A Product Designer’s Tips For New Product Launches
How Bad Product Design Leads to Many Quality Issues
Is Your New Product Design Ready for Manufacturing in China? [5 Questions]
Get help from Sofeast with a technical quality audit of your supplier

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud recently wrote this guest post on Harris Bricken's China Law Blog about the two main product development models importers will experience when sourcing a Chinese manufacturing partner. Today he goes deeper, joined by Adrian from the Sofeast team, and explains what they are in detail, why expectations about how most Chinese manufacturers will behave need to change, and their pros & cons to you if you're searching for a manufacturer right now. You'll learn which model to use, how to structure your relationship with a Chinese manufacturer, protect IP effectively, and much more...

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introduction

01:59 - Who does the product engineering design work?

08:16 - The 'Western Model' and its pros & cons

18:13 - The 'Chinese Model' and its pros & cons

33:03 - How do you select which model is better for your needs?

38:50 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * China Product Development Models and Risks [China Law Blog] * Exploring Product Development Agreements For Importers [Podcast] * OEM, ODM, Contract Manufacturers: Which Chinese Supplier To Choose? * IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide] * DIY Sourcing From China Part 1: Good Fit, Sourcing, Vetting, & Backups [Podcast] * Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer!

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In this episode... The NPI process constitutes a lot of time, money, and effort before your product is even ready for manufacturing. Some manufacturers rush into mass production without following an NPI process or by skipping some of its key phases. Sofeast's CEO Renaud and head of NPD (new product development) Andrew are going to revisit the NPI process and explain why skipping its phases is a terrible idea while illustrating the many risks you face if doing so.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introduction

01:11 - Looking back at one of our most popular older episodes about the NPI process

Episode 23: Analysing the (NPI) New Product Introduction Process & its Benefits is one of our all-time most popular episodes, and in it, Renaud went through our 6-phase NPI process for bringing your product from concept through to mass production.

02:53 - Today's focus: The risks of skipping the different NPI phases and rushing into production

04:16 - Concept/Idea & Documenting the requirements

10:05 - Feasibility study/Proof of concept

13:42 - Sourcing key components and materials early

19:40 - Getting feedback on the design before production

24:38 - In-depth testing during pre-production

30:20 - Pilot runs

34:56 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * NPI process summary * The New Product Introduction Process Guide for Hardware Startups [Guide] * FREE New Product Launch Roadmap [Excel spreadsheet + Video] * Why a feasibility study with suppliers saves time and prevents issues * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * Design for Manufacturing (DFM) * Design For Assembly (DFA) * Don’t Skip the Pilot Run for Your New Product Made in China! * Get help with sourcing from Sofeast * Get help from Sofeast with your new product introduction

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In this episode... NNN agreements are important legal tools importers should use to protect their IP. Renaud chats with Adrian about what they are, what does and doesn't make sense, and some of the common errors made with them that could leave you with an unenforceable agreement and no protection at all!

First, though, they kick off by examining the increasing Covid cases and their effect on supply chains in China as of Mid-January 2022...

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introduction

01:10 - Exploring the worsening Covid situation across China.

11:45 - What is an NNN agreement?

18:40 - What do importers often get wrong when drafting and using NNN agreements?

34:46 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * China’s hard-line COVID-zero response to Omicron could trigger supply-chain chaos [Fortune] * Will A China NNN Agreement Protect Us If We Start Assembling Products There? * How Far Does An NNN Agreement Need To Go To Protect Your IP In China? * Misguided Legal Advice Given to Startups in China: 8 Examples * IP Protection For Importers Developing & Manufacturing Products In China [Sofeast Free Guide]

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In part 3 of the series, we discussed how to manage your project with your outsourced manufacturer and the role of inspections during the production process.

Now, the production is all but over and your shipment date approaches, but there's one final step before shipping: performing a final inspection. This represents your chance to check the quantity, finished product quality, packaging and labelling, and more, in order to avoid any poor quality products being shipped with no chance to make changes once they arrive with you. Let's explore this important inspection here...

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introduction into where we are in the series and today's topic: final inspections.

02:30 - What are the risks of letting products ship without performing a final inspection?

11:04 - What is a final inspection?

16:18 - When are final inspections usually performed, and why?

19:02 - Where should the final inspection take place and who does it?

24:11 - Why it's a very busy time period for inspections just before Chinese New Year.

25:51 - What are the unique benefits of a final inspection in comparison to earlier product inspections?

31:51 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Final Random Inspection: A Guide For Importers * Timing for a final random inspection * Final product inspections: should the whole order be ready? * Sourcing from China 101, Part 10: Always Verify Quality Before Shipment * DIY Sourcing From China Part 3: Project Management & Checking Quality Early [Podcast] * DIY Sourcing From China Part 2: Negotiations, Terms, Leverage, & Quality Standards [Podcast] * DIY Sourcing From China Part 1: Good Fit, Sourcing, Vetting, & Backups [Podcast] * Explore, get costs, and book your Final Random Inspection from Sofeast.

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In this episode... Renaud recaps some of 2021's biggest stories for manufacturers, especially those with Chinese supply chains, with Adrian from the team.

It's been one tough year with Covid, supply chain issues, material cost rises, and so much more pushing us all to the limit. So what did Renaud make of it all, and what are his predictions for 2022?

In addition, we also give you an insight into Sofeast's different business units' activities and achievements during 2021, some of our plans for next year, and recap our top podcast episodes and some key content you may have missed.

Show Sections 00:00 - New Year Greetings

01:25 - Covid 19.

03:48 - The supply chain crisis.

05:04 - Just-in-time being replaced by just-in-case.

07:13 - Tensions between China and other countries.

09:56 - Diversifying supply chains out of China.

13:59 - The 'exodus' of manufacturers from China. Real, or over-hyped?

17:02 - Predictions for 2022?

22:00 - What has Sofeast been up to in 2021?

31:56 - 5 top episodes of the podcast in 2021. These 5 episodes were the most popular with you all this year.

Jon Monroe | How Did Sea Freight End Up In Such An Expensive Mess In 2021?
3 Quality Control Plans & Why They’re Needed BEFORE Production
The Many Benefits Of Preventive Maintenance
Analysing the (NPI) New Product Introduction Process & its Benefits
Manufacture in China, Vietnam, India, or Elsewhere in 2021?

37:51 - A few suggestions for great pieces of content we've created in 2021 that you may have missed. We create regular content on our resources center. Take a look if you haven't already. Notably, our IP Protection guide for companies who're developing new products and manufacturing in China, our guide to 9 types of packaging, their pros & cons, costs, and green credentials, and our white papers on bioplastics, printing processes used in manufacturing, benefits of silicone, and more.

42:13 - Wrapping up ~ happy new year to all of our listeners! 🎉

Related content... * Off-site factory audits * Off-site product inspections * When Is Product IP Most At Risk From Copycats? [Podcast] * Omicron and supply chains: Buckle up * Want even more content? Read Sofeast’s Top 10 Blog Posts Of 2021

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In this episode... Your host Renaud is joined once again by Andrew Amirnovin, our head of New Product Development at Sofeast, to discuss the 3 elements a factory (yours or your supplier's) needs to get right in order for you to get good manufacturing performance. This would result in the results we want in the longer term: good product quality, costs in line with our expectations, fast delivery times, and safe products.

If you feel that your supplier can improve any of the above, for example, then this episode will be helpful in providing you with guidance about where changes need to be made based on Renaud and Andrew's decades of experience and real learnings from our projects over the years with Sofeast clients in China, Vietnam, India, and other areas of Asia.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introducing Andrew

01:50 - Explaining today's topic - the elements needed for good manufacturing performance.

03:45 - A quick overview of the 3 elements: An effective management system, manufacturing processes under control, and well-designed products properly transferred to manufacturing.

05:49 - 1. The management system.

19:36 - 2. Running manufacturing processes following best practices.

29:00 - 3. Well-designed products that are properly transferred to manufacturing.

44:07 - Conclusion: What you need in place to have good manufacturing.

45:19 - Wrapping up

Related content... * The 7 Most Common New Product Launch Pitfalls in China * Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer! * A Product Designer’s Tips For New Product Launches * How Many Product Samples Do We Really Need To Test For Reliability And Compliance? * Why Product Reliability Testing Is A MUST During Product Design [Podcast] * The 'Three-Legged Stool' Approach For Superior Manufacturing Results [Video] * Listen to our supplier vetting podcast series [Podcast] * Get help to audit your suppliers from Sofeast * Get help from Sofeast to design, develop, validate, and manufacture your new product

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Fresh from a very popular episode about why the American supply chain has been crumbling in 2021, East-Coast supply chain and logistics expert, Marshall Taplits founder of Ship It Done, joins our CEO and host, Renaud, on the pod again to discuss some of the latest e-commerce trends in the USA with a focus on Amazon.

Many importers are selling online on Amazon, so if Jeff Bezos' giant platform is an important part of your business model, understanding where they're going in 2021 and 2022 will be helpful to assist you to make smart decisions. You may be surprised about the costs, but Marshall also gives some helpful advice about building a solid brand without needing to rely on Amazon alone.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introducing Marshall Taplits & Ship It Done

02:10 - TREND 1: The share of products being sold by e-commerce is increasing.

06:17 - Does e-commerce's market share seem unlikely to go down now?

09:03 - TREND 2: E-commerce sellers going 'omnichannel' to reduce reliance on just one platform, such as Amazon.

15:44 - Is FBM or FBA cheaper/preferable for Amazon vendors?

19:34 - How Amazon are making a killing from FBA.

21:24 - Are Amazon starting to become another UPS or FedEx?

24:31 - TREND 3: Companies are paying more attention to being eco-friendly.

29:08 - TREND 4: Augmented reality being used to improve how shoppers can visualize products on e-commerce.

31:43 - TREND 5: Amazon competing against its own resellers.

34:39 - TREND 6: Compliance checks hotting up.

38:37 - Wrapping up

Related content... * How To Choose The Right 3PL Logistics Company? * How To Dropship From China? * Why Amazon FBA Prep Should Be Done In China (Not The West) * How Amazon FBA Sellers Should Control Quality in China * France bans Wish * Amazon selling 'illegal and unsafe' toys before Christmas * Exploring Product Safety & Reliability Issue Liability [Podcast]

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In this episode... In episode 65 we discussed the different supplier options open to buyers who’re sourcing from China. One of the options is to do the sourcing yourself. Many importers want to pursue this, so we're creating a mini-series of episodes that explores the sourcing process from China with tips and best practices from Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran.

In part 2 of the series (episode 75), we went through the terms you need to negotiate with your chosen supplier, how to keep leverage over them, and how and why to clearly describe what you actually want from them at the pre-production stage.

Now we're ready to start production, but how do you manage the project and keep control over product quality before the goods are ready for shipping? Find out here...

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

02:51 - When we're working with a Chinese supplier, will they provide a dedicated member of staff to manage your order/project?

10:07 - What can very large companies like Apple expect from their suppliers in China?

12:40 - Why it's YOUR job to drive the project and get your contact to follow up.

14:05 - What penalties can be enforced to keep suppliers in line?

22:10 - What are the production tracking best practices that professional buyers follow?

30:44 - Are WeChat/Skype/Email effective for managing projects?

32:04 - What issues can be found and fixed if you perform quality inspections early on in production?

34:54 - When can we send an inspector during production and what difference does the timing make?

40:04 - What happens if a problem/s is found?

43:48 - How is the 1:10:100 ratio related to taking action on problems early?

49:20 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Project Management of Your Orders * Check Quality Early In Production * How A DFQ Review Designs Quality INTO Your Product At An Early Stage [Podcast] * How Many Product Samples Do We Really Need To Test For Reliability And Compliance? * A Product Designer’s Tips For New Product Launches * Why New Product Development of Electronics Takes So Long * Get help from Sofeast: Product quality inspections * Video playlist for checking steel properties

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In this episode... Chinese New Year is approaching and at the time of recording in late November importers really need to be preparing for the disruption that occurs around this time of year!

When is CNY 2022, what disruption does it cause to your supply, and what can/should you do to prepare for and mitigate the negative effects of this difficult time period where the stability of supply and product quality often take a downward turn?

Find out in this episode..!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introduction

01:21 - When is Chinese New Year 2022?

02:26 - To avoid the disruption of CNY, what are the first and second-best scenarios for importers getting their product manufactured in China right now?

05:04 - When do factories start 'winding down' and what causes this phenomenon?

11:42 - What causes a drop in factory staff after CNY?

16:17 - What happens to quality when a factory has to hire a lot of new staff post CNY?

20:44 - The effect of time pressure before CNY.

24:47 - Is there an increased risk of suppliers going out of business at this time of year?

29:57 - Planning for inventory.

32:57 - How can inspections protect importers around the CNY period?

35:59 - Wrapping up

Related content... * How To Handle Chinese New Year Manufacturing Disruptions? * Be Prepared for Many Chinese Factory Closures This Coming CNY * Chinese New Year: how to manage the disruption? * Get help with product inspections * Get help to keep control of your tooling

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In this episode... Anyone with an innovative product idea will understandably be worried about it being copied and sold on the market in competition with their own original product. To illustrate the dangers and some solutions, Renaud explores who might be the main risks to your product IP when developing and manufacturing a new product with Adrian from the team.

These actors may be either within or from outside of your supply chain, and they can strike either early on in the new product launch process or after your product has been on the market for a while.

Being forewarned is to be forearmed, so listen to and understand who these threats are and get some tips from Renaud to mitigate or avoid the risks altogether in order to keep your precious intellectual property as safe as possible.

This episode is based on just one chapter of our free new guide: IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide].

Here's a visual representation of the content we cover in this episode:

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introduction

00:58 - A chat about rising covid infections in China and what it might mean

05:37 - Today's topic - sources of risks to your product IP when developing and manufacturing it in China. This is based on this new guide from Sofeast: IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide].

06:36 - What kinds of products are most at risk of having their IP compromised and misused?

09:33 - What are the main risks to someone who's developing and manufacturing a new product? There are 4 situations to be aware of:

Being copied early from within your supply chain
Being copied early from outside of your supply chain
Being copied later from within your supply chain
Being copied later from outside of your supply chain

12:30 - (1). Who's at risk of copying us early from within our supply chain and what can be done to avoid it?

19:28 - Compartmentalizing the supply chain.

21:07 - Legal tools to prevent or mitigate being copied.

23:18 - (2). Who's at risk of copying us early from outside of our supply chain and what can be done to avoid it?

28:45 - Why copycat products can be made by companies anywhere, not just in China.

31:05 - The difference between copying a product idea and counterfeiting one.

34:01 - (3). Who's at risk of copying us later on from within our supply chain and what can be done to avoid it?

38:16 - (4). Who's at risk of copying us later on from outside of our supply chain and what can be done to avoid it?

41:27 - Patents as protection.

41:55 - Wrapping up

Related content... * IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide] * Can Getting To Market First Stop Copycats? [Podcast] * IP Infringement In China. What To Do If You’re A Victim? * Why The New Product Design & Introduction Process Is More Complex Than You May Think [Podcast] * How To Reduce Risks As Your Order Sizes Grow When Working With Chinese Manufacturers? * Chinese Copycats: A Real Problem For Entrepreneurs? * Will A China NNN Agreement Protect Us If We Start Assembling Products There?

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In this episode... Renaud is joined by Andrew Amirnovin, our head of New Product Development at Sofeast, to discuss the topic of reliability testing plans which is closely related to product design, as well-designed products don't fail in the field as they're designed to be reliable.

Some companies bringing products to market think that reliability comes during the product manufacturing phase, but in this episode, you'll hear why that isn't the case.

Andrew also gives some guidance on how to reduce reliability issues, what a reliability test plan should include, and the role of ongoing reliability testing after production starts.

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introducing Andrew

02:54 - What is product reliability and why is it important?

07:54 - How to reduce common reliability problems that occur after some time?

10:58 - Do companies take reliability testing very seriously in general?

12:04 - At what point in the NPD process should you start thinking about product reliability?

14:11 - What do we learn from testing prototypes to failure?

17:43 - Should the reliability test plan be changed while iterating prototypes?

21:10 - An example of corner-cutting: The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 'disaster.'

26:20 - Another example: The Boeing 737 Max.

27:49 - What is the role of ongoing reliability testing during production?

31:18 - Product reliability risks caused by having an extended supply chain.

32:38 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Do You Need a Customized Reliability Test Plan? * Product reliability FAQs * Product Design Reliability Drives User Safety * Life Test To Determine Product Reliability * Why Product Safety, Quality, and Reliability Are Tightly Linked * Exploring Product Safety & Reliability Issue Liability [Podcast] * Using Reliability Engineering for Designing a More Durable Product * How Many Product Samples Do We Really Need To Test For Reliability And Compliance? * Why Do Importers Need Product Reliability Testing? [Podcast] * Reliability Testing on Electronic Products in China: Don’t Skip It

Sofeast also provides you with reliability and durability testing for products and packaging so if this is something you need help with for products you’re developing and manufacturing in Asia, see if our service is suitable and get a quotation.

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In this episode... Renaud catches up with American supply chain and logistics expert, Marshall Taplits founder of Ship It Done a 3PL warehouse and e-commerce fulfillment center based on the East Coast, to talk about the difficult supply chain and logistics situation in the USA in the past couple of years. He answers: What's causing the logjams at ports? Is there a difference between East and West coast ports? Is transport overland or by air also problematic?

Marshall also sheds some light on how SMEs and e-commerce vendors can cope with the difficult situation, and some of the key challenges they face such as choosing between FBM and FBA and whether or not to ship nationally from one local warehouse.

There's been a lot of talk about how America's logistics system is broken in the media, so let's hear it from someone who's there working in this industry right now!

Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & introducing Marshall Taplits & Ship It Done

04:19 - What's causing the logjams at US ports, logistics to fail under the strain, and delays in getting products to customers? Is it as simple as, 'people have been buying more stuff due to lockdown?'

07:42 - The move to 'Just In Case' buying.

11:26 - Why is delivery to US ports being held up? Is simply it a lack of road and rail capacity to move goods away after delivery?

15:23 - Is the government likely to be able to bring about changes to improve the logistics situation?

17:37 - Could the 3-4 week break for manufacturers during Chinese New Year give the USA some much-needed breathing room to clear the excess goods and stabilize the supply chain situation?

23:41 - What can SMEs do to weather the storm, are there any workarounds?

27:20 - How about ports on the East Coast, are they less congested than California?

30:27 - What's the situation with air cargo?

31:41 - The difference between FBM and FBA and what frontloading by air means and their benefits for e-commerce vendors.

35:38 - Is it faster these days to send a container from China to California Long Beach or New York Elizabeth?

36:20 - When shipping FBM is it cheaper to post products locally within the US than longer distances?

39:04 - Wrapping up

Related content... * 3 Major Supply Chain Risks for FBA Sellers Importing from China * How To Choose The Right 3PL Logistics Company? * How To Dropship From China? * Why Amazon FBA Prep Should Be Done In China (Not The West) * How Amazon FBA Sellers Should Control Quality in China

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined by two guests, Clive Greenwood and Andrew Wilson of WWMG associates to discuss the topic of liability for product safety issues. There's commonly a disconnect between Chinese manufacturers and their foreign customers over who is liable for any problems, such as consumer injury, caused by the products that they worked on. It depends on a number of things, such as who has the design authority and who issues the design specifications, etc.

If you are importing products you really need to have a handle on liability, as the consequences could be extremely costly and uncomfortable.

The panel aim to get to the bottom of it here...

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

01:26 - When an American company, for example, works with a Chinese manufacturer to develop a new product, what do they expect the manufacturer to tell them?

05:00 - Product liability laws in the US & EU.

07:53 - How 'design authority' can be used to attribute liability.

12:09 - Post-DFMEA liability.

15:43 - Why letting your Chinese manufacturer 'help' develop a product could be a big mistake.

21:13 - Compliance for medical devices/products.

24:01 - Action items for companies who're designing a general consumer product to be manufactured in China.

31:58 - Product safety. What do we need to consider?

38:29 - Conclusion.

40:49 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Product Design Reliability Drives User Safety * Why Product Safety, Quality, and Reliability Are Tightly Linked * Buyers of Masks and other PPE: Are You Exposed to Serious Liability? * Would Liability Insurance Protect You when Buying Product from China? * If The EU MDR Is Product Compliance’s Future – Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid! [Podcast] * What Is Compliance Testing? [Podcast] * 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements * IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide] * EU MDR Compliance When Developing A New Medical Device: High-Level Steps [Guide] * Guide to vetting Chinese suppliers [Podcast series]

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran talks about the 'Right To Repair' movement and regulations that are starting to come into being here in late 2021 with Adrian from the team.

As sustainability is starting to permeate the public's consciousness, the mountains of e-waste produced each year are giving brands a bad name and upsetting customers. The right to repair aims to mitigate this problem.

What is the right to repair, why is it important, how could it affect manufacturers and electronic product design, and is it a headache or an opportunity for companies who're developing new electronic products?

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

01:38 - What is the right to repair?

09:21 - Why and where are we seeing right to repair legislation appearing?

12:54 - What is included in the right to repair regulation (EU version)?

15:11 - How some hard-to-repair products are more durable & reliable and benefits of this.

18:51 - Apple as an example of products where being hard to repair enhances their durability.

23:58 - How product design may change to embrace 'Design For Repair/Maintainability' in future and is it an opportunity?

27:05 - Can right to repair discourage planned obsolescence?

31:39 - Optimizing products and how this can make a designer's job tougher.

32:59 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Design New Products with ‘Right To Repair’ in Mind * The EU is giving citizens the “right to repair” electronics — here’s what that could mean for the world * The Design for X Approach: 12 Common Examples * What Are Design For Reliability (DFR) And Design For Maintenance? [Video] * Consumers and repair of products [EU parliament briefing]

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In part 1 of the series (episode 69), we looked at the early stage of sourcing where you find your potential suppliers, verify them, and cultivate backups once you’ve settled on a first choice.

Now, here in part 2, we’re going to explore the terms you need to negotiate with your chosen supplier, how to keep leverage over them, and how and why to clearly describe what you actually want from them at the pre-production stage.

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

02:20 - Why is it important to be organized and avoid looking too inexperienced when negotiating terms with a new supplier?

05:27 - What terms do you need to negotiate?

05:50 - The price of the goods
07:02 - Lead time
09:58 - Incoterms
10:53 - IP protection
12:11 - Transparency over the supply chain & access to the manufacturing site
15:35 - The quality standards
17:53 - Payment terms

24:29 - How to keep leverage over suppliers?

28:09 - What payment tools do we have to keep leverage?

35:36 - Keeping leverage over your tooling.

38:20 - Paying by letter of credit.

40:49 - In what ways should you describe what you're expecting to receive from your supplier?

49:13 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Negotiating With Chinese Suppliers: The Terms you Need to Discuss * How To Keep Leverage Over Suppliers * Pre-Production: Describing What You Want * 9 Things Small Importers Can’t Negotiate With Chinese & SE Asian Suppliers [Podcast] * Incoterms – what are they? * How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IP * IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide] * How to Pay Chinese Suppliers by T/T Payment (Bank Wire Transfer) * How to get a Chinese supplier to accept a letter of credit * How to move Plastic Injection Molds between China Factories [10 Tips] * Documenting Your Company’s Quality Standard into the Details

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In this episode... Sofeast CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined once again by the duo of Clive Greenwood who is a six sigma black belt with a focus on medical devices, quality, and operations, and Max Phythian a pure lean consultant who's worked for some of the largest names in the Auto industry. The three of them boast decades of experience in manufacturing around the world.

Today they're discussing the cost of quality, specifically of poor quality. You'll get answers to these questions: What does 'cost of poor quality' mean, where does it come from, what strategies can be followed to avoid it, and what's the most important thing to focus on first when working with a supplier who may not be too quality-focused? The panel all have their own thoughts on how to define the cost of quality and what it means to importers, so listen to their spirited conversation here.

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

01:40 - When we talk about the cost related in some way to quality we have prevention and appraisal, internal failures, and external failures. What do these mean?

07:51 - What's the ROI of investing in zero defects?

13:28 - What benefits does QA provide aside from cost reduction?

20:13 - Supplier quality management.

25:13 - Design For Quality (DFQ) and why quality is an investment.

28:50 - What does the customer need to do if a Chinese manufacturer is unsophisticated and has little awareness about quality?

44:03 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Your Cost of Poor Quality Is Higher Than You Think * Tips On How To Get Suppliers To Zero Defects [Podcast] * PDCA: Plan, Do, Check, Act * What Is A Quality Assurance Plan? * What Is Quality Assurance? * Design for Quality (DFQ) * How To Avoid Damaging After Sales Quality Problems * Documenting Your Company’s Quality Standard into the Details

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran explores the power cuts around China that seem to be getting worse at the time of recording in late September 2021 and are affecting the manufacturing industry and many supply chains around the country.

He answers the following questions:

Why is there a power crunch in China?
What its effects are on manufacturing and importers?
What importers can do to cope with this?

Show Sections 00:00 - Introduction.

01:28 - What is happening in China to cause power cuts and restrictions?

05:32 - Why is the manufacturing sector specifically so impacted by the power crunch?

07:28 - What are the reasons behind this power crunch in China?

18:59 - What can importers with Chinese supply chains do to mitigate the worst effects?

21:29 - Conclusion: What to make of it all and when could it go on until?

Related content... * What's behind the power crunch in China [Explainer] - Reuters * China's booming export economy in late 2021 - Yahoo! News * Beijing’s December 2020 decree to bring emissions under control - Reuters * Olympic Blue skies - Bloomberg * China stockpiling coal - SPGlobal.com * China’s power crisis puts squeeze on Apple’s supply chain, electronics manufacturing sector - SCMP * Growing demand for and high costs of raw materials and components in China * 5 Challenges Faced By Importers With Asian Supply Chains Going Into 2022 [Podcast] * Exploring Why Sea Freight Is So Expensive In Summer ’21 [Podcast]

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran discusses if getting to market first before your competitors have a chance to copy your new product idea when manufacturing in China is worthwhile with Adrian from the team.

A recent China Law Blog article outlined why the perceived benefits of getting to market quickly are actually a fallacy, especially if corners have been cut in the name of speed when it comes to IP protection.

Who is out to copy your unique idea? When can getting to market first be considered a valid approach? What sorts of IP protection activities are advisable? Is building buzz about your new product before launching a great idea or a risky error?

You'll get answers to these questions and more in this episode!

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

00:31 - Current China/Hong Kong Covid-19 situation, quarantine, and visas.

05:41 - What is the 'First To Market Argument?'

11:20 - Is being first to market always beneficial?

12:21 - The importance of strong IP protection.

13:40 - Does it make sense for low profile products to get to market quickly and deal with IP protection later? (This concept was discussed in episode 71 by Renaud and Andy Bartlett).

18:55 - What should higher profile product launches do?

21:07 - The 2 main IP infringement risks you face.

Your own manufacturer will copy your product and place it on the market first before you.
Copycat companies will notice your product's signs of success and market traction and copy you.

28:06 - Why creating a lot of buzz about your new product before it goes to market can be dangerous.

35:48 - How to combat being copied?

38:41 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Why the new product development process is more complex than you may think [Podcast] * Read various blog posts about IP protection on Sofeast.com * China Manufacturing and the First to Market Fallacy [on China Law Blog] * Are Shenzhen Manufacturers Innovators or Copycats? * Making a hard-to-copy product in China * New Product Launch: Taking Shortcuts vs. Preventing Risks * How & why to create a valid China manufacturing contract [Podcast]

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined by experienced British product designer Andy Bartlett to discuss the NPI process and product design best practices for new and unique products, and the disconnect between expectations and reality of many entrepreneurs or companies who are inexperienced in developing new products.

Andy brings a product designer's point of view to show and he and Renaud explore some of the most critical product design and development stages, why they're so important, some examples of products that had issues and why, and certain mistakes to avoid for product development rookies.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

02:11 - What is the disconnect between expectation and reality when developing a new product and why might this happen?

08:36 - Why the early design work is critical as it determines so much of later work in the project.

10:51 - An example of a poorly designed product that negatively affected the whole NPI project.

15:16 - Getting to the answer "NO."

20:03 - The key takeaways about early design work.

21:35 - Getting to prototypes quickly (agile product development).

28:04 - Common mistakes that can cause problems once mass production starts.

36:26 - An example of what happens to you if your product causes injury or death. 38:31 - Benefits of going to market with a Minumum Viable Proposition.

40:20 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Why New Product Development of Electronics Takes So Long * Look out for feature creep when developing a new product * What is agile design when developing a new product? * Prototyping Process To Test & Refine a New Product Design * What Are The New Product Development Deliverables? [Podcast] * Analysing the (NPI) New Product Introduction Process & its Benefits [Podcast] * Why Pilot Runs Are A 'Must-Do' When Launching New Products [Podcast] * NPI Process (New Product Introduction) * The New Product Introduction Process For Hardware Startups [Guide] * Learn more about the supersonic Concorde airliner

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined by Adrian from the team and they go through what deliverables buyers can expect to receive when working with suppliers during a new product development project in order to get safe, high-quality products into mass production.

If you are developing a new product, you'll get a good grounding into what should be performed and documented during the process from product R&D through to mass production, including design files, the BOM, how to reduce risks, the control plan, inspections, pre-production validation testing, and more.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

01:03 - Going through the NPD process from the buyer's side and its deliverables in detail.

04:06 - The latest version of design files.
05:42 - The BOM.
07:28 - Risk mitigation.

09:28 - Elements and learnings from the automotive industry (PPAP).

10:49 - Risk analysis - FMEA on design & processes.
14:28 - The process flow chart/diagram.
15:55 - The control plan.
19:37 - Calibration or verification certificates of fixtures and instruments for checking quality.
21:44 - Product QC inspections.
23:31 - Pilot run stage - EVT, DVT, PVT.
28:03 - Engineering changes.
29:23 - Prototypes/tooling/PP samples.

31:44 - Does every type of part or product require such stringent deliverables?

33:45 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Analysing the (NPI) New Product Introduction Process & its Benefits [Podcast] * Why Pilot Runs Are A 'Must-Do' When Launching New Products [Podcast] * NPI Process (New Product Introduction) * NPD Project Constraints (3 common examples) * Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer! * 3 Key Process Improvement Tools You Need To Start Using: Flow Chart, FMEA, Control Plan * Developing New Products? Which Suppliers Are The Right Fit For You? * The New Product Introduction Process For Hardware Startups [Guide]

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In this episode... Sofeast CEO Renaud Anjoran talks sourcing with Adrian from the team. There's a focus on sourcing from China for importers who have decided to handle it themselves. This follows on from Episode 65 where we explored the 4 different sourcing options, where 'DIY' was one of them.

So, let's say you're doing your own sourcing, how do you find suitable suppliers, verify them, and cultivate backups for if you have issues? Renaud gives you lots of insight and advice about these early-stage sourcing activities here!

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

02:23 - How to identify 'good fit' suppliers for yourself and why there are no 'good' or 'bad' suppliers out there.

14:25 - A list of sourcing actions to take to find new suppliers. Finding a supplier who can be a reliable partner in the medium or long term is a process.

15:13 - Identify what a good fit for your needs is (discussed earlier).
19:35 - Start searching for suppliers. 22:00 - Screening or vetting potential suppliers you've found.
24:07 - Contact the supplier.

29:04 - Get even more help with vetting new Chinese suppliers by listening to our podcast series about it: Vetting new suppliers in China series.

29:40 - If you have found a good fit supplier, is a backup option from your shortlist strictly necessary?

40:01 - Wrapping up

Related content... * How To Find Trustworthy Suppliers In China In 2021 * OEM, ODM, Contract Manufacturers: Which Chinese Supplier To Choose? * Are Suppliers We Find On Alibaba.com And GlobalSources.com Trustworthy? * How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook] * New supplier/factory sourcing (get help from Sofeast) * Supplier due diligence (get help from Sofeast)

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In this episode... Sofeast CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined by two very experienced manufacturing practitioners and consultants to discuss how to push your supplier to move increasingly close to zero defects. Podcast regular Clive Greenwood who is a six sigma black belt and has worked in numerous manufacturing roles and Max Phythian, a pure lean consultant with a long history of working in Toyota, make up the three.

They discuss how to transform your relationship with key suppliers, moving away from a transactional model and becoming a partnership where real progress can be made to reduce defects and improve overall quality in the longer term. You'll hear plenty of real-world examples from their manufacturing careers and learn what holds suppliers back from reducing defects, what buyers need to do to help buyers improve, and much more.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

02:03 - What does it take to get a key supplier to put in the work to go closer to zero defects?

09:39 - How to create the conditions required for better quality?

18:13 - How to speak with your supplier's top management to spur the effort to go to zero defects?

27:22 - About CoQ (cost of quality). How to change a supplier's mindset that 'better quality will require higher prices?'

33:13 - Since the 80s large organizations like Auto manufacturers improved quality a lot. What caused this (better communication, more awareness of CoQ, better incentives)?

35:38 - How should people in a less-regulated industry, such as general consumer goods, approach their suppliers about reducing defects quickly?

42:38 - Let's say you have a key supplier and their quality isn't improving over the years even though they know your standard. What can be done to push them to improve? Stick or carrot?

47:39 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Exploring How To Improve Supplier Performance [Podcast] * Improving Supplier Performance is Buyers’ Biggest Hurdle * A Good Way To Analyze Data to Drive Process Improvements * How To Manage Chinese Suppliers based on Facts & Data * 3 Key Process Improvement Tools You Need To Start Using: Flow Chart, FMEA, Control Plan * Should You Avoid the Words “Defects” and “Defectives”? * How many defects are still in a batch after an AQL inspection? * What should factory operators do when defects are found? * How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Renaud and Adrian discuss 5 of the challenges that lie ahead for importers who need to start preparing for 2022 now in August 2021! We've got Covid-19 and its lockdowns and travel restrictions, the shipping situation with enormously high costs and delays, a shortage of electronic components, and an unfavorable USD/RMB exchange rate.

How could these affect you? Keep listening to find out!

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

02:26 - Summary of the 5 challenges we'll discuss: Covid-19, shipping, electronic component shortages, the USD/RMB exchange rate, and why it's too late to ship for Christmas 2021 now and why importers need to hurry up and ship for CNY.

03:52 - Challenge 1. Time (Shipping in time for Christmas and CNY).

05:55 - Challenge 2. Covid-19 (How Covid is still disrupting manufacturing and importers).

19:46 - Challenge 3. Shipping (crazy high costs and delays).

28:31 - Challenge 4. Shortage of electronic components.

31:30 - Challenge 5. USD/RMB exchange rate.

36:53 - Wrapping up

Related content... * China’s Factories Are On A Wartime Footing Due To Covid. How Does This Affect You? * China’s Shipping Bottlenecks June 2021 – What It All Means For You * Exploring Why Sea Freight Is So Expensive In Summer ’21 [Podcast] * Lead Time Reduction Strategies [Podcast]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Dan Harris from China Law Blog recently wrote: "Mexico is the New China" and Manufacturers are Moving There.

Having read it, Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran and Adrian from the team discuss nearshoring, how credible an alternative to China Mexico is as a location for your manufacturing and some of Mexico's pros & cons. Renaud also gives some guidance on how importers need to assess their supply chains to decide if and where moving some of their manufacturing is beneficial.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

00:59 - Is Mexico really a credible alternative to China?

03:28 - What is happening in China (and SE Asia) that is driving US companies out to other countries like Mexico?

08:00 - Why Mexico is an obvious choice for some US importers suffering from supply chain risks in Asia.

09:13 - Is moving to Mexico something that would be more suitable for SMEs rather than MNCs?

14:14 - Could nearshoring to somewhere like Mexico be more expensive than having a supply chain in Asia?

18:39 - What benefits does Mexico have?

21:04 - Are many companies truly moving 100% of their manufacturing to Mexico, or is it more of a supplemental location?

25:19 - What are Mexico's drawbacks?

29:47 - Renaud's tips on managing the process of moving some/all manufacturing out of China.

36:14 - Wrapping up

Related content... * China Law blog's post: "Mexico is the New China" and Manufacturers are Moving There * Another post from China Law Blog: Using Shelter Companies to Move Manufacturing from China to Mexico * Renaud wrote about Why Your Product's Final Assembly Should Be Close To Its Key Components on QualityInspection.org. * Read about How To Diversify Manufacturing Sources Out of China and Cut Risk. * Listen back to our earlier episode Manufacture in China, Vietnam, India, or Elsewhere in 2021? * Listen back to our earlier episode A New ‘Cold War’ Between The USA & China’s Effect On Manufacturing.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Renaud and Adrian discuss the 4 options open to you when you're sourcing from China, including their pros and cons. Renaud also provides some insight into what exactly it takes to source directly from Chinese manufacturers yourself and shares some best practices for you to consider.

Loosely based on this graphic, they talk about commissioned agents, trading companies, third-party service providers (like us) who provide sourcing as a paid service, and doing it yourself by going direct to manufacturers:

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

01:23 - Is sourcing from China as simple as finding a supplier on Alibaba, Global Sources, etc?

04:28 - The dangers of going for 'the lowest price'

07:57 - What YOU need to be able to commit to if you're sourcing from China yourself

09:24 - If you're planning to source from China, what options do you have? - There are 4 sourcing options: DIY, commissioned agent, trading company, and third-party sourcing company:

12:28 - (1) Commissioned agents

19:46 - (2) Trading companies

27:14 - (3) Third-Party service provider

33:33 - (4) Doing it yourself

34:55 - How to grab a free copy of Sofeast's 80+ page eBook that can help importers start out with sourcing from China

35:20 - Some closing tips from Renaud for better sourcing from China

38:19 - Tackling quality management

39:10 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Read Sofeast's free eBook: The Ultimate Guide To Sourcing From China And Developing Your Suppliers * How To Find Trustworthy Suppliers In China In 2021 * Do You Really Need A Sourcing Agent in China Or Can You Do It Yourself? * How to start buying direct in China * The terms you need to negotiate with a new supplier * Sourcing new suppliers (get help from Sofeast) * Supplier background check (get help from Sofeast)

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Renaud Anjoran is joined again by Clive Greenwood, an expert in product compliance for a new episode following on from the first episode they recorded about product compliance (which covered the main compliance challenges faced by importers).

This time they're looking at the future of compliance standards by examining the new Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) which they believe signposts how future regulations will evolve and will definitely heavily impact you if you're a medical device importer and, soon, for many other product types in all likelihood.

So, how much of a change is this regulation and how could it change what you have to go through and provide to get your products certified in future? Let's put it this way, if you're not 100% compliant be afraid as the authorities are going to come for you and now they have teeth!

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

01:54 - Clive introduces himself and what he does.

03:28 - What is the Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) and when did it come into effect?

05:44 - If you import medical devices into the EU and have a CE certificate granted under the old MDD, when do you have to switch and will it be an easy transition?

06:42 - The Scope of the MDR

07:51 - Previously customs found it difficult to check that medical devices were certified, will that still be the case?

12:39 - The MDR requires a LOT more information about your QMS and processes in the technical document pack than just samples passing certification before certification can be achieved.

15:37 - Notified bodies now have to take more action to monitor ongoing production after certification.

16:13 - Who's liable now (post-MDR) if there is any trouble with the products?

20:36 - What happens if it's found that a fake document was submitted or a problem was found?

24:06 - How can companies transition from the old MDD to the new MDR?

30:08 - What if you're planning to bring a medical device to the market soon?

34:43 - Why is the EU MDR beneficial?

36:45 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Read the entire Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) * Compliance testing consulting from Sofeast * We’re Buying Medical Devices From China And Are Worried Our Supplier Isn’t Legit | Disputes With Chinese Suppliers Q&A (Volume 8) * Do Sofeast's quality inspectors confirm that the products are fully compliant based on certificates provided by the factory? * 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements * Why YOU Need a Product Safety Program * Can Sofeast help us with the certification of our new product? * What Is Compliance Testing? [Podcast] * US Compliance Documents When Importing from China: Q&A With an Expert * Product Compliance 101: What Every Importer Must Know [Q&A]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Rico Ngoma, CEO of Source Find Asia, joins Renaud to share his advice for entrepreneurs and SMEs who want to get started with manufacturing in China.

You'll get loads of great tips such as:

How to reduce your product development costs
Steps you can handle yourself to keep costs low
Steps that you shouldn't skip and should budget for
How crowdfunding works
Basic terms you need to agree with your supplier
...and much more!

Show Notes 00:14 - Introducing our guest: Rico Ngoma, the CEO of Source Find Asia, a Guangzhou-based sourcing agency.

02:27 - Introduction to Rico's new event, the SourceFinda Asia Digital Summit. The SFA digital summit is a free manufacturing program for entrepreneurs and businesses on a low budget who want to get started with manufacturing that brings together around 16 expert presenters from Rico's network.

05:26 - To echo the SFA digital summit, we'll go through some of the topics that new manufacturers need to understand in this episode.

06:33 - How to develop a new product on a low budget?

11:35 - The stair-step approach to manufacturing.

12:38 - Sourcing & vetting suppliers.

15:20 - Sourcing tips from Renaud and Rico for when on a low budget.

24:01 - What are the basic terms you'll need to set with the supplier you select?

29:12 - The need to take responsibility for your own product approval process.

34:28 - What to do before you start production?

40:26 - Why very technical products aren't a good fit for first-time manufacturers on a tight budget.

42:24 - How adherence to compliance regulations can be expensive.

46:54 - Packaging compliance.

48:26 - Shipping & Logistics.

50:50 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Sign up for the SFA digital summit for free! * Listen to Rico's podcast: Made In China Podcast * If you are starting to manufacture a new product soon, read our guide: An Importer’s Guide to New Product Manufacturing in China * Listen to our podcast series on how to vet Chinese suppliers. * Sofeast's expert team can source great suppliers in Asia or you.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Renaud Anjoran is joined by Clive Greenwood, an expert in product compliance (amongst other things!) to discuss the issues with compliance that most importers face and some compliance 'loopholes' to be aware of.

This episode raises awareness of compliance because, actually, most people buy products from China without making sure that they are compliant with the laws and regulations of their countries. Why is this, what information are they missing, who is liable for any issues that may occur, and how to improve product compliance? It's all tackled in this episode!

Show Notes 00:14 - Introduction.

01:07 - Clive introduces himself and what he does. Clive brings around 30 years of experience in the manufacturing field to the table, especially with manufacturing compliance, quality, and raising their standards, and is currently CTO at WWMG associates who specialize in standards and compliances to manufacturing industries.

02:07 - Where does the lack of attention to product compliance come from? Is it lack of awareness of the standards, a risk-taking attitude, greed, or all of these cases?

06:38 - Exploring the example of non-compliant respirator masks and other PPE being imported into the West from China in Spring 2020.

15:00 - Why the lack of compliance concern is a combination of the factors mentioned before (naivety, overtrust, greed, pressure, etc).

19:17 - Do the customs in the EU still check the documentation of medical devices such as PPE being imported?

21:53 - Let's say you set up a company and import consumer products into the EU or USA. Who checks that your products are compliant?

26:16 - What is the main loophole with compliance these days?

28:45 - Who has liability for any products that have a fault that causes danger or damage to people or property?

35:38 - Wrapping up.

This episode is going to be followed up soon with another about how compliance standards are evolving. 👌

Related content... * Compliance testing consulting from Sofeast * We’re Buying Medical Devices From China And Are Worried Our Supplier Isn’t Legit | Disputes With Chinese Suppliers Q&A (Volume 8) * Do Sofeast's quality inspectors confirm that the products are fully compliant based on certificates provided by the factory? * 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements * Why YOU Need a Product Safety Program * Can Sofeast help us with the certification of our new product? * What Is Compliance Testing? [Podcast] * US Compliance Documents When Importing from China: Q&A With an Expert * Product Compliance 101: What Every Importer Must Know [Q&A]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Are you developing a new product which has plastic parts? If so, you'll need tooling made which including the mold for making the parts, so you're not going to want to miss this episode where we explain how to manage tooling and reduce your risks! Typically, the tooling (mold) needs to be designed, fabricated, tested, and stored and moved correctly. But how do you manage all of these efficiently and reduce the risks of things going wrong?

Sofeast's CEO, Renaud Anjoran, and Adrian from the team discuss the risks and best practices of tooling management and use here.

Any questions about tooling management? We can help, as we help customers fabricate, manage, and store tooling in China and beyond. Let us know.

Show Notes 00:49 - Introduction.

01:05 - Defining 'tooling management.' Basically, tooling management is setting your expectations, review what the supplier/tooling shop is doing and confirm it makes sense, double-check and confirm that the tooling reaches your requirements, and retain access and control over the tooling.

08:39 - Some of the key risks you'll face throughout the lifecycle of a piece of plastic injection-molding tooling (and how to overcome them).

Plastic part design.
Sourcing the tooling supplier.
Selecting the right tooling supplier.
Mold design & drawings.
Mold fabrication.
Tooling trials & adjustments.
Transfer of tooling to the injection-molding factory.
Setup of the tooling for mass production.
During production.
Pulling the tooling out of a supplier's factory.
Tooling end-of-life.

39:24 - If you buy and own the tooling you need your development contract with the supplier to include the following...

These points help prevent you from being hooked by your supplier and unable to walk away (the amount of risk depends on the type of supplier you work with):

Outline who owns the IP rights to the tooling and its design.
Clarify the obligations of the supplier to keep the tooling in good working condition
Indicate how many shots the tooling should be capable of if using the correct materials and processes
Agree on the process to be followed if you wish to move to another supplier (access to the tooling) and that the supplier will be responsible for fixing any damage or problems with the tooling caused during their stewardship of it

42:37 - The process to follow when moving tooling between suppliers. At Sofeast, we follow a specific process for doing this safely and securely, and it's outlined in this blog post.

43:09 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Tooling Management for Plastic Injection Molds in China [Guide] * DFM * Exploring product development agreements. * Why you need mature product designs before manufacturing in China * What are PP samples? * Why pilot runs are so important. * How To Package Tooling Properly So It Doesn’t Get Damaged Or Rust Unnecessarily Quickly In Transit * Differences between common types of suppliers [Podcast] * How to switch to a new supplier in China [eBook] * Tooling custody & management service from Sofeast to keep your tooling safe in China.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... Renaud is joined this week by global logistics expert Jon Monroe who boasts over 30 years in the logistics industry and has a strong focus on Transpacific trade who shares detailed information about how the shipping industry works. They discuss the current global shipping crunch (in June/July 2021) that is hitting a lot of importers with both towering costs and long lead times, and explore how we even came to this point while dispelling certain misconceptions. Jon also gives some insight into the situation in the USA specifically, but touches on other areas, such as Europe, too, and talks about alternative shipping methods like air freight.

So, if you've been affected by the shipping crunch this year, this episode is for you!

Show Notes 00:49 - Introduction.

01:27 - Jon introduces himself and what he's been up to.

03:18 - What are the factors that led us to be in our current situation?

07:37 - After the surge in demand started, why couldn't shipping companies just add more capacity?

09:25 - Was the surge driven by PPE?

10:26 - The 2 pandemics plaguing us right now: Covid-19 & containers.

12:28 - How and why cargo owners have been negatively affected and face rising costs.

15:32 - The impact of the Shenzhen Yantian YICT port's partial Covid closure in June '21 and carriers bypassing smaller Chinese ports on shipping.

19:21 - Why everyone is booking 4 weeks in advance of the cargo ready date of the factory now.

21:43 - Sky-high ocean line costs are fuelling price rises across the entire industry.

25:06 - How about air freight as an alternative to ocean freight?

27:21 - What impacts of these costs is Jon seeing on businesses?

30:46 - Jon introduces his Chinese team and how he helps companies ship from China.

32:22 - Wrapping up.

Related content... * Jon Monroe on LinkedIn * Jon's site - jonmonroe.com * China’s Shipping Bottlenecks June 2021 – What It All Means For You * 4 Common Ways To Ship Products From China By Sea * Basics of freight forwarding in China: Q&A with an expert

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In this episode... Sofeast's CEO, Renaud Anjoran, talks you through a common query that we get at Sofeast on a regular basis when customers ask us: "How do I get my suppliers to improve?"

A recent survey of importers found that 70% said that their biggest challenge was working with suppliers to improve performance. So, with this in mind, Renaud goes through the topic based on training that he gave for European Chamber of Commerce in China members on improving suppliers with a focus on product quality, delivery times, price, and more.

So, how to spur improvement in your Chinese suppliers? Keep listening...

Show Notes 00:30 - Introduction. This episode's topic: Why supplier improvement is a big challenge and how to achieve it.

02:01 - In these cases, supplier improvement is very difficult or impossible.

04:46 - How to plan your supplier improvement project (step-by-step)?

08:05 - Why being a hand-off buyer doesn't help you drive improvement.

10:00 - Translating what you want into KPIs

14:44 - The cost of quality

18:11 - Hidden costs

20:22 - The impact of the cost of poor quality on your organization

23:53 - Time and attention needed for improvement activities

25:41 - Which manufacturing processes to work on based on the issues you have found with suppliers?

32:41 - Conclusion: How to drive lasting improvement in your suppliers

36:20 - Wrapping up

Related content... * 28 Common Problems Chinese Suppliers Cause Importers * Chrysler Keiretsu * A Good Way To Analyze Data to Drive Process Improvements * How To Manage Chinese Suppliers based on Facts & Data * 3 Key Process Improvement Tools You Need To Start Using: Flow Chart, FMEA, Control Plan * How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook]

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In This Episode... Renaud Anjoran, Sofeast's CEO, catches up with Adrian from the team to talk about reducing lead times from suppliers in China or other Asian countries.

They cover why reducing lead times is important, the benefits of doing so, what causes longer lead times, and some strategies you can follow to reduce them and receive your products faster.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction & chat about the COVID-19 situation in South China which does have a hand in delayed shipments and increased lead times.

04:05 - Why should importers be striving to reduce lead times?

08:55 - Another reason why...

13:55 - Some of the common causes of lengthy lead times.

Where the manufacturing is taking place.
The time it takes for the supplier to start production.
Your order size.
Incoming and outgoing QC checks on materials/components and products.
Customs delays or time spent waiting to get a container. And these might also cause delays...
Poor communication with the supplier.
Processing time.
How much inventory they keep.
Having a large number of components from different sub-suppliers.

24:45 - Renaud's key strategies for reducing lead times.

40:47 - The role of vetting suitable suppliers in obtaining good lead times.

42:52 - Wrapping up

Related content... * How to reduce lead times * Better sales forecasts and more flexible supply chains * Production in large batches in China: top 5 problems * Manufacturing Issues Communication Problems With Chinese Suppliers Cause And Their Solutions * IFE (Initial Factory Evaluation) Audit

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In This Episode... Renaud Anjoran, Sofeast's CEO, joins Adrian from the team to discuss packaging! We take a close look at how packaging has a serious effect on your products' chances of arriving with you in one piece from wherever they've been manufactured.

Packaging materials, supply chain risks, and packaging reliability testing are all scrutinized to give you a good introduction to this topic and help you choose the right packaging for your needs.

You'll see why considering packaging and developing the right inner and outer packaging for your needs should be done during the product development process and should neither be left until the last minute nor to your supplier to handle.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction & how COVID-19 is affecting logistics, especially in China in Summer 2021

02:25 - What is packaging's role in the protection of products?

04:37 - The role of pallets and crates

06:59 - What's 'the rule' when you're thinking of packaging for protecting products?

10:39 - Why deciding on the packaging should be an important part of the NPI process

14:04 - Examples of different kinds of products that have varying protection needs from their packaging

17:20 - What elements are critical to choosing the right packaging?

20:16 - Outlining which packaging reliability tests are done to replicate real-world conditions

24:30 - Renaud's key takeaways about selecting the right packaging for the job

27:18 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Sofeast | Importer's Guide To 9 Types Of Packaging * Why packaging is important for product protection and differentiation * Packaging: How to Protect your Shipment Effectively? * How to test the protection of your products during transport * Sofeast's in-house testing lab, equipment, and tests

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In This Episode... Renaud Anjoran, Sofeast's CEO, joins Adrian from the team to explore product development agreements that clarify your expectations, protect your IP, keep leverage over your supplier, provide you with transparency and control over your supply chain, and make it 100% clear who is responsible for what when working with a supplier on developing a new product that is going to be manufactured in China or other Asian countries.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

00:45 - What is a product development agreement?

03:46 - Common risks that a PD agreement will protect against

07:03 - Is working with a contract manufacturer best when developing a new product?

12:04 - The 3 key phases of a product development agreement -

17:44 - Key points that a development agreement needs to clarify

25:31 - The difference between owning Intellectual property rights and the 'deliverables'

29:44 - Retaining the ability to switch to another manufacturer as a worst-case scenario

31:04 - Wrapping up

Related content... * How To Protect Product IP When Working With Contractors & Factories In Different Locations? [6 tips] * How Far Does An NNN Agreement Need To Go To Protect Your IP In China? * How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IP * China Manufacturing and Product Type Chaos * International Manufacturing Agreements and the Questions We Ask * The NPI Process [Podcast] * Sofeast's partners (includes a specialist law firm)

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In This Episode... Renaud Anjoran, Sofeast's CEO, joins Adrian from the team to talk about rapid prototyping and rapid tooling methods to make prototypes a lot faster than production tooling, with a focus on electromechanical products and plastic injection molding.

You'll get answers to the following questions: What are rapid prototyping and rapid tooling? What do we discover from different rounds of prototyping? What are the features of hard tooling? What are the pros and cons of the different technologies used for rapid prototyping? And much more...

Ultimately, you'll see why rushing into production without utilizing prototypes to test and validate your product design is a big risk.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

01:01 - What is rapid prototyping?

04:37 - Why to perform rounds of prototyping to get to a minimum viable prototype

06:33 - The difference between additive and subtractive manufacturing for prototypes

08:55 - Rapid prototyping rounds and PP samples and making the distinction between rapid prototyping and rapid tooling

Read our Guide To Rapid Tooling Prototyping for more details and a handy table that compares the different methods.

13:30 - Discussing hard tooling and its pros & cons

18:32 - The benefits of doing iterations of prototypes during pre-production - based on this blog post: Prototesting: Reap All the Value of Proof of Concept Prototypes.

21:57 - The pros & cons of the different technologies for typically making plastic parts - Renaud talks through the different technologies that may be used for rapid prototyping:

3D printing
CNC machining
Die casting
Silicone tooling
Soft tooling
Altering standard parts: An example here is the original Tesla Roadster which used a lot of standard parts from a Lotus.

37:57 - Renaud's key points to take away if you're an importer who is looking into doing rapid prototyping - here are the takeaways that will be helpful:

Look at similar products and avoid reinventing the wheel by creating something similar but with added features
Keep the product as simple as possible for a V1.0 in order to get to market as quickly and cheaply as possible
Work with an industrial designer who has good communication and understands your vision (Andy Bartlett is a great example and we spoke with him about tooling for plastic injection molding on the podcast already).
Be aware of keeping control over your IP and designs when approaching manufacturers. Vet the suppliers first, get them to sign an NNN agreement and product development contract before you get them to start developing the product
Take your time in the product development stage to play with the design, refine it, speak to users, research alternatives and ways to simplify it

41:24 - Wrapping up

Related content... * For more in-depth information about rapid prototyping and the tooling features, read our comprehensive Guide To Rapid Tooling Prototyping * Prototesting: Reap All the Value of Proof of Concept Prototypes * The Conundrum of Investing in Tooling Before a Final Prototype * Why Is A Pre-Production Sample So Important? [Podcast] * How To Protect Product IP When Working With Contractors & Factories In Different Locations? [6 tips] * How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IP * How Far Does An NNN Agreement Need To Go To Protect Your IP In China? * Sofeast also helps our customers with Prototype Development as a part of their new product development process.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Renaud Anjoran, Sofeast's CEO, is back with Adrian from the team this week and they're discussing why pre-production samples (also known as golden samples) are such an important tool for obtaining your desired results once your products go into mass production.

What are PP samples? How do they evolve over time until they're a final PP or 'golden' sample? What problems do they help avoid? How to specify your exact requirements? Who pays for them? These questions and more are answered in this episode!

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode, discussion about the COVID situation and problematic raw material cost rises

03:34 - What are pre-production samples and where do they fit in the production process?

12:57 - Specify what YOU mean by a PP sample

14:58 - About 'Golden' samples

16:07 - How do you assure that your external inspection company gets hold of the PP sample?

18:52 - Some issues that we can expect to iron out during pre-production sample development

21:58 - Is it common for the PP sample process to be skipped?

23:00 - Why do suppliers deviate from your PP sample during production and what can be done to guard against this happening?

27:28 - How to reduce variations?

29:00 - Should importers pay for PP samples?

31:01 - Does the inability to visit China or other Asian countries hinder an importer's ability to approve samples?

34:05 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Documenting Your New Product Development Process (for Quality & Speed) * The Role Of Pre-Production Samples * Reviewing Samples in China to Save Time & Money * How much should importers pay for pre-production samples? * Creating a QC checklist

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In This Episode... Renaud interviews Greg Fleming, an experienced merchandising and manufacturing operations manager who went from New Zealand to Australia to China and finally is now based in Ho Chi Minh City in South Vietnam.

Greg's background is mainly in the apparel trade, from fabric production to retail. Due to his experience in both Vietnam and China, he is well-placed to give us some really interesting insight into manufacturing in both countries.

Since Vietnam is a very popular China-alternative for many importers, let's hear more about it from Greg here!

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode, Greg, and his experience

01:51 - What's the COVID-19 situation in Vietnam?

04:51 - What are the main differences between working with Chinese or Vietnamese manufacturers?

09:11 - What have been the main obstacles that have prevented Vietnamese manufacturers from digitizing their processes?

12:23 - Is there a particular software Greg suggests for apparel based on his experience?

15:56 - How software can save on costs of getting a new apparel product from concept to production (example)

17:22 - How software can save on costs of getting a piece of new furniture from concept to production (example)

19:29 - When starting the digital transformation on a factory, where to begin?

28:57 - Summarising Greg's approach of implementing IT

31:15 - Is there a risk that some importing countries will start to demand more proof that products are truly made in the country claimed, materials are not from certain contentious areas, they are sustainable, etc? What is the solution to this?

34:40 - Wrapping up

Related content... * What Does Manufacturing In Vietnam Look Like Today In 2021? * Setting up Manufacturing in Vietnam vs China: Focus on Vietnam * Renaud has written a number of posts regarding Vietnam on QualityInspection.org * Manufacture in China, Vietnam, India, or Elsewhere in 2021? (Podcast episode)

Remember, Sofeast provides most of our solutions in Vietnam, too, such as product inspections and factory audits, so if you are importing from Vietnam and need assistance, we can help. Visit our website at Sofeast.com.

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In This Episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran joins Adrian from the team to explore the best practices importers could follow when sourcing a new contract manufacturer or component supplier in China, or beyond. This includes sourcing options (who to use), the typical sourcing process, if the lowest prices are always best, IP protection, manufacturer types, and CM sourcing tools and steps.

The purpose of this episode is to give you the awareness of risks that await you, suggestions on how to qualify better supplier/CM options, and an understanding of the different types of manufacturers you may encounter and what their expectations may be.

Hopefully, you'll find a CM or supplier who better aligns with your needs.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

00:49 - Who should be doing the sourcing? Is working with a sourcing agent necessary? - Renaud explains the different sourcing options and some of their pros and cons:

01:53 - Commissioned agent.
05:00 - Third-party sourcing agency. (This is the model Sofeast's supply chain management team follows when sourcing suppliers for you).
05:52 - A trading company.
09:07 - Buy direct from a factory yourself.

12:41 - Exploring two typical sourcing process 'templates' that can generally be followed by most buyers.

If you buy standard off-the-shelf products...
If you develop your new product with confidential IP...

After going through a thorough and careful sourcing process you can end up with a preferred supplier and keep one in reserve as a backup factory, too.

20:14 - Is chasing the lowest price the best strategy? - choosing the lowest price comes with risks which we explore here.

26:33 - Tips to protect IP when sourcing manufacturers or suppliers - don't send designs, etc, to 20 potential suppliers, as you are leaking it yourself. Don't assume that your local NDA will protect you in China, it won't.

🤔 Explore further: We spoke before about manufacturing contracts/agreements here.

32:38 - Which of the different types of manufacturers is suitable for you? ODM, OEM, or CM? - Renaud explains each of your manufacturer options:

ODMs
OEMs
Contract Manufacturers, like our own CM subsidiary Agilian Technology

🤔 Explore further: We covered OEMs, ODMs, and CMs in detail in this episode.

41:35 - What kinds of tools and steps might buyers follow when sourcing a CM? - if you develop a new product you need to consider the following tools and steps...

47:11 - Wrapping up

Related content... * How to switch to a new Chinese manufacturer [eBook] * Which suppliers are the right fit for you if you're developing new products? * OEM, ODM, CM: Which Chinese supplier to choose? * Producing Private Label Products From Existing Products In China: 3 Supplier Options * IP Protection For Manufacturers. Keep Component Suppliers In The Dark * How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IP

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In This Episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined by Adrian from the team for a conversation about some of the things that smaller companies who are getting products manufactured abroad either cannot or will have great difficulty negotiating with suppliers in China, Vietnam, or other popular manufacturing destinations in Asia?

This list of 9 items will give you some idea about what is realistic if you're manufacturing lower volumes.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

02:24 - How do you define what a small importer is?

9 Things Small importers can't negotiate with suppliers in China & SE Asia 04:41 - 1. Negotiating with large contract manufacturers

10:34 - 2. Reserving production capacity for the mid- or even the long-term

13:56 - 3. Negotiating directly with large sub-suppliers

17:59 - 4. Gaining open-book visibility about the supplier and their costs, facility, etc

24:37 - 5. Forcing the factory to use your own ERP system

26:32 - 6. Negotiating ‘open account’ payment terms

28:08- 7. Negotiating product warranty & liability from the supplier

30:52 -8. The ability to physically shape the supply chain

32:25 - 9. Having their own teams on site all the time

34:17 - Wrapping up

Related content... * 9 Things Only a Large Company Can Obtain in China/Vietnam * Low Volume Manufacturing in China for Your New Product

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In This Episode... Adrian from the Sofeast team is joined by special guest Phil Brown, owner of Phil Brown Consultancy, who is an ISO 9001 and 14001 consultant in the UK.

Phil talks us through the ISO 9001 QMS, the requirements that make up this standard, benefits, the difference between good and bad implementations, and some tips from him to follow if you're implementing the QMS sometime soon.

Show Notes 00:51 - Introducing the episode and introducing Phil and his business

01:16 - Explaining the ISO 9001 QMS and its requirements - ISO 9001 is a standard designed to assure that companies deliver their customers' expectations and requirements. Phil goes through the different requirements for the standard:

01:45 - Leadership
02:09 - The way inquiries, quotations, and orders are handled
02:29 - Using approved suppliers
03:19 - Noncomformances
05:05 - Records of employee competencies
06:30 - Setting targets for improvement
08:04 - Regular review of the business systems
08:22 - Management review
08:57 - Production planning and scheduling
09:40 - Control of design and development
10:18 - Documented information (and analysis of it)
11:28 - Identification and traceability
12:43 - Control and measuring equipment
13:53 - Continual improvement

14:25 - Drawbacks of implementing a QMS - ISO 9001 accreditation can sometimes be used as a 'badge' by management rather than a means for real improvement of the business.

16:17 - The importance of everyone being involved in ISO 9001 QMS implementation - this is from top management down to the individual operator. Renaud recently wrote about the mistake some management make by relying solely on a quality manager to implement the QMS and otherwise not getting involved.

17:19 - Communication's role in staff retention - a dialogue between workforce and management is far better for the company than if workers are kept in a vacuum and unaware of how the business is doing.

18:37 - What's the difference between 'good' and 'bad' ISO 9001 implementations? - a good implementation is where (in the case of a 3rd party consultant) the person/s implementing the QMS becomes like a part of the company, gets involved in the ISO systems, but also helps encourage operators to do what the system requires. Whereas, bad implementations are often where there's no real personal involvement in it, such as when software is used.

20:13 - Some real examples of QMS implementations that Phil has been involved in

24:30 - Some tips from Phil for manufacturing companies who are planning to implement ISO 9001

25:33 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Basics about ISO 9001: The Standard and the Certification Process * The Basics of Quality Management for Buyers (Podcast episode) * Benefits of ISO 9001 for a Chinese manufacturing organization * Quality Manager Interview Questions To Test Knowledge Of ISO 9001 * Factory Audit Tips: 10 Signs of a Bad ISO 9001 Implementation * What Causes A Bad Factory QMS Implementation? [Reason 1]

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In This Episode... Sofeast's CEO is joined by Adrian from the team and they discuss Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) costs for manufacturers. As the name suggests, these costs are usually one-off and accrue towards the start of a new product development project and are what it takes to get your product into production. These costs are perhaps better known as R&D costs, and it's important to get to grips with them as they have a great impact on your product's sale price, as well as the feasibility of manufacturing it in the first place.

So, let's get to grips with NRE costs in this episode.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

01:15 - What are NRE costs? (A brief summary) - essentially NRE costs are all of the one-time expenses (investment) that you need to pay in order to get your product into production.

08:01 - Some examples of common NRE costs for the different production processes:

Plastic injection molding
Metal parts
Electronics

14:37 - Going through some of the other processes and materials, and their costs - extrusion (plastic or aluminum), compression molding, silicone, etc.

17:11 - Why your NRE costs are probably higher than you're initially anticipating - Renaud shares an example of real Sofeast customers who believed that their NRE costs were fairly modest until they did the research.

19:24 - Do some suppliers pay the NRE costs for you? - it may be that when purchasing very standard products, or white labeling products which have already been developed, that you won't need to pay NRE costs as they have already been paid by the manufacturer who supplies them.

26:02 - Using a development or development & manufacturing agreement to protect yourself

27:55 - Most manufacturers are more interested in mass production rather than product development, so how does this impact you during the R&D stage?

28:55- How to gauge what the manufacturer is comfortable with doing for you - in general, the closer you are to production the more appealing a prospect you are to manufacturers...

30:57 - If you have a prototype that is fully functional, you're ready to give it to a factory and go into mass production, right? - No. This would indicate that you aren't even halfway yet!

33:26 - NRE costs you need to consider when projecting your costs - these activities typically full under the umbrella of NRE costs.

34:40 - Typical recurring costs - for comparison, here are some of the typical recurring costs you will also need to consider when developing and manufacturing a new product.

37:50 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Summary of NRE * What Are Your Non-Recurring Engineering Costs for Production in China? * Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer! * OEM, ODM, Contract Manufacturers: Which Chinese Supplier To Choose?

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In This Episode... Andy Bartlett, an experienced British product designer who has 25 years of experience in product design, development, and working with manufacturers in China, returns to the podcast to join Sofeast's CEO Renaud for a lively discussion about the kinds of issues and common pitfalls that can come up when developing, approving, and maintaining tooling for your plastic injection molded products.

You'll learn why supplier selection is key, how to protect your IP, tooling budgets, managing the process, and much more besides, as Renaud and Andy both have many years of experience in dealing with mold fabricators and the manufacture and design of plastic injection molded goods.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode & our guest, Andy - tooling with a focus on plastic injection molding. How to go into tooling once prototype plastic parts have been made and are ready to go into production? What kind of defects may we see? Covered from the angle of the 7 most common mistakes to avoid.

02:31 - Mistake 1. Going straight into the fabrication of the tooling from a 3D CAD drawing without doing DFM, DFQ, & DFC reviews - Andy suggests using the interference check with CAD software and looking for issues in the tooling design like knife edges and radius adding, understanding where the cooling channels are, etc.

07:32 - When is the real golden sample ready? - actually, it's after tooling has been fabricated and used, as this is when you see flow lines, gates, etc.

09:12 - Mistake 2. Not giving enough time to iterate tooling and verify tooling - the first parts that come off will probably prompt you to need to make changes to tooling, so factor that time and budget in.

13:08 - Mistake 3. Getting tooling made in China without making sure to use an enforceable contract - less experienced importers may feel that signing an NDA or an agreement from their own country is enough, but then find that they don't 'own' the tooling and can't be pulled out.

17:58 - Mistake 4. Purchasing tooling from a supplier on Alibaba, etc, without confirming who designs and produces the tooling - risks include your small project being outsourced to a tooling shop you have no knowledge of which means a lack of control over your project, your IP, etc.

21:41 - Horror stories where toys have been copied and sold on the market before your original product has even come out - if your tooling design and fabrication is outsourced, perhaps the outsourcer might also decide to produce your tooling again and sell it to someone else to produce your product themselves if they like it!

23:34- Assessing toolmaker quality - A tip is to look at the floor of the tool shop of your tooling fabricator. If it's clean and well-managed, you have a good chance that they're able to produce quality tooling.

25:13 - Mistake 5. Not maintaining the tooling carefully - if tooling needs to last for a number of years, it's important to store and maintain it carefully in order to avoid rust and damage.

25:52 - Mistake 6. Not getting a guarantee for tooling - Andy reminds us to make sure that tooling is provided with a manufacturer's guarantee that it will be usable for the right period of time appropriate to the quality of steel used in its construction and projected volumes.

28:27 - Why from a designer's perspective it's better to have a cohesive alignment between the manufacturer and toolmaker - this reduces overall risks of things going wrong and also the effort needed to solve problems.

30:16 - Mistake 7. Not keeping tabs on the health of your supplier's business - if their business fails your tooling could be in danger!

33:42 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Tooling Management for Plastic Injection Molds in China * List of 12 Plastic injection mold fabrication companies in China * Selecting a Plastic Injection Material for China Manufacturing * Common Design For Manufacture Improvements On Plastic Injection Molded Parts * How to move Plastic Injection Molds between China Factories [10 Tips] * Read our plastic injection molding resources page – this includes lots of videos explaining the production process and various related posts to tooling management and manufacturing * We also wrote a guide to rapid tooling prototyping – this gives information about the selection and tooling management for mods which will be used to quickly make small quantities of products instead of large production runs

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud and Adrian from the team explore an important part of the new product launch process: pilot runs.

What is a pilot run, why is it so important when bringing new products to market, and what are the benefits we can expect when performing them before going into full production? These and more questions like this answered in this episode!

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

00:51 - Why the pilot run is such an important activity when launching new products

03:11 - Why a pilot run helps you to validate whether the workshop is going to be able to mass-produce the products - initial prototypes made by an engineer on a bench, no matter how good, aren't ready for mass production without a lot of risks. These prototypes aren't made with the same processes as will be used in mass production, so going ahead without the pilot run is skipping a step.

06:25 - When to perform a pilot run, and how many runs to perform before going into production - you may perform more runs until all of the 'bugs' have been ironed out. Renaud also explains how in some industries, such as consumer electronics, they perform specific pilot runs for engineering, design, and production validation (EVT, DVT, and PVT), each focused on testing different elements of product design and production process. Some comments on keeping suppliers accountable and being able to control costs better thanks to more visibility over what comes off the line with issues at an early stage.

10:32 - What we can learn from pilot runs used in the automotive industry? - if an auto part can't be made at the right speed and quantity it's a big problem, so numerous production trials are used to assure that the process is capable of fulfilling the correct rate. This principle applies to other products, too.

12:12 - Is a pilot run still appropriate when manufacturing smaller quantities?

13:33 - How about if you are producing an existing product, but with a new manufacturer?

14:22 - Why DON'T Chinese manufacturers like performing pilot runs? - yes, these reasons cause this:

They can be overoptimistic and underestimate the pilot run's importance
Staff are often paid per piece which doesn't fit well with the stop/start pilot runs

16:11 - The key benefits of performing pilot runs:

It forces the manufacturer to plan the process and production linearly and so avoid delays
It trains the staff on small quantities at first and drives the supplier to write good work instructions
It allows you to see what does and doesn't work and make changes before too much money is at stake
Testing areas and equipment readiness can be assessed
The run rate can be tested to assure that no bottlenecks are slowing down the process unduly
Stress testing forces process and quality engineers to find issues and work on them before mass production

Basically, "learn from the mistakes before they become too costly."

18:32 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Pilot run introduction * Why a pilot run before mass production is helpful * Don’t Skip the Pilot Run for Your New Product Made in China! * From New Product Design to Production: What Is on the Customer’s Plate?

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In This Episode... Adrian asks Renaud the questions: "Is Investing In Process Automation In The Factory Worth It?" and "What are the best practices to follow to smoothly transition into more automation?"

In China especially, there's a trend to replace staff with equipment, and part of this automation drive comes from the government itself who is steering the manufacturing sector towards higher-tech products.

As staff costs rise, the temptation to use equipment and robots due to the seemingly lower cumulative cost over time is understandable, but is process automation truly worth it, and If we do want to implement automation into the factory, what are the best practices to follow to make it a smooth transition? That's what we get into here...

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

02:35 - Summarising process automation in the factory - essentially it's the use of equipment and software to replace human labor. This sounds great and can be, but this episode aims to dispel a lot of the fantasy surrounding automation.

05:07 - Is rushing into automation common amongst Chinese manufacturers? - yes, the government and owners are focused on going higher-tech more quickly, but they're walking a tightrope between increasing equipment use and putting too many staff out of work. The usual attitude is that to go up in the value chain processes need to be automated, which is somewhat true, but it's the implementation of automation where things can go wrong if it's rushed into and the pros and cons aren't fully investigated and considered.

07:54 - The benefits & drawbacks of automation in the factory - going through a list, starting with the benefits:

Benefits

(08:07) Lower costs of equipment in comparison to employing numerous operators over time (labor cost/social insurance/etc)
(10:27) Equipment reduces defects over operators (human error) and removes the need for an operator that focuses on rework
(11:30) Reducing management overheads and maybe even dispensing with requiring an HR manager to manage multiple staff

Drawbacks

(12:09) The cost of interest on capital expenditure - quite high in China, around 8-10%
(12:35) The costs of specialized staff required to run and maintain the equipment
(14:02) Cost of getting the machinery to work properly (setup/time/needing operators to work during this)
(15:44) Maintenance - a large driver of costs (parts, downtime, training skilled staff, etc) and really important for highly automated factories (listen to more about preventive maintenance here)
(20:36) Automation can reduce a factory's flexibility - manual labor allows a factory to be flexible and provide high mix/low volume work, but automation reduces this flexibility and leans more toward low mix/high volume work. Your higher MOQs may remove the ability to take smaller orders which can return more profit.
(22:08) Lead times could be reduced by equipment, but often it's not the case - in theory, automation means more parts can be made more quickly, but often Chinese manufacturers make a lot of inventory and don't take advantage of it and it doesn't improve lead times.

22:57 - Many manufacturers don't take many of the disadvantages into account - this can mean that the cost of equipment VS operators over, say, 10 years works out at more! Pivoting is easier with a human workforce.

24:31 - What are automation best practices followed by the 'best manufacturers?' - Toyota's approach is to automate or remove DDD (dull, dangerous, and dirty) operations without focusing on ROI, as staff safety is more important.

25:59 - The wrong way to implement automation - rushing into heavy automation will cause trouble mainly due to your staff struggling to be skilled and familiar enough to handle the maintenance effectively. This can cause downtime, scrap, and reduced equipment lifetimes so is a serious problem.

Before implementing full automation, you should try...

26:32 - Re-engineering human operations - Before implementing automation, the best companies have process engineers check the operations humans are doing and assess how to make those more efficient. So that's re-engineering human operations to reduce 'waste' and increase the seconds per minute that they are physically working on transforming each piece, for example, through improving the layout of and logistics around the production line and providing enhanced training to the operators and their group leader. This can reduce staff numbers and improve efficiency and quality.

28:54 - Semi-automating some of the operations - now you have improved the efficiency of operators you can look into implementing some automation to assist operators to become even more productive, for example, a machine that delivers a part into place for them to transform and then ejects it, reducing their time spent not transforming parts. Again, this should reduce staff numbers and improve efficiency and quality.

31:46 - Some of the problems factories face when rushing into highly technical automation too soon - if a machine goes down it can hold up the whole production until the machine is cleared, for example. But the worst case is that a machine gets broken and can't be used until replacement parts can be obtained.

33:35 - If your supplier informs you that they're implementing automation, how to handle that? - make sure that they're conducting a pilot run that is isolated from the rest of production and they are not recklessly rushing into it. This is a good thing, though, as it shows that they're investing in the company and looking to the future.

34:35 - Renaud's blueprint to implementing automation efficiently - assess whether tools even necessary or is reducing waste in manual operations, for example, a worthy goal? Re-engineer processes with lean manufacturing tools. The trend is that over time automation will be increasingly required by most manufacturers helpful, so starting with semi-automation to make the operator's routines more efficient starts to train them and the maintenance staff to work with automation and equipment (maybe with one pilot line to start with) now makes sense. As you go along, more and more processes can be automated step-by-step, and this will be accompanied by a reduction in staff required in turn.

37:24 - Automation is NOT just robots - Michel Baudin wrote in this blog post that PLCs (programmable logic controllers) outsell industrial robots by millions to one each year. These units control the equipment and processes and the reality of most manufacturing operations is that robot arms, for example, are not actually what is used to automate processes at all.

39:40 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Chinese Manufacturer Selection: Beware of Excessive Automation * The Right Way To Approach Production Automation * Will You Save Money With Process Automation In Your Factory?

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In This Episode... Renaud interviews Simon Caballero, a Hanoi-based purchasing manager and expert on manufacturing in Vietnam, to discuss the manufacturing industry in Vietnam, common risks and issues you will face when manufacturing garments there, and the relationship between developing new products and manufacturing in Vietnam and China.

Simon has a background in logistics and over a decade of experience in sourcing all kinds of products in Asia, with particular expertise in China and Vietnam (a growing manufacturing hub and popular alternative to China). In recent years he has been focused on the garment industry (specifically workwear), hence he's the authority to speak with for this episode's topic.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

00:54 - Brief self-introduction by Simon about himself and his experience - Simon explains how he started in Logistics in Spain, but since 2009 his journey has taken him to Thailand, China, and now, Vietnam.

04:53 - What is workwear (a particular focus of Simon's), and how has this clothing trend changed? - workwear includes protective clothing, technical garments, uniforms, and more. This kind of clothing has evolved to be more fashionable and specific to certain tasks and professions.

05:58 - Most factories in Vietnam can be categorized into one of three types (Simon believes this is common in garments and most other product types, too). What are they? - understanding the type of factories available is an important factor when choosing a Vietnamese garment manufacturing partner, so here they are:

(07:05) Foreign-owned companies - these are growing fast and are mainly Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese invested businesses. They are more professional than local companies and have a stronger focus on QC and implementing modern production facilities and processes. But they are also more expensive, so they are a better choice for more complex and higher-quality products.
(08:58) Locally-owned factories - usually only invest in the basics, such as production line/equipment, and lack an understanding of QC and technical processes. Can often specialize in one process or another, such as sewing, but they may not be able to handle multiple processes and sourcing - you can buy FOB from them, but you will need to support them in finding materials and accessories, for example. You need to manage your expectations well when working with them, but this is a low-cost option that can work well for less technical products.
(15:49) State-owned companies - these are large well-financed companies that offer a vertically integrated service (so for garments this is materials, dying, weaving, etc). They are focused on medium/large buyers, so are not suitable for smaller buyers.

17:13 - The impact of Tet/Chinese New Year on obtaining materials and containers in the period just after the holiday in 2021 - raw materials and logistics have suffered from rapid price increases of 5-10% in 2021 after CNY/Tet. Simon discusses the reasons behind the increases, such as increased demand and speculators who had bought up materials when prices were low. The lack of containers has also led to some delays in shipping from Vietnam, as well as logistics costs ballooning, too.

25:00 - The military coup in Myanmar has also affected garment production - unlike Vietnam, Myanmar was affected by COVID quite badly (with around 10 times as many deaths) and now the military coup there has also disrupted manufacturing. Simon got around this by quickly switching production from Myanmar to China.

26:01 - Are garments manufactured all around Vietnam as they are in China, or centralized in one area? - Vietnam has some industries that occur all around the country such as forestry product and chemical or mineral processing, but the country can be split into zones, each of which specializes in certain product types or materials:

(27:02) The Far North (along the border with China & Laos) - more for natural resources and electricity, mechanical and agricultural industries, forestry, mining and minerals (specifically coal), less for assembly of electronics and garments, etc.
(27:39) The North (around Hanoi & Haiphong) - industrialized provinces, especially for electronics and garments manufacturing, but also provides many of the natural resource industries found in the far North.
(28:20) Central provinces (around Danang and along the coast) - specialize in textiles, footwear, and electronics assembly, also seafood, and agricultural processing.
(28:51) The South (around Ho Chi Minh city) - specialize in high-quality textiles as that industry originated there in Vietnam, so they're the most experienced. Tends to be a higher cost than the North. Big brands are all manufacturing in the South in high quantities. More convenient for logistics, too. Also, electronics, software, and pharmaceuticals are found here.

30:41 - The differences between North & South Vietnam - like two different countries in some ways. The South is more open, developed, and more driven to do business, whereas the North is more traditional and led by the government as it is based there. Similarities in China are comparing the PRD cities in Guangdong with most other areas of China, where the latter have been exposed and doing business with foreigners for a long time and so are more open, experienced, and innovative. Also, Taiwan is more advanced again and can provide innovation that the Mainland doesn't have.

34:04 - How about developing new products in Vietnam? - Vietnam doesn't offer the diversity of products that China does, so for new product development in Vietnam, you need to consider that most materials, electronic components, injection molds, pharmaceutical chemicals, etc are imported from China. Importing to Vietnam increases costs and makes supply chains more vulnerable. It is feasible to develop new products in Vietnam, but it's likely there will be a strong reliance on China.

37:10 - QC in Vietnam - importers need to consider QC. Due to the small population in Vietnam in comparison with China, it can be harder to find qualified QC inspectors, and this shortage leads to higher travel costs and longer lead times for inspectors. There are also concerns over inspector integrity. The lack of QC inspectors can affect your new product development.

38:32 - Wrapping up

Related content... * What Does Manufacturing In Vietnam Look Like Today In 2021? (a post on the blog from Simon) * Setting up Manufacturing in Vietnam vs China: Focus on Vietnam * Renaud has written a number of posts regarding Vietnam on QualityInspection.org * Manufacture in China, Vietnam, India, or Elsewhere in 2021? (Podcast episode)

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Design For Quality is a process we follow in order to design good quality into products at the early concept and prototyping stages during the new product introduction process.

You will probably be surprised as to how many design points need to be considered in order to have a mature product design that can be mass-produced with the minimum of quality problems, defects, safety issues, and more.

Our CEO Renaud has worked with clients on numerous products over around 2 decades in Asia and performing thorough DFQ reviews on their product designs is one of the key tools in Sofeast's armory when it comes to bringing great quality products to market. So, in this episode, he shares the lowdown on this important quality process.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

01:14 - Why is the design stage of the new product introduction process so important? - Renaud gives a lot of background about what goes into product design and how the decisions you make about materials and processes impact product quality (considering 'what could go wrong based on what we know about them?'). Also, he explains the difference between manufacturing quality issues and design deficiencies.

09:14 - DFQ reviews often happen before you invest in the tooling. Here's why... - Tooling is very expensive, so making changes to the design before it's made is really preferable, but most Chinese manufacturers are not good at providing feedback on designs that can cause costly manufacturing issues (like scrap and rework).

11:30 - Changes are quick and cheap at the concept stage, but later on are an expensive problem - Renaud discusses this point which is also illustrated in this graph:

14:30 - What are the principles in DFQ that we follow when reviewing our product and its design?

Understand past issues and learn from mistakes.
Identify issues as early as possible and ensure they are ‘designed out’ of the product (you can't inspect quality into a product).
Use error-proof design techniques - this will reduce scrap and rework for a start, so use fixtures that only allow operators to assemble parts in the correct way, for example.
Simplify the design to reduce quality issues, (one piece is better than two, fewer functionalities may be better overall)
Have robust tolerance understanding for each part.
Standardize parts where possible (try to reduce the number of custom parts and use off-the-shelf ones instead) - this also reduces supply chain risk, too.
Have a multi-functional team - try to get involvement from a number of different staff in the DFQ review, including design, engineering, and, importantly, manufacturing staff, too, as they know the production processes best.

24:11 - If you're manufacturing a new product, who can you rely on for information about your product at an early stage? - Manufacturers often say that they do a DFM/DFQ review, but they don't always take it very seriously. So a common concern is how reliable the review was. Therefore many importers choose to work with a specialist 3rd party engineering firm to help them perform a DFM review and assist with their product R&D (our company Sofeast is one example) in addition to their manufacturer.

27:32 - Some common mistakes that cause poor-quality products (that we try to weed out with a DFQ review):

Putting the incorrect tolerances on mechanical drawings.
Relying on prototypes' tolerances for critical dimensions when going into mass production (as prototype production is not the same as mass production).
Relying solely on feedback from designers about the product - they might think the product is designed beautifully, but it's not easy to use. In this case, it's still a quality fail for end-users as they won't enjoy using the product.
Not performing accelerated 'stress testing' to confirm serious weaknesses in the product's design - a product needs to be able to survive for a reasonable amount of time when being used by the end-user, so the normal usage needs to be tested (such as testing an office chair being sat on thousands of times to simulate its use over a number of years).
Confirm through reviews that the design is suitable for the manufacturing processes used and will result in good quality products - pilot runs which are observed by a quality engineer are a good way to assess this.
Not performing compliance testing - this could cause safety issues which lead to you being sued or getting your products stopped by customs. Either way, both circumstances are costly and damaging.

36:58 - Some examples of how DFQ reviews have improved products before they went into production - since this is something we actively do, Renaud shares some real-life examples, and more. Includes hazardous battery design (think Note 7), brittle magnets, products that need to be waterproof, and more.

39:54 - You may get helpful feedback from component/material sub-suppliers - good feedback can be found by forcing a dialogue with sub-suppliers which Chinese manufacturers may not do in their haste to go to mass-production. But if these sub-suppliers are specialists in the component or material in question they may have some very helpful advice about how the product design best makes use of the component/material in order to reduce quality issues during production.

40:47 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Read more about DFQ. * Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer! * Go deep into the new product development process in this free guide: The New Product Introduction Process Guide for Hardware Startups. * Sofeast can assist you with bringing your new product to market, including DFQ reviews and assistance from our engineers to hone your design - explore how the NPI solution helps you. * The Conundrum of Investing in Tooling Before a Final Prototype.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Preventive maintenance in the factory is a topic of interest for many Sofeast customers, and manufacturers who rely on machinery in the factory and choose to put in place a preventive maintenance plan tend to keep operations running smoothly and keep ahead of equipment maintenance, repairs, and routine part replacements. This gives them numerous advantages, not least fewer quality problems, less cost sunk into inventory, higher labor productivity, and much more!

In this episode, our CEO Renaud introduces preventive maintenance, its benefits, and shares some examples to help illustrate how it works and how to implement it. We'll also share some of the key elements of a preventive maintenance plan and a free template that you can download, too.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

01:02 - The example of what 'bad factories' do that we need to avoid - no preventive actions, lack staff to maintain the equipment, the equipment is too high-tech for them, make rushed repairs if it breaks down, trapped in a cycle of the equipment going down, being repaired, and then going down again.

03:03 - What is preventive maintenance? - minimizes the amount of unplanned downtime. Regular activities are performed to keep the equipment in a top operating condition (with short downtime). Being vigilant about certain components' lifetimes and standing ready to replace them with spares when they reach the Mean Time To Repair (according to the manufacturer).

04:36 - The overlap between preventive maintenance and 5S - both require people to follow pan and achieve set goals and 5S helps with preventive maintenance.

05:52 - Is preventive maintenance expensive in comparison to more 'reactive' maintenance? - if a machine goes down the impact on costs, quality, delivery times, staff productivity, and customer relationships are probably high. While preventive maintenance has its own cost, you need to weigh up that cost against the disadvantages of machines being out of order. Preventive maintenance is like regular dental appointments, small actions prevent larger problems later on.

09:18 - Some examples demonstrating how preventive maintenance works - time and age-based activities are usually undertaken (similar to car servicing). The objective is to keep machinery 'as new as possible.' Sometimes it's more like a process control plan where there are hourly, daily, or weekly activities. For more information on these examples, you can read this blog post.

15:09 - Download the Sofeast preventive maintenance plan template - download the plan here.

16:00 - What kinds of challenges can we expect to face when trying to implement a new preventive maintenance strategy in a factory in China (or elsewhere)? - there will likely be pushback from production staff who will complain they're 'too busy' and are used to running machines until they break down. Also, there can be a lack of capable staff able to carry out the preventive maintenance, which is especially an issue in factories that have implemented a lot of high-tech automation quickly, rather than bringing it in step-by-step.

18:49 - The trouble with automation... - it's often down (30-40% of the time) due to a lack of experience to maintain it to a high enough standard. As automation increases in use, the issue of maintenance will become increasingly important for factories to be in control of.

20:46 - A rundown of benefits you can expect when implementing preventive maintenance - the reduction of unexpected downtime:

increases factory capacity so fixed expenses increase production
reduces inventory required to cover for downtime which frees up cash for other business requirements
reduces lead times and delays to customers which will please them and boost relationships
smart preventive maintenance + smart automation (implementing step-by-step), you maximize staff productivity and can go further and faster with automation
reduces quality issues and waste (faulty or worn machines produce poor-quality components/products)
preventive maintenance + 5S + process controls work together well to reinforce one another (actions can be taken before problems become serious)

25:37 - Wrapping up - you have to do maintenance anyway, so, the question is, do you want to do it on your terms armed with a plan that vastly reduces the chances for you to suffer from unpleasant surprises and the many negative effects of unexpected equipment downtime? If so, preventive maintenance is for you.

Related content... * Get the Sofeast Preventive Maintenance Plan Template * Two Preventive Maintenance Examples: Go for More Structure * Are Preventive Maintenance and Process Control the Same Thing? * 5 steps for a Chinese factory to improve its efficiency * Chinese Manufacturer Selection: Beware of Excessive Automation

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Interested in setting up a factory of your own in China (or perhaps other countries in Asia, too)?

Renaud and his business partner Fabien have been there and done it, so let's explore how they set up our Chinese contract manufacturing subsidiary, Agilian Technology, and how they've tried to implement best practices learned over decades in China to offer something better than other Chinese factories.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

02:10 - What's the story behind Sofeast opening 'Agilian Technology' our contract manufacturing subsidiary (factory) in China? - Grounded in setting up a good, transparent supply chain in order to have better control - so opening our own factory for assembly, etc to close the loop for clients was a natural progression for the company.

07:32 - How going through this process was an education - being an actual Chinese manufacturer provided us with a lot of new opportunities, such as being able to agree on preferential credit terms with local Chinese component/material suppliers who would usually demand payment upfront from foreign customers.

The 6 phases we went through to open our factory 09:04 - Phase 1: Choosing the right site - how to find sites that fit our needs, dealing with estate agents, etc.

16:14 - Phase 2: Adhering to local regulations - includes fire regulations, battery storage, recruiting and training staff, preparing the production transfer from the old location, insurance, and more.

21:14 - Phase 3: Decorating the factory - planning the areas and decorating happens before the transfer. This includes deciding on decoration, floor style, toilets, ventilation, lighting, and much more. Following up on the contractor is crucial as it usually a one-off job so they may not be someone you have a long-standing relationship with.

26:05 - Phase 4: Setting up the office - important points are different areas, lighting, wifi internet access, plugs and sockets, flooring, etc.

27:11 - Phase 5: Setting up the workshop - plan for the layout and material flow to avoid internal logistics inefficiency, line layout to be optimal (we use compact U-shaped cells and also longer lines for higher volumes), power usage, lighting and ventilation, security, and more.

32:14 - Phase 6: Setting up the warehouse - warehouse layout with a focus on material flow, also installing racking, forklifts, setting up doors, fans, and lights. A word on preventing theft and its impact on production and business.

34:53 - Take best practices and implement them - observe the factories you like and implement their good ideas! An example of this was keeping our office-based staff who are involved with production near to the workshop with a glass wall so they have visibility of production. In many Chinese factories staff like production managers and quality managers often have separate offices and avoid going onto the factory floor, but this reduces the value they can add. Continuous improvement and problem-solving are built into how we structured our factory, but this is opposite to many other local competitors.

39:47 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Take a look at Agilian's mass production in China page which includes a really helpful video from Renaud where he answers key questions customers have about Agilian before working with us on a manufacturing project. * Visualize the different areas of the factory by watching them in operation on Agilian's YouTube channel. * Renaud listed the phases followed to set up Agilian in this blog post.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Adrian and our CEO, Renaud, discuss how the current political tensions between the USA and other Western nations and China are affecting manufacturing and provide some more general observations on the 'Cold War' trends of containment and decoupling that seem to be gathering strength.

This topic stemmed from this recent Forbes article which suggested that Americans polled would be prepared to pay 20% more for goods manufactured in democracies...No prizes for guessing which country it casts doubts over.

So, how serious is this 'Cold War' that's developing, what are we seeing on the ground in China, what could be overstated by the media, and is it really causing a lot of upheaval in manufacturing and an exodus from China of Western brands?

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

01:13 - Discussing the recent Forbes article titled: Americans Fine With Paying More If Trading With Democracies, Not China - how realistic is this and has the poll been couched in an inflammatory language to elicit a negative response?

06:09 - Militant consumerism - Some aspirational brands, such as Apple and Nike, have lost customers due to high-profile corporate social responsibility issues, so they make efforts to control supply chains strictly. But 'China' seems to be more worrying for governments than consumers, and Chinese made goods are almost always generally accepted to be trustworthy and good enough quality these days by consumers and political factors, such as China's governance, doesn't really affect buying decisions by consumers much yet.

08:43 - Could this type of news constitute a threat to 'Made-in-China' products by stirring up anti-China sentiment among militant consumers? - militant consumers have already started to push back against brands with an environmental impact such as apparel, cosmetics, cleaning products, etc. Could China be put in their sights if they're continually exposed to news articles like this?

10:06 - The 'real effect' militant consumers are having on apparel - brands are paying more attention to environmental impact due to the concerns of militant consumers, but many fast-fashion brands are just 'greenwashing' their brands for marketing purposes rather than making meaningful changes.

15:59 - The sentiment towards China - this has been on a downward trend since before the Trump administration and, enhanced by him, the prevailing attitude towards China in the USA is now negative. Australia, Europe, and the UK have also taken a stand against China in different ways recently and the results haven't always been positive for them. China's global PR isn't always the best and the leadership tend to be more focused on what Chinese people think of them than outside countries which doesn't help change attitudes quickly.

21:04 - Why a 'Western' viewpoint tends to cast China in a poor light - this coupled with politicians and the media means that sentiment towards China may not improve for some years to come.

23:55 - The growing 'Cold War' trend between the USA & China - what does this mean? Containment and decoupling activities are becoming more prominent. Is the media being used to contain China right now (including articles like that mentioned earlier)? Also, are we seeing real-world Cold-war scenarios where current tensions in the South China Sea, India, and also Myanmar (where the US-friendly government has been toppled by the military who are friendly to China), for example, mirror the days of the Cold War between the USA and the USSR where there were side conflicts rather than a war between the 2 superpowers?

28:25 - Is it 'wrong' that China is building up global power and influence, especially in Asia? - the Western media often paints this as a worrying or negative thing, but if we look at this situation from outside of the Western viewpoint, this is nothing that hasn't been done before by Western superpowers. What would Western countries do if they were surrounded by an opposing military power in the same way that China is? Renaud also makes some interesting points about China's government - they're making great efforts to build an extremely professional and modern government. The problem is, it seems difficult to imagine a time when China and the West will understand and agree with each other (this is manifested in the recent mistrust on both sides surrounding the WHO investigation in China regarding the origin of the coronavirus).

33:18 - Decoupling. Is this something that's having a strong effect on manufacturing in China yet? - in electronics, there has been almost no decoupling (this is echoed by Richard Barnett in this interview). At most, there has been some movement of final assembly to places like Vietnam and in some cases, some new products have been developed in Taiwan rather than China. The apparel industry has already decoupled from China to a large extent, but this was happening long before today's tensions. Even where supply chains have been relocated, the final assembly is a relatively low value-add and components are usually still made in China.

38:51 - Finding countries that can provide a complete supply chain for most products outside of apparel is unlikely...yet. Vietnam is mooted as a modern success story and a potential alternative to China, but it's still a tiny resource in comparison to its large neighbor.

39:57 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Manufacture in China, Vietnam, India, or Elsewhere in 2021? [Podcast]

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Adrian and Renaud, Sofeast's CEO, return in this special Chinese New Year 2021 edition of the podcast! 🧧🧨🐂

During the CNY period manufacturing in China (and other parts of East Asia) is effectively on hold for several weeks, so during this time importers have a chance to 'Spring Clean' their supply chain, finding and eliminating risks and also looking for untapped opportunities to make improvements, costs savings, and more.

So, based on his decades of experience in dealing with Asian suppliers, here's an interesting checklist from Renaud for you to work through over these few weeks.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode - why now is a good time to 'spring clean' your supply chain

02:52 - Risks associated with your current supplier base - too concentrated in 1 country, no backup suppliers for key components/products, near-shoring an option? etc...

08:01 - Is assembly closer to home using Chinese components a workaround for importers who want to move some of their supply chains out of China? If substantial transformation takes place you can say products are 'made in' another country other than China which could be beneficial, but a very long and complex supply chain also has its own issues as we discuss...

11:37 - Consolidate and strengthen relationships with key suppliers - few key suppliers rather than many, and managing them differently - more hands-on management, helping improve operations, etc. Giving talented suppliers (new or current) with R&D capabilities more business and co-developing new products with them helps you to gain closer relationships and can help form exclusive relationships with great suppliers. IKEA, for example, also sends in engineers to help their key suppliers 'level up' and improve quality etc, so this is another way to strengthen relationships.

16:40 - Rank & yank: what about replacing the lowest-performing factory every year? - grade suppliers based on their results and capabilities and encourage some turnover amongst the poorest performers. Why you need to take a zero-tolerance approach to a supplier with a history of poor performance.

20:34 - Why are many importers are reluctant to get rid of poor suppliers? - discussing why importers often fear the upheaval of switching to new suppliers.

22:58 - Do you have legal agreements in place with suppliers? - if a legal and enforceable manufacturing agreement/contract is in place importers shouldn't need to fear switching suppliers as much. If you didn't put such an agreement in place it's not always too late, Renaud gives some tips on how to reason with your supplier and persuade them to sign one.

25:44 - Does your onboarding process for new suppliers need to be tweaked to encourage the signing of manufacturing agreements? - based on past experiences with manufacturing agreements (or lack of) you can plan how to make new suppliers sign one as a standard process in future. This can also work with current suppliers, where they can be persuaded to sign one with the promise of new orders if they do so. It's imperative that the contract is enforceable in your supplier's country.

29:15 - Transparency into the supply chain? - do you buy from companies who do only final assembly, not creating much real value, but you stick with them because they have the contacts of the key component suppliers? This is a lack of transparency in your supply chain. There are ways to work on getting those key suppliers' contacts from these suppliers and then set up a parallel supply chain that you control, as well as finally cutting away the deadwood as we discuss here.

32:45 - Redesign of key products for better durability & reliability - taking information from users of the products in the field about failures and using it to redesign the production process, change a secondary material, or something actually fairly simple in order to produce a far better product. Doing this is often left on the 'back-burner' until a V2.0 or V3.0 of the product.

35:07 - Do you collect and use data about quality issues, returns, complaints, etc? - setting up a database and analyzing the trends and key issues is a good idea. Performing failure analysis on these will help you improve. This is a commonly missed opportunity for many importers.

36:53 - Do you have a structured NPI process in place if you're developing new products in order to reduce risks without adding much time & cost? - letting a factory rush to production, as Chinese suppliers often like to do, increases your risks, especially for new and complex products. Implementing a structured process will reduce the chances of nasty surprises during production.

39:08 - Local teams for sourcing: are they working hard enough to find new sources? - can they be incentivised somehow to become hungrier to find better new suppliers?

39:40 - Local teams for QC: are they competitive with external QC agencies? Do they work smarter over the years? - it may be that the cost of outsourcing QC to an external inspection provider compares favorably with that of your internal team and leads to less stress. Using an app to reduce paperwork and improve productivity could be something to consider for your inspection team, too.

41:02 - Inventory management - is it time to make better decisions based on risks of disruption based on the risk each individual supplier creates? This can be assessed using data to help you make decisions on how much inventory you truly need.

41:42 - Using an ERP or other IT systems to improve how you manage your business? - maybe it's time to explore what other companies use to manage their key numbers and people.

42:15 - Wrapping up

Related content... * Rank & Yank - 7 Reasons To Switch To A New Chinese Manufacturer * Enforceable Chinese manufacturing contracts - How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IP * Sofeast can help you to create an enforceable manufacturing agreement * Data collection about returns etc - Investigating the Causes of Product Failure and Improving Design * Improving your NPI process - New Product Introduction Process Guide For Hardware Startups * External product inspections * Quality inspection app to improve inspector performance - we use our app: SynControl * Inventory management - How Much Inventory Do You Need? * We've generally discussed risk reduction in the supply chain, so you will also like this series of blog posts on supply chain risks management that Renaud wrote, which includes topics like what black swan events like the pandemic could be described as being, business continuity planning, the benefits of supply chain scorecards, and more.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Adrian interviews Richard Barnett, CMO of SupplyFrame, an AI-based SaaS solution which enables sourcing insights and decision support that improves the performance and resilience of electronics supply chains.

US-native Richard has decades of experience in the electronics field and has clocked many years in Asia, so he was an ideal person to discuss supply chain risks faced by today's importers of Asian electronic products and components in 2021 and risk-management techniques and advice that can help you become less affected by risks, such as the coronavirus pandemic we have been facing, political issues, and more.

One particularly interesting topic that he raised is how design & procurement influence the risk profile of the resulting productions.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode - topics around how to manage innovation, what do we expect post-covid across the global electronics value chain, and more

01:57 - Brief introduction of Richard and Supplyframe.com

04:50 - How does Richard's experience at Supplyframe fit in with an importer of electronics who is developing a new product? For a high-tech startup, for example, their solution would help provide new forms of intelligence to accelerate product design, identify and reduce risks of key component selections in the design phase, and think about how to align to ramp to volume considering key risks in the electronics supply value chain.

07:13 - Why risk reduction is more important than ever today and how the trend is becoming more widespread. The pandemic and the associated manufacturing shutdown in China in early 2020 forced many importers to react and work on making their supply chains more resilient, especially those in an industry where demand dropped off or ramped up quickly. Many importers have now been assessing how to improve supply chain resilience based on what they've learned and experienced which previously they perhaps didn't - this is 'the next normal.'

10:27 - A list of some of the risks which have exhibited themselves recently that importers should try to avoid. The pandemic spurred a number of risks recently that were unforeseen, but before the pandemic even occurred, there were key risks in the high-tech and electronic value supply chains such as US/China trade war tariffs, Korea and Japan trade tensions, FAB production capacity, memory production capacity, and more.

13:08 - If you've been hit by the risks described, what's the way out of this for importers? Optimizing your supply chain with flexibility, thinking through where opportunities for risk-sharing with a key manufacturer in terms of inventory or lead time, for example. Examining the multi-tier supply chain to find and eliminate bottlenecks and risks and understand where you can drive the greatest long-term impact, which is at the point of design. For example, de-risking the BOM by qualifying backup component suppliers so it's possible to pivot to procuring from them instead quickly if a problem occurs with a primary supplier is an important way to reduce risks.

17:43 - Is the 'US/China trade war' an ongoing risk that electronics importers should be wary of? The total impact of the transition out of China in the last few years has been less than 10% on aggregate, so the idea that decoupling from China will happen rapidly is unrealistic. Rather than uproot from China, Richard has seen additional costs absorbed by manufacturers or passed on to customers and he predicts seeing more of the same.

22:52 - Some interesting dynamics that are not impacted directly by trade-policy. 2021 is a turbulent year: we're reducing COVID restrictions, working from home, especially skilled digital work, has exploded, autos are now starting to pick up, hospitality, too, will be, so there's a V-shaped recovery. He sees a shift in key component and commodity categories being reallocated into other more reliable and profitable industries, such as from consumer electronics to autos or medical technology. There is a resetting of what is 'just-in-case' VS 'just-in-time?' 'What is the appropriate inventory buffer we need?' 'How do I negotiate my agreements to balance risk-sharing rather than just chasing the lowest cost?' Etc.

26:25 - Why some companies simply weren't prepared for the pandemic. Even the largest companies often hadn't done business continuity planning around pandemic response, so smaller tech startups have certainly faced substantial risks. Therefore aligning and synchronising recovery with what's driving demand, and focussing on reducing lead time, bottlenecks and other risks, as well as reviewing design in order to build risk-reduction into the design itself are the key takeaways here.

28:10 - What is 'Design To Source Intelligence?' Explaining the new form of intelligence that is about finding new insights to influence decisions and be more effective in the global electronics value chain based on a distillation of information from big data including market demand, costs, and much, much more that perhaps wasn't available to most importers until recently.

30:45 - Wrapping up

Related content... You will also like this series of blog posts on supply chain risks management that Renaud wrote, which includes topics like what black swan events like the pandemic could be described as being, business continuity planning, the benefits of supply chain scorecards, and more.

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In This Episode... Adrian and Renaud discuss the rising number of COVID-19 cases in China barely a week or so before the Chinese New Year holiday is set to happen where tens of millions of people will travel home around the country.

The outbreak is centered on the North of the country at present, but if it were to spread this could lead to lockdowns throughout the country and the authorities are already raising alertness and preparations to suppress its spread as much as possible.

If you have a supply chain in China it's important to understand how this may affect the holiday, Chinese workers travelling around the country, and your suppliers.

Let's hear what's happening from China directly...

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

02:55 - What's the situation with coronavirus in China right now (Jan 28th 2021) and how may it affect manufacturing? Explaining the logistics of tens of millions of people moving around the country during this period. Why the government doesn't want a repeat of the Hubei lockdown.

09:20 - How large family meals and meeting other large households during CNY increases the risks.

10:58 - Could restrictions be more centered around the North of China, or more widespread? There are low, medium, and high-risk areas. Local governments have told companies to try to limit employees travelling home at all and requested stricter adherence to rules, such as mask-wearing. Government employees have been barred from travelling, but private company employees can travel.

14:03 - How tighter travel restrictions have caused perverse effects on the manufacturing industry in China earlier than usual. Knowing that travel will become more difficult and there may be quarantine periods (away from the family) for inter-province travellers, some staff have left to go home for CNY earlier than ever. In the case of key workers, such as machine specialists, this has affected factory productivity and output if there is no one else there who can do their jobs. So some factories have been forced to stop certain work 2 to 3 weeks earlier than usual.

17:53 - Why a lot of Chinese exporters are suffering, despite the 'boom' in exports. The unfavorable exchange rate is not helping companies who export from China, nor is the crazy logistics situation.

19:10 - If many workers don't travel home for CNY and opt to stay in the cities where they work, could this mean that factories get back to work sooner than usual after the holiday? It could be the case, especially in purely assembly or packing facilities which can operate of key people are not present. One problem could be that quality inspectors haven't gone back to work yet, though, which could lead to poorer quality products after CNY than usual.

20:44 - What's the worst-case scenario for importers with a Chinese supply chain? If very strict preventive measures are taken it could put a lot of workers in quarantine upon arrival back to their company's city from their hometown. If areas or provinces are locked down, this could affect your supply from companies in those areas (this happened with Hubei in 2020).

24:08 - A breakdown of some of the restrictions in place (based on info from Sofeast's HR manager in Guangdong). People who travel will need to show a negative test within a week of travelling and on return from some areas will have a mandatory 14 days of health monitoring at home. Restrictions could be stricter for medium/high-risk regions, for instance requiring a negative test within just a few days of travelling and, potentially, quarantining outside of home. The situation is changing every day, so by the time CNY occurs restrictions could be different again.

25:57 - Have any of Sofeast's staff decided not to travel? Yes, although others are waiting until closer to the time to see what happens with restrictions before making a final decision.

27:03 - Key points for importers to focus on during this time. Keep an eye on your suppliers, especially if they're in an area which is moved into medium/high-risk. Also consider sub-suppliers, as if they are locked down it could disrupt your suppliers' ability to fulfil your orders regardless of whether they're at work or not.

27:50 - The situation in Hong Kong. Given that some importers may have suppliers in Hong Kong, too, or wish to travel there, the situation has also recently become complicated due to a couple of localized outbreaks in Kowloon. HK has changed its approach to follow Mainland China more closely, now enforcing 3 weeks of quarantine in a hotel. Visitors can still travel to Hong Kong, unlike China which is only permitting a very limited list of foreign arrivals right now (such as people with a work permit).

31:35 - Wrapping up the episode.

Related content to read next... * 6 risks importers from China face in January 2021 * China’s Covid-19 outbreaks force caution as Lunar New Year travel rush begins

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In This Episode... Adrian catches up with Andy Bartlett, an experienced British product designer who has 25 years of experience in product design, development, and working with manufacturers in China to discuss project management best practices when dealing with Chinese suppliers with a special focus on Andy's take on this from a product design perspective. He covers project management tips and techniques, building good relationships, IP protection, and much, much more!

More about Andy Bartlett

Andy has a deep experience in consumer electronics, toys, and more. Several of Sofeast's clients have worked with Andy with good results. He was Product Design Manager at Worlds Apart for 14 years and has designed products for Disney, LEGO, Hasbro and Mattel including Scruff-a-luvs and GoGlow.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introducing the episode

01:23 - Andy's Bio

02:05 - The 2 ways of engaging with Chinese suppliers: Contract Manufacturers (your 'factory') and Development Houses - When you're developing a new product to bring to market you're likely to work directly with a factory in China and you'll need to go through all of the product development work that has been done and make sure they can deliver, or, if you're at an earlier stage on your project, you may work with a development house first who help you with the development work such as on the product concept and its functions and on NPI work such as deciding on manufacturing processes, techniques, and more.

03:36 - Dealing directly with a factory as a designer when performing the project management - 2 challenges: 1. Protect your interests (design intent) and be clear about what you want to achieve. 2. Structure, organisation, and well-controlled communication channels.

06:22 - Dealing with a development house from a design perspective - about managing costs, schedule and exploring opportunities (which they will be more interested in than many factories who are incentivised to get to production ASAP), but still getting to the factory in time to produce your goods on schedule.

07:55 - The focus on getting to production by factories and why creative people sometimes don't know when to stop 'development.'

09:10 - At what point do you know that your product development is mature enough that you can start production?

12:14 - Why approving the tooling is one of the worst times in the NPD process for anyone who's developing a new product.

13:26 - Exploring some best practices when working with a factory or a development house (good for hardware startups who are new to this). New product development is a tough process, so building a good working relationship is really helpful. Look for good communication and contacts whom you can trust (in factories this can be harder) and an inquisitive spirit that is willing to try new things and solve problems.

17:38 - How communication and building relationships have been affected by the challenges of the pandemic. In-person contact is the best way to work with your Chinese suppliers, but in lieu of that, video conferencing is a key tool.

19:47 - The culture of saying 'yes' to everything you request in China and how to combat it with notes and a system to check that suppliers are on target. Importers need to be careful of this, as yes doesn't always mean yes. Therefore any meetings should be followed up with written notes that can double-confirm a supplier's intent and ability. Google suite of products doesn't work in China, but you can create a system to track and manage development issues. Microsoft's software is usually adequate for this. Emails aren't as they're quite ignorable. Build the culture of 'track & trace' and always come back to suppliers to check that they are resolving your question and if it's truly a 'yes,' or in fact a 'no.'

24:44 - How best to manage CAD data and not lose the integrity of the modelling. A flexible pause and review approach to 3D data is a good use of time as this will be worked on until late in the development process.

27:09 - How about IP protection? It's context-driven. If you're in a long-term stable relationship with a supplier you should already have the trust that they use IP responsibly. With a new supplier, do they take steps to protect their other clients' confidentiality seriously if you're visiting their factory to tour it? If so, that's a good sign. If a trusted supplier recommends another supplier this may be a good sign. You should take steps to control CAD data by using software to minimize the amount of data the new supplier can see at an early stage.

30:57 - Why keeping your cool, even when things go wrong, is really important. Maintaining calm and respectfulness is a very valuable skill when dealing with Chinese suppliers, this includes sending a heated email. Consider the context of not being able to visit the supplier and see how busy they are etc, it may be easy to get the wrong idea about what is happening so keeping cool is important. 99% of the time, your supplier is doing the best they can. If your goal is to get the best possible product developed, confrontation with your partners in China may be counterintuitive.

36:06 - The first order with a factory is hard as that's where all the work goes and the most stress occurs, but hang in there! Followup orders probably require 10% of the effort and become easier, perhaps with just small tweaks to the product. So if things are tough initially, it will get easier in future.

38:01 - Wrapping up and Andy's key takeaway for designers of new products. Passionate designers need to remember that it's 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration, so remember to be calm and disciplined.

Related content to read next... * Andy has written a number of blog posts for Sofeast, particularly about product design topics. * Sourcing from China 101, Part 8: Project Management of Your Orders * Project management for importers

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In This Episode... Adrian and Renaud discuss the topic of product reliability testing. What is this type of testing, when do we carry it out, what are the risks of not doing the testing, and what does it cost? These questions and many more are answered, because today, more than ever, it's so important for importers to protect themselves against expensive recalls and lawsuits which may occur if your products don't reach expected reliability, quality, and, as a knock-on effect in many cases, safety standards.

Ultimately, you'll discover why, for most products, skipping reliability testing during the NPI process is simply not worth it!

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction

02:37 - A summary of WHAT product reliability is. Some examples are given, in particular, that of a women's razor that must be able to withstand the bathroom and shower environment and also a smartphone which needs to withstand daily use.

05:19 - If a product is NOT reliable, how could this affect the importer? You will face returns, bad reviews, and in the case of failures that lead to safety issues, you may have to recall a batch, be prosecuted in court, pay heavy damages, etc.

06:36 - What typically causes reliability issues in a new product? The causes of reliability issues can be broken down into categories:

Design: Poor design is usually the top cause of reliability problems later on. The infamous case of the unsafe Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was down to a poor design that allowed the batteries to catch fire in certain circumstances.
Manufacturing: Component manufacturers or manufacturing at the main assembly site can also cause reliability issues. An example is given of specifying the wrong kind of glue that later causes product failure (specifying the wrong materials or components is a type of design failure, too).

13:00 - Why product reliability is ever more important in these days of the internet when disgruntled users will soon write bad reviews. There is no one product category where users wouldn't complain about an unreliable product. Products for children would be an obvious target where brands can't afford to upset consumers, but on the other hand, something as simple as a takeaway coffee cup could also injure and upset consumers, too.

14:31 - The importance of understanding safety standards when developing a new product and planning ahead for any and all possible failures that could affect consumers.

15:41 - Will hardware startups, who may be new to reliability testing, get any support to define and plan for potential product failures from 3rd party companies (like Sofeast) who conduct the testing for them? Yes, although the developer really needs to understand their own users and how they may misuse the product better than anyone else. We will usually discuss the relevant regulations and potential risks with a customer who is developing a new product where needed, challenge their design and prototypes to assure that they're going in the right direction for their goals for the product, and we also often perform risk analysis and a design FMEA, too.

17:56 - How to confirm the performance of the product during development.

18:52 - How to push the limits of the product to work towards reliability during development. Some ideas of what to test to simulate the extremes that the product can be pushed to in order to see what fails first. This often uncovers the main weaknesses of a product's design.

20:56 - Reliability and compliance testing during mass production. Samples from the pilot run can be used to confirm that everything is OK with the product design, but also, importantly, the manufacturing process by subjecting them to typical usage over, say, 2 years. Compliance testing should also be done on these early pre-production pilot run samples, too.

24:19 - Why some companies still take the risk of not performing reliability testing. Those with less experience tend to place a lot of trust in their manufacturer, assuming that they will not provide products which later turn out to have reliability issues.

25:43 - The types of reliability testing that may be used. These vary per the product type, but here are some options:

Cycling the product from low to high temperature, humidity testing, salt spray testing on exposed metals, mechanical tests like drop and vibration tests, flexing cables, lifecycle testing (HALT), and more.
Packaging reliability testing is also a consideration, as it is often a part of the product offering these days and will need to reliably protect your product and its retail packaging during transit and storage. So for this, there will be drop tests, vibration tests, atmospheric testing, and compression testing, and more.
Batteries, in particular, will have many types of tests, such as charge/discharge cycling, drop tests, thermal tests, and more.

31:33 - Some real examples Renaud has seen of product disasters that reliability testing uncovered. Products that catch fire (!) are a constant threat and something seen a number of times, but also products which instantly break, scratch or corrode immediately, and more! 🙈

33:52 - Why the worst safety issues often stem from reliability problems. We discuss the link between reliability, quality, and safety, and how they overlap. How reliability is usually focused on during product development and how quality is focused on during manufacturing. If both are handled well, there should be no safety issues.

37:18 - How much does reliability testing actually cost? Most consumer products that are not made in vast quantities the product reliability testing can range between $300-3,000. When companies understand the risks that are avoided by the testing they usually see it as a worthwhile investment.

39:15 - Reiterating why reliability testing is not to be skipped for most products.

41:40 - Wrapping up.

Related content to read next... Here are a few blog posts about reliability testing that Renaud wrote earlier:

Product Reliability Testing | 7 FAQs - this is a further introduction to the topic.
Reliability Testing Plan For A Home Appliance (an Electronic Hairbrush) in China [Example] - this shows you a real example of a testing plan for a pretty common electronic product.
Why NOT to skip reliability testing on electronic products from China - a cautionary post showing what can go wrong and how to avoid issues.
We discussed product packaging, so learn more about common packaging types and features in this guide.
Our guide on battery choice for importers of electronics also covers battery testing in some detail, and you can read that here.
Watch our playlist of videos on battery testing and quality here.
Also, at Sofeast, we provide product reliability testing (and packaging testing) for our customers, too, so take a look and get a quotation for your project. 👍

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In This Episode... Adrian and Renaud kick-off 2021 with Renaud's thoughts on how the coronavirus pandemic will continue to affect manufacturing this year and how things might change once vaccine use becomes more widespread, and then get into the main topic: How to validate a supplier's production capacity, especially if you're a buyer abroad who isn't able to travel to China (or elsewhere in Asia) to do this on-site yourself.

Given that a supplier over-promising on their capacity could land you in hot water when it comes to delivery delays, quality problems, and increased costs, understanding if they truly do have the capacity to handle your order quantities before placing orders is a must, and since there are still tight restrictions for travelling to different Asian countries, not least China, being able to do so from abroad is very relevant for many buyers right now.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction

01:44 - Renaud talks about how the coronavirus pandemic may continue to affect buyers from China/Asia in 2021. How the vaccine rollout could improve things, certainly by 2022, and how in China the manufacturing industry continues to operate strongly for most verticals. Will the West start to perform better by Q2 of 2021?

07:54 - Why do we need to be able to validate a supplier's factory's production capacity before we start placing orders? When buying from a supplier you will fit into one of these 3 categories regarding your order quantity and their capacity:

Your order quantity is in the supplier's sweet spot - there shouldn't be an issue with them making this without hitch and being attentive to your needs. This is where everyone wants to be.
Your order quantity is very low and the supplier is quite large - they're unlikely to be flexible, offer special terms, and pay attention to your needs as much as you may like.
Your order quantity is too large for the supplier - this is the danger zone. Some suppliers may accept an order even if they know they don't have the capacity, and this could lead to dangers such as unauthorised subcontracting, rushing to implement new machinery and onboard new staff, and other issues that can lead to delays and quality problems for you.

14:24 - Why in East-Asian cultures, 'yes' doesn't always mean 'yes.' Suppliers agreeing to orders they know they can't handle easily has a cultural factor. Yes, may not mean yes directly, rather it may mean, "I hear you and I'm thinking about it." Also, Chinese salespeople, for example, don't want to disappoint foreign customers so are likely to overpromise rather than say no in some cases.

16:22 - If buyers are unable to visit Asian suppliers right now, how can we assess them from afar? Renaud shares a number of tips, such as using factory auditors, and about how to question them and the kinds of questions to ask (if possible over the phone and with someone at a managerial level), including:

Getting an understanding of the supplier's number of employees.
Questions about what they buy from outside, such as components and if these are custom-made (more supply chain risk) or not, capacity per day, % of good pieces, etc.
Questions about what they actually do in their facility, such as their processes, daily capacity per process, defect rate, etc.
What their peak and slow seasons are - for instance, around CNY is a risky time to place orders.

24:35 - If it's possible to get truthful answers to the above questions that is good, but will many buyers get a better result by working with companies who are already on the ground in Asia and can perform due diligence and audits for them? Yes. If your main contact has no idea and their colleagues don't help answer them you may not have success with speaking on the phone, but it's easy to find companies like Sofeast who can go on-site perform due diligence on potential suppliers and validate a supplier's capacity.

26:14 - What actually impacts a supplier's capacity? It is a lot more than just the number of employees and machines that they have. Renaud suggests the following things have an effect on overall production capacity:

Staff numbers alone don't mean a lot with the exception of garment factories.
The equipment can lead to a lot of output if it's fast and well-maintained, but if there are bottlenecks around it then the output will be slowed down a lot, and the same can be said for equipment downtime.
The supply chain will affect capacity - so how efficient are sub-suppliers in the production and delivery of materials/components?
Quality has a large impact on capacity because reworking bad batches, for example, takes time away from making the product, thereby reducing capacity.
Material and production planning - if things are well-planned to make the operation flexible and optimised with little idle time, capacity also will be optimised. Many suppliers in China won't be this well-organised.
Staff training also has an impact, as mistakes lead to rework and operators will work faster, too.
Good process engineering makes everything run faster and improves quality.
Small tooling and fixtures and automation which is well-integrated can also help speed things up a lot.
The warehouse even has an effect, as if operators are waiting for deliveries of new materials/components to be delivered to the assembly line, for instance, this leads to idle time.
Engineering change notifications can have an impact, as can making prototypes and samples using the tooling which takes capacity away from production.
The mix of products being made at any one time, especially if it's high mix low volume.

35:13 - Is the best way to get a handle on all of this conducting factory audits? A technical process audit is ideal in this situation, as it will look into the real processes being used on-site and the auditor, who is accustomed to the processes being used and familiar with the product type, will be able to assess the supplier's capacity, key risks, ability to reach your quality standard, and much, much more.

36:27 - Wrapping up. Tell us how you've coped with assessing suppliers' capacities from abroad throughout the pandemic.

Related content to read next... * How to validate a factory's production capacity WITHOUT going on-site? * Learn more about Sofeast's numerous factory audits which help you get a high level of visibility about your supplier (in China, Vietnam, India, and across Asia) from your own country. * If dealing with a new supplier, our new factory identification solution assesses their capacity amongst other things you need to know before you start working with them.

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In This Episode... Adrian and Renaud talk about the current trend of moving manufacturing operations away from China, either partly or completely. This really started to gain pace due to the US/China trade war and the punitive tariffs imposed by the US government on some 'Made-In-China' goods, and, in some ways, the coronavirus pandemic hastened it, too, as companies sought to diversify supply chains to reduce risk.

So is this exodus from China going to continue into 2021 and does it affect you? We discuss the trends and some of the realities of transferring some or all of your supply chain to other countries in this episode.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction / What has caused some companies to move operations away from China in recent years.

02:47 - Is the trend of moving supply chains out of China still realistic and ongoing? It's still a trend amongst many companies to be researching and planning to make this move in 2021 or beyond. How large companies have been most successful in moving, mainly, assembly out of China into countries like Vietnam up to now.

04:44 - What challenges do smaller companies face when trying to make the switch? Smaller companies, such as many e-commerce sellers who private label products from an ODM or OEM, have been much slower to move operations due to their agreements with their manufacturer. They often have little say in what the Chinese manufacturer does, so, even if they want to diversify out of China, it's either impossible or slow progress if they can't find a similar manufacturer to work with in, say, India, who provide the same product. Also, smaller companies may not have the budget, especially after 202, to finance such a move of the supply chain overseas after working with an ODM/OEM, as this could include needing to pay for new tooling, product development, and more (which the Chinese supplier provided to them as a part of the package).

07:31 - Why companies who have designed and developed their own products are at an advantage when it comes to moving some of their supply chain out of China. If their manufacturing contract is written correctly they should own their molds and tooling and can transfer this from a Chinese supplier to another supplier either in China or a different country. But even if assembly can be done in Vietnam, for example, it may still be necessary to have some of the supply chain in China, such as certain component suppliers.

08:46 - Imports from Vietnam to the USA have increased by almost 40% in recent years. Does this mean that it's possible to do assembly and get components there, too? In fact, not really. Many of the facilities opened in Vietnam are either close to the Chinese border or in port cities where components from China can be readily shipped in. This may change in future, but, for now, Vietnam doesn't provide a full supply chain infrastructure in most cases.

10:52 - Is assembly and packing done in SE Asia a way to circumvent US tariffs? It depends on the amount of value creation in the final country, but it can sometimes be illegal. The issue is the lack of sub-suppliers for components and materials outside of China.

12:49 - Has India benefited from any companies moving some operations out of China? We discuss some Taiwanese companies moving to Chennai as it has an existing network of suppliers and workforce from its electronic and automotive industry there, although a lot of components still come from China. The conflict between India and China does not help matters in India right now, as the Indian customs are processing Chinese imports very slowly which increases risks for manufacturers there. So when you look at the costs of having an extended supply chain across China and India, does this make avoiding tariffs on China-made-goods worthwhile? It may not, so you have to research this.

16:21 - Foxconn's new factory in Northern Vietnam. Why is it here and how does it benefit Apple? How about components - are they still going to be coming from China?

18:24 - What does a Biden presidency mean for American companies moving forward? Discussion on if the US/China trade war will continue and how it could change, if at all?

22:44 - How have Chinese exports to the US and other countries started booming in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and how is the logistics industry struggling to cope with the strain? What types of sectors have really benefited, even with the US/China trade war in effect?

27:08 - Are companies from other countries aside from the USA also trying to move supply chains out of China? If so, why? The US tariffs still affect companies who manufacture in China for the US market, too, even if they aren't American companies, so it's still a cause. The coronavirus shutdown of China's manufacturing sector in early 2020 also prompted many global companies to start the process in order to diversify and have less risk in future due to being less reliant on China. However, due to the inability to travel, many companies plan to move but have put the projects on hold for now which, of course, benefits China...for now.

31:02 - If your business sells in the China market, is it wise to move operations out of China? There is some debate about this point. Importing into China is complex and bureaucratic, so this could cause you a lot of hassle in future. It may well also be that the Chinese authorities will not take kindly to brands who are very active internally moving supply chains out of China. This is a source of risk to be aware of and assess if that's your company.

32:25 -Wrapping up and festive wishes from Renaud and Adrian! 🎄

Articles about moving supply chains out of China to read next... * The pros and cons of moving manufacturing operations to Vietnam, India, Malaysia, & Thailand. * From the WSJ, why breaking up with China is difficult for businesses. * Foxconn opening a new Apple factory in Northern Vietnam. * India’s possible opportunity to capitalise on a manufacturing exodus from China post-COVID. * How a Biden presidency may influence the US/China trade war.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... You've tuned into part 11 of our mini-series guiding you through effective vetting of Chinese suppliers that will help you to find the best possible manufacturer for your products (listen back to the entire mini-series on vetting Chinese suppliers here 👍). In fact, this is the final part of this mini-series!

In this mini-series, you will already have learnt about due diligence, factory audits and visits, exploring testing facilities, and much more when it comes to vetting suppliers. But how do you carry on getting the results you expect from your new supplier once you have been working together for a while?

In this episode, Adrian & Renaud discuss some of the common scenarios you may face in your new relationship, such as needing to switch from an underperforming supplier to a new one or facing an unexpected price rise, and what you can do to combat or overcome them.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction / Who needs to listen to the series on vetting new suppliers and why / certain things to be mindful of when working with a new Chinese supplier.

04:15 - How and why to develop a backup supplier. Benefits of doing so in terms of reducing the risk of losing supply of key products/components, how to manage a backup, who is and is not going to find keeping a backup appropriate, and much more.

12:45 - When to switch to a new/backup supplier if things are going wrong with your current one? How it can either be the buyer (didn't vet suppliers and chose a bad fit or didn't explain standards correctly and clearly) or supplier (simply not fulfilling what is expected from them or that they agreed to) that causes a situation where switching to a different supplier is necessary and examples.

16:27 - The typical 'vicious circle' a buyer can fall into with a bad supplier even though they should leave.

20:51 - Dealing with unexpected price rises. Having thorough data about material costs etc can help a buyer push back against a price rise. Having a backup supplier provides leverage if needed when negotiating, as it means you can leave the supplier if they don't modify costs.

22:45 - Developing suppliers based on their quality performance data. Assessing how consistent and reliable the supplier is and their quality systems. Small factories will need a lot more hand-holding and more inspections earlier in production. Larger manufacturers probably won't require such vigilance early on, and, if you're able to negotiate favourable payment terms where you pay after receiving items to your country, repeatedly running a lot of inspections may not make sense.

24:57 - Tracking supplier performance and reviewing it over time - Keep track of performance statistics such as quality inspection pass rate, average defect rate, on-time shipments, serious issues found after shipment, and more. This is also the case with lab testing, too. If a supplier shows that they can be trusted, reducing lab testing frequency may be possible, too.

Extra information you may find helpful * Here's how to keep a backup supplier in case things don’t go well with your main option. * Here is how to prepare yourself for if Chinese suppliers raise their prices unexpectedly. * When you have even one bad experience with an unreliable supplier, don’t place a re-order. Go to your backup instead. * Our Contract Manufacturing subsidiary, Agilian Technology, just released this tool to help you assess if you need to switch to a new Chinese manufacturer. * Guidance on how to adapt your quality control strategy to the reliability of each supplier. * Follow this advice about how to develop your key suppliers over time.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Sofeast's CEO, Renaud, and Adrian from the team discuss the 'Bill Of Materials.' Why is this document SO important for importers, what does it contain, how does it help the development and manufacture of products, and why and how must it be kept confidential where possible? These questions, and more, are all answered in this episode!

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

01:22 - What is the BOM? A rough introduction to the document and its purpose. A list of the components/materials/accessories/packaging/markings/fasteners/etc that make up a product, each with its own row in the BOM. A lot of information about each individual part is included per row. Why it's a confidential document that some suppliers don't want to share (as it includes their sources and product development info) and how this can leave importers in the dark about what goes into their products and if changes have been made if they're not granted access.

06:39 - Problems that can occur if you don't have the BOM. OEMs and ODMs may make changes without telling you, this causes trouble with quality and compliance. It can also cause compliance issues because if they change the makeup of the product between batches, you could unwittingly be importing non-compliant products (we discuss product compliance here). If they commit to a BOM you're aware of these issues are less likely.

10:46 - How the BOM evolves throughout the product development process & what's included. The BOM follows the new product development phases, going from concept BOM which is simple and gives a rough idea of what's included, through to a prototyping and manufacturing BOM which is complete and is continually updated with quantity, component status, price, testing results, issues, new requirements from the customer, product engineering info, CAD drawings, colour, texture, finishing, and more.

17:02 - The need for a review process on the BOM to make sure any mistakes are found. Mistakes with the BOM could lead to incorrect parts, quantities, or wrongly specified parts being purchased. Checking and updating the BOM accurately is also connected to traceability for if issues are found later on with products.

18:51 - What does a Bill Of Materials look like? A good resource here is Renaud's video walkthrough where he explains an example BOM row by row. A few words on BOM format.

19:50 - How and why do we protect the BOM's confidentiality? The BOM includes pricing and it is not ideal for everyone to get an idea of how much components or full products truly cost. No company wants to make their margin that obvious. Components may have their markings removed or obscured to stop competitors finding out your suppliers and being able to more easily replicates products and features, but if a BOM was to get into their hands this would allow them to skip many months of development immediately. So, anyone receiving the BOM must be contractually bound by the same kind of manufacturing contract covering the final products, too.

26:57 - If a Chinese supplier doesn't want to provide the BOM, what can you do? This is a matter of leverage and negotiation. If the supplier is afraid you will leave they may relent and provide the BOM or at least a partial BOM which will give you a lot of the key information you require.

28:21 - Other reasons why a BOM is important to both buyers and manufacturers. A buyer will also find a BOM from the supplier helpful in order to track down quality issues coming from a sub-supplier which allows you to send an inspector to the sub-supplier to check on how they're working and push them to improve if problems are found. Without the BOM, of course, this isn't possible and improvements can't be driven. A manufacturer will find an ERP useful in order to manage purchasers' practices (assuming they don't already use an ERP which most don't), as this will force purchasers to use a specific BOM per product instead of a collection of spreadsheets, contacts, and documents that only they have access to, and then management can check that they haven't overpaid, skimmed, etc, occasionally.

33:33 - Closing recap about the importance of the BOM, its function, and contents.

Extra information you may find helpful A number of blog posts and resources about the Bill Of Materials here for you to digest:

How To Manage the Bill of Materials, from Initial Design to Mass Production
What is the Bill of Materials and why is it important?
Bill of Materials (BoM) - summary

Get in touch with us Got any questions or ideas for future episodes? Let us know!

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In This Episode... Sofeast's CEO, Renaud, and Adrian from the team discuss the forthcoming Chinese New Year holiday which is officially between Feb. 11th to 17th 2021 (CNY day is Feb 12th). We'll look into how and why this holiday has a serious impact on lead times, quality, supply chain risk, and managing suppliers; greater than at any other time of the year.

Renaud also shares some tips and strategies that importers can implement to plan and prepare for CNY, as well as mitigating risks that may arise from your suppliers.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

02:18 - Discussing what the Chinese New Year holiday, or Spring Festival, is and some of its unique features.

05:28 - What staff turnover around CNY tells you about the factory. A high turnover is indicative of an employer who has work to do with treating and/or paying staff well.

06:40 - Some problems which typically occur after Chinese New Year. If staff have left, new staff aren't as efficient which may lead to quality issues. Even new quality inspectors may not pick up problems as well until they're familiar with your requirements.

07:17 - Points of stress for importers before CNY. The pressure to clear a backlog of orders and staff starting to leave early for the holiday makes the pre-CNY period quite treacherous for importers. Orders may be delayed, quality may be affected, there is no time to rework defective batches, suppliers may not focus on future orders urgently, etc.

11:00 - The length of time that different factories may be closed for. Assembly factories will typically be closed for 12-15 days, a relatively short time. The problem is with component and material factories. These guys can be closed for up to a whole month.

12:32 - Summarising the problems and risks at CNY. Also includes shipping backlogs, where demand drives up shipping costs and there is enormous demand for quality inspections just before CNY, too, when everyone is (rightly) worried about poor quality.

13:42 - The dates for Chinese New Year 2021 and pre-CNY wind-down.

14:36 - An additional risk for importers: Supplier bankruptcy. It's at this time, the end of the year in China, that suppliers who have been struggling financially may decide to file for bankruptcy and shut down. They may or may not pay off outstanding wages and debts, but either way, it's going to leave you in the lurch. Due to the financial stresses of 2020, this could be a larger problem in 2021 than usual. Big tip: DON'T wire any advance payments for the period after CNY to a supplier just before the new year holiday.

16:31 - Preventive measures that importers should follow to navigate the CNY period securely. Plan ahead diligently, get inventory made Oct/Nov, avoid production too close to CNY due to quality issues, if things may be in a rush, negotiate with suppliers to have smaller orders made better (if possible) to release some pressure on them, arrange post-CNY orders with your supplier so they can coordinate with sub-suppliers in advance in order to get things running faster after the holiday, increase inspection work on products and components/materials pre and post CNY.

21:27 - Will CNY 2021 be any different to usual due to COVID19? At the moment, due to the very low cases of the coronavirus in China, it looks that it won't be particularly affected, unlike in 2020. However, importers should be aware that if the virus spreads due to the holiday, factories could be hampered or shut down in the new year if cases are found.

25:24 - Contingencies to deal with supply chain risks (such as viral outbreaks). Keeping some extra inventory if possible, having more than one supplier per product gives a safety net and this even better if they're located in different areas of China or even different countries (such as one in China, one in Thailand), suppliers can hold some stock or components, etc.

27:48 - Risks other than a pandemic to be aware of. This could be a fire in the factory that puts them out of action, financial problems causing them to go out of business, having IP stolen, disastrous manufacturing and quality issues, and more. Importers would be wise to consider arranging a backup supplier. Plan ahead and have a risk-based approach to cope with risks that you rank from worst to least if they should happen.

Extra information you may find helpful * Renaud wrote about how to manage issues caused by the holiday here: Chinese New Year: how to manage the disruption? * You can learn more about the CNY festival itself, dates, etc, from this handy page: Chinese New Year – China's Grandest Festival & Longest Public Holiday * There are a number of really great posts from Renaud about supply chain risks and how to put in place contingencies to manage them collected here in a series: Supply Chain Risk Management Blog Posts * Read more about arranging a backup supplier here: Why you Need a Backup Factory for your China Production

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Sofeast's CEO, Renaud, and Adrian from the team discuss everything buyers should know about quality control plans. A QC plan lists all the quality-related checkpoints to be passed during/after a production run. Depending on the buyer's situation (which include factors like order size and value), it can include process, product, or legal checkpoints. Approving QC plans is an essential step before production is allowed to start as you'll see as we go through the topic.

There are three types of quality control plans we'll be discussing:

The product quality control plan to include in a contract with a Chinese supplier which demonstrates the buyer’s expectations for the supplier regarding quality, inspection, and production activities.
The process control plan that decomposes production in each process step (often called control plan).
The QC plan for a new product being brought to market which outlines in black and white the manufacturer needs to know in order to produce goods at the right quality.

You'll learn when these plans are appropriate, or, conversely, if there are buyers who don't require them.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction.

00:56 - What are QC plans and why are they important to agree on before production starts? A summary of QC plans and for which kind of orders they'd be most appropriate.

03:09 - Discussing the 3 types of QC plan and the different contexts they're used in.

03:48 - 1. The product quality control plan that makes up a part of the manufacturing contract. Defines legalities around access to the facility, testing, product compliance expectations, who pays for testing, what happens if products fail quality tests and don't reach the quality standard, and more.

07:18 - 2. The process control plan. This is a core tool for the automotive industry but can be used by any buyer if their orders are large or expensive enough to warrant a deep investigation into planned production processes in order to ensure quality throughout. Plan what is expected at each production step, how it can be checked, and what to do if an issue is found, and document all of this in the plan. This also applies to upstream suppliers if you're taking quality very seriously. (Read this blog post for more info on setting up your process control plan: 11 Steps To Set Up a Process Control Plan)

13:13 - How to identify suppliers who are capable of adhering to a stringent process control plan? 2 ways, process audits and a tip from Renaud to do it in a simpler way.

15:02 - 3. The QC plan for when developing a new product. This clarifies your needs and takes the form of a number of questions, which we list and discuss in this section, about quality in a type of checklist that the manufacturer really needs answers to have answers to (or be able to answer) before proceeding. It forces both buyer and supplier to think deeply on how to assure the best quality possible when manufacturing a product which is new on the market. (You can see an example QC plan for a new product in this blog post which this episode is based on).

22:46 - How Chinese suppliers' culture can be to disregard planning ahead for quality and instead focus on fixing issues later as they occur. Hint - this flexible approach isn't a good thing, especially for new, complex products.

25:01 - The dangers of not going through the QC planning process with Chinese/Asian suppliers. They will be very encouraging which can lead some buyers to trust in their expertise, but this can be a trap because it's on YOU to define a quality standard and expectations for the supplier to follow, not to be led by them as their ultimate interests may not align with yours as less specific requirements give them more opportunity to cover themselves should they do something wrong.

27:35 - Are all 3 QC plan types appropriate for all kinds of buyers? The product quality control plan (1) should usually be implemented for any size of order if possible, as it's good to have quality expectations in your contract with the supplier. The process control plan (2) is usually more appropriate for buyers with high quality requirements who place large orders (in the tens of thousands of pieces at least). The QC plan for new products (3) is appropriate for buyers developing and launching new products onto the market.

30:55 - Why buyers with large order MUST have a quality standard. For instance, POs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

31:12 - What should buyers of existing products (such as off-the-shelf items to be rebranded) be focusing on when it comes to quality? QC plan 1 for the manufacturing contract's terms is still helpful, as is creating a quality standard and documenting any quality issues from the supplier on an ongoing basis. But as a distributor, you will be unlikely to have much of a say about their manufacturing processes or new product development method.

Extra information you may find helpful * You may like this blog post: How Quality Planning Drives QC and Process Improvement * Listen to this episode of the podcast where we discuss process audits. * Get professional help from our team of China manufacturing & quality experts to develop your own QC plan, product specifications, testing processes, and more with QA Consulting solution from Sofeast.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... You've tuned into part 10 of our mini-series guiding you through effective vetting of Chinese suppliers that will help you to find the best possible manufacturer for your products (listen back to the entire mini-series on vetting Chinese suppliers here 👍).

If you've been following this mini-series, you will already have learnt about due diligence, factory audits and visits, exploring testing facilities, and much more when it comes to vetting suppliers. But if you're at the point where you are ready to start asking for quotations, there is still quite a lot to be learnt about the potential suppliers on your shortlist and that's what Adrian and Sofeast's CEO, Renaud, get into in this episode.

Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction and why getting quotations is a helpful part of the vetting process.

02:39 - When is the right time to start discussing pricing with a potential supplier and what can we learn from their prices? There's a difference between off-the-shelf products and more unique products that you're developing new for the market. For the latter, protecting your IP is important so that your product's unique features remain confidential.

05:41 - When to discuss pricing if you have confidential IP to keep secure. The risk of IP leakage (see additional resources below) here is a real threat. A useful strategy is to only release IP to properly vetted suppliers and hold off on speaking about pricing until this has been done (this means going through the whole vetting process outlined in this mini-series before sharing product details and requesting pricing).

You may also choose to omit the unique IP from your designs submitted for a quotation at an early stage in order to get pricing back which will be roughly equivalent to the true cost a supplier can provide when they see your complete product design - this helps you gauge market rate and get an idea of which suppliers are suitable on cost.

10:47 - What you should also discuss with a potential supplier when you're in a position to request pricing. Getting pricing means sharing technical information, but you should also be asking about business terms such as payment terms, incoterm, how shipping is handled, packaging, if the supplier stores your products in the warehouse and then ships them to different countries in batches, etc.

11:32 - How working with the wrong manufacturer on prototyping is a recipe for disaster. Worst case scenario for the maker of a new product is that by working with the wrong Chinese supplier on developing your product and creating its prototypes, you're effectively training them to become your competitor with your own product idea. This shows why vetting suppliers to select the 'right option' is so important.

13:47 - A summary of steps you can take to protect IP. Narrow down the right profile of manufacturer for your needs. Screen out poor candidates. For complex products and large orders, performing advanced due diligence is a must. For simpler products where changing supplier is easier and protecting IP may be less of an issue, some screening is still required. After this, have your one or two shortlisted suppliers sign an NNN agreement and make it very clear what is confidential and understand who works on it and is a party to this IP. Assure they don't share confidential IP with sub-suppliers unless they also sign the NNN agreement. Look out for telltale signs of suppliers who don't take IP security seriously, such as staff members sending important business emails from personal accounts!

18:06 - What can we learn to show us that a supplier is capable? How well does the supplier understand your requirements before quoting? Do they ask questions to get the right information that helps them provide a very accurate quotation and not surprise you with additional extras later on? You also need to make sure you give the supplier the right information to help them, though. So paying attention to what the quotation is based on (such as your quality standard, your intended warranty, etc) is a key indicator of whether the supplier truly 'gets' what you require.

25:03 - Mistakes buyers make when requesting quotations from Chinese suppliers. Negotiating a low price at an early stage before the supplier has all of the information they need may seem like you're locking a good deal, but if the supplier hasn't sourced components and don't know how long production will take, for example, price rises later are almost inevitable and will cause you a lot of trouble.

26:26 - Why doing product design and prototyping outside of China/Vietnam etc is a good way to protect IP and streamline the vetting process. Instead of vetting a supplier, then going through the product development and pre-production stages with them, you can do that abroad while you vet them and go to them with very specific designs and prototypes to get accurate quotations and start work quickly. This also means that the Chinese supplier wasn't involved with the design and there's less chance of IP leakage. This would typically be the model when using a contract manufacturer and such preparation helps show you as a serious and credible customer.

30:35 - Are the extra costs for developing products and prototyping abroad worth it? This depends on the expected volume and how much capital can be spent at this early stage. If you don't do this, working with a Chinese OEM could work, but assuring you own the IP is going to be a key concern before doing so, otherwise, you can go into partnership with them if sharing ownership of IP is acceptable and you're unsure if you can get investment elsewhere.

33:42 - How buyers need to be very clear when communicating requirements in order to help suppliers give them a solid quotation. Chinese suppliers may not be very organized, so you need to be sure to help them to help you by being very organized yourself - not sending them full information, or sending it piecemeal will definitely slow things down and cause misunderstandings.

34:50 - Closing tips for buyers who are new to manufacturing in China in order to have more success when negotiating price with suppliers, etc. Don't be tempted to try to drive down the price to the extreme, even if it makes you feel like you're a top negotiator (this will no doubt increase later or result in very poor quality).

Extra information you may find helpful * We discussed manufacturing contracts as a source of protection and clarity for your supplier to understand your expectations in this episode of the podcast. * You should read this China Law Blog post about IP leakage which casts more light on the dangers of providing too much IP information to too many potential suppliers. * Renaud suggested either working with a contract manufacturer or an OEM, depending on your requirements. We discuss the types of suppliers and their pros and cons here. * If you're interested in taking care of product development and prototyping before finding a manufacturer, this list of prototyping companies in China could be useful.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... We're discussing GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices). What are they? How are they useful for importers with suppliers abroad in countries like China? What is their relation to controlling your suppliers in comparison to activities like quality audits, social compliance audits, and process audits?

After listening to this episode, you'll have a grounding in what GMPs are and how to implement them yourself if you feel that they'll help you improve results from your suppliers.

Show Notes 00:00 - What are GMPs? A brief explanation behind the concept. What are the basic things that must be done well and carefully when it comes to manufacturing? This is the basic idea of GMPs. They can vary based on industry and are often grounded in quality and safety.

03:18 - What industries (aside from food, medical, and pharmaceutical) are particularly benefited by using GMPs? More relevant for any product type which has high safety and/or quality requirements.

04:57 - Some similarities between GMPs and ISO 9001. GMPs may be insisted on when it comes to practical actions suppliers should focus on that an auditor will check on-site. This applies to the physical, whereas the opposite would be social compliance audits which focus very much on what people say, not necessarily what they physically do.

07:28 - Why focusing Asian suppliers on physical improvements is a good way to spur improvement. It's harder to fake - they either 'do something' better, or not. Costco is an example of a retailer who has a fairly simple GMP checklist that they ask their suppliers to follow for products which are not medical, etc.

09:14 - Are GMPs a part of the manufacturing agreement with a supplier? They may be, but can also be used during initial qualification of a potential supplier, too. Their improvement based on GMPs can be assessed over time and rewarded with more orders (or fewer).

10:24 - What list of principles might typically be included in GMPs? It will vary per industry, but for general consumer goods, it may include: How materials are stored. Segregation of conforming vs non-conforming material. Production equipment maintenance. Staff training and experience. During or after production checking schedule and method (includes sampling and testing equipment). Planning to avoid excess inventory. Some buyers may have specific requirements based on their industry, too, in a subset of the GMP checklist. For example, checking the material purity and the molds would be key for producers of die-cast products.

Any more specific and you go into the territory of process audits, but GMP checklists usually don't go that far.

16:15 - How GMPs are more superficial than process audits. GMPs are more generic, but they have a value in terms of making sure the basics are followed properly.

17:35 - Do suppliers keep records about following GMPs. Suppliers rarely admit to following GMPs, but it may happen in specific cases where GMPs are critical (such as from a safety perspective).

18:04 - What are the kinds of elements that make up the USFDA GMPs for medical devices? This gives an idea of the demands placed on suppliers of medical devices where safety is critical. Focus on documenting good manufacturing practices and quality system. This will include QC records, traceability information, preventive maintenance, images of the machinery and facility, how defective pieces are dealt with, BOM, pre-production verification records, and more. All of this goes into a technical file which is retained until required and can be updated when needed, also. For SMEs, following these GMPs would put you well above the average.

24:40 - Flexibility of GMPs for medical devices. The USFDA GMPs are purposefully flexible, as there will be a big difference in safety requirements and preventive thinking, for instance, between the production of a pacemaker and a head covering for hospital staff.

26:25 - Are such GMPs covered in ISO 13485 for medical devices? No, but a good auditor will consider them during the audit and ask questions about them. Also discussing how issues are minimized and tested for even after the product is on the market by reliability and quality engineers.

30:07 - What are food GMPs? No one standard, but a focus on hygiene is common. ISO 22001 food safety management system defines GMPs as 'prerequisites' as they are the basics that should be in place before foodstuffs are produced. They would include points like pest control, staff hygiene and controls on smoking, rubbish and waste disposal, correct water supply, and more which are specific to food production. Food GMPs often differ from one country to the next.

33:27 - GMPs' basis in common-sense. They are the basic things that no one can dispute need to happen.

34:15 - Wrapping up: How should buyers who want to implement GMPs get started? Think about your product categories. The approach will be different for general consumer goods in comparison to those that require advanced safety like food or pharmaceutical goods, for example. List the basics that you need your manufacturers to do to a good standard. Will they be used in your ongoing re-auditing program for suppliers or with a management system audit? Consider your objectives and scope. If you're concerned mainly about how materials are handled and manufacturing is done, then implementing GMPs is appropriate, but if you need to go deeper into a supplier's capability then a quality system and/or social compliance audit may be relevant. Brainstorm and develop a checklist, organizing it by category. Audit based on the checklist and hone it over time. If you work over different product categories, the GMP checklist may need product-specific subsets added to it, too.

Extra GMP information you may find helpful * What Are Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)? * Do Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Audits Drive Improvement? * Understanding the Basics of Food GMP * Food safety standards: ISO 22001, HACCP, GMP * If you feel that you need help with auditing suppliers, Sofeast provides a full spectrum of factory audits for you across Asia.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... You're listening to part 9 of our mini-series guiding you through effective vetting of Chinese suppliers that will help you to find the best possible manufacturer for your products (you can catch up on the entire mini-series on vetting Chinese suppliers here 😉)

This episode (recorded in late October 2020) is particularly timely as many importers aren't able to travel to China to check on their new or current suppliers' progress, so getting an understanding of how their business is doing and if they're engaging in any practices which could cause risks for your supply chain (such as if they were to be shut down by the government for flouting certain regulations). Therefore, understanding how and why to perform in-depth due diligence is an important step to assuring supply chain stability and quality for those of us in who can't visit China yet and as a standard part of your vetting process to stamp out risks.

Show Notes 00:00 - Why is performing due diligence on suppliers in China so important at the moment? China hasn't been unaffected by the pandemic. Can you be sure that your supplier is going to stay in business, for example? This would be a big issue if a key supplier were to suddenly close down. Also, explaining why some manufacturers won't disclose if they are having some difficulty.

06:00 - Why the lack of travel to China causes trouble for buyers who lack visibility into their supply chains. Being unable to visit suppliers' factories blocks many buyers from making their own subjective evaluations based on what they see (👂 listen to this episode about On-site, Subjective Factory Evaluations), so a lot of buyers have no idea if their suppliers are in good shape or not and feel worried that they could be at risk.

07:54 - How even local buying offices with foreign staff in China may have limited visibility into the suppliers due to local COVID restrictions.

10:03 - When performing due diligence, what are the points to focus on (modelled on what we do for clients here at Sofeast)?

Checking on how are the real company owners
Looking into the financials of the company
Assessing levels of debts and who creditors are
Ownership changes
Has capital been transferred for new companies
Checking that in-house processes adhere to specific regulations

All of the above are best accompanied by an on-site visit where the operations are examined in detail in order to find out about company health. An example is given where the inspector sees that the company is now leasing out a part of their facility to a different organization where they used to occupy all of it. Is this a cause for concern that the company isn't doing so well?

15:38 - Checking that in-house processes don't fall foul of local regulations. How this can cause a factory to be very quickly shut down in China for this, losing you a supplier overnight! Checking relevant licenses for polluting processes etc is necessary.

17:38 - The differences between 'Old China' and 'New China' in terms of suppliers. With 'Old China' thinking factory owners are more likely to skirt certain rules and play fast and loose with the law (examples provided), and 'New China' where owners behave in a more sustainable way and follow the rules. The latter are far more risky suppliers to work with these days as government scrutiny and enforcement increases.

21:10 - Common strategies of 'Old China' manufacturers to be aware of. Is an owner sinking all of their money into real estate, or perhaps has moved their operations out of a major city into a more undeveloped area or province in order to reduce scrutiny? Buyers need to be aware of tricks like this which are possible red flags.

25:21 - How the culture is changing, leading to less risk for buyers.

27:37 - Is there more transparent business information out there for buyers who are examining suppliers? The forthcoming corporate social credit system could be a game-changer here as it will show importers very transparent information about companies' health and affairs.

29:44 - Why financial information, such as accounts, don't give a picture of the present time + recap of the 'Big 2' due diligence points: Financials and respect for regulations. How all of this is industry and product-specific, so checking certifications and test reports is also needed.

32:15 - The serious risks you need to investigate when examining a potential supplier. Don't trust anything without confirming it. Focus on the key points of importance, such as:

Their long-term stability
Relatively healthy financials
Ownership and management
Stability of their suppliers (your sub-suppliers)
Processes and efficiency for cost-control
Experience in your product niche
Familiarity with standards for your country/market

36:25 - Should a backup supplier be planned for in order to switch if there are issues with current suppliers? Explaining how to organize this in order to guard against the discontinuity of supply.

Extra information you may find helpful * This episode used this blog post as its basis. * Learn more about how and why to arrange a backup supplier. * Sofeast provides a convenient supplier background check solution where we take care of supplier due diligence on the ground here in China for you.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Our CEO Renaud Anjoran (whose background is as a Certified ISO 9001 & 14001 lead auditor, ASQ certified Quality Engineer, and Quality Manager) discusses the Quality Management Process, including its 3 main sections: Planning, QC, and Improvement. This process allows buyers to plan ahead to assure good quality from the start of the project, use real data to pinpoint and eliminate quality issues they're getting from a supplier, and to stop issues from recurring in future by putting in place processes and systems that prevent the issues from reoccurring in future.

The takeaway from this episode is a proven QM process which you can use to improve your own quality, and it's based on this graphic which is referred to throughout:

Show Notes 00:00 - Summarising the quality management process and its basis in the Juran trilogy, namely the planning, control, and improvement phases.

06:34 - What benefits do implementing such a quality management plan provide to buyers over those that don't pay as much attention to quality management activities? Instead of flying blind, the QM process allows improvement to processes which would otherwise keep throwing up quality issues. Measuring data also allows better control over component suppliers. Overall, poor performance across the supply chain has a negative effect on your business, not necessarily theirs.

11:04 - Best practices for getting started with quality management if you're starting from scratch. As a minimum, document your requirements (what you and your customers will or will not accept) as this allows you to point out if a supplier has done something wrong that deviates from them! Without this, you can see how improving quality may be an issue if a supplier disagrees with your assessment. Based on the requirements, the second key best practice would be to do some QC inspections (including product reliability & compliance) - fundamentally, do the products reach your expectations?

17:56 - Can 'small buyers' affect change? If you're a very small buyer, let's say 0.1% of a factory's output, for example, driving change in your suppliers may not be possible as they will not listen to you. However, if you account for 10, 20, or 30%, for instance, then it's a different story.

18:43 - Do quality recurring quality issues leave small buyers like some FBA sellers in a difficult position? What can you do to protect your business and improve quality? Would it be as drastic as needing to switch to a new, better supplier? Assuming the factory is capable, it may be a design, material, or component issue, so this is worth looking into when you have some quality and defect information.

Going through each step of the quality management one by one to illustrate the process that buyers can follow in detail.

21:59 - Quality planning

Know your customer expectations (a good specification sheet and drawings will be helpful)
Set objectives (approving samples is an important step here and boundary samples may be effective if you have a little tolerance between two points)
Qualify supplier & sub-suppliers (we refer to this episode on different supplier types)
Audit systems and processes, find risks (FMEA), plan accordingly

28:51 - Quality control

Product/material inspections (product inspections can be before during and after production, although DUPRO is favorable as there is then time to make changes before all products are finished)
Laboratory testing (some samples are sent to labs for reliability/compliance/safety testing, especially if they cannot be done on-site at the manufacturer's facility)

31:00 - Quality improvement

Use problems found during auditing or QC to drive improvements
Set controls on identified risks (this could be a preventive maintenance plan, for example)
Keep updating the quality standard as and when new issues occur, also the risk analysis for when new risks are found, and feed back to the supplier if there are issues with materials or components coming from a certain sub-supplier

Extra information you may find helpful * Explore this topic in more detail in this blog post over on QualityInspection.org: How Quality Planning Drives QC and Process Improvement

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

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In This Episode... You're listening to part 8 of our guide to the effective vetting of Chinese suppliers that will help you to find the best possible manufacturer for your products.

In this episode, we're discussing factory testing facilities and how they can help you to assess how capable a supplier is. Ask the question: "How can this supplier know that their product is good if they're unable to test that products reach my specifications, quality, and safety requirements?"

So, when vetting a supplier, paying attention to their testing facilities is a worthwhile step either for yourself (if you're visiting a factory in person) or for your auditors who assess the supplier on behalf, as their professionalism in testing speaks for their overall ability and quality-consciousness.

Show Notes 00:00 - Intro and catch up about the state of things in Hong Kong and China re: manufacturing and restrictions to visiting these days (late 2020).

03:33 - What testing gets done in a factory (or not) and why is this important to pay attention to? Some Chinese suppliers won't do much more than a visual check on products before shipping. Therefore this possible lack of testing can cause problems for the buyer if a supplier doesn't check components, materials, or finished products. Therefore auditors will be interested in in-house testing equipment and its processes and condition.

08:00 - Why checking the factory's testing equipment is the easiest way to flag a manufacturer that doesn't care about quality (if it's unused or in poor condition this should tell you what you need to know).

09:11 - If your supplier conducts its own testing and provides you with a test report or self-declaration certificate of some kind, what are you looking for here? Firstly, this is a good sign that they take quality and compliance seriously. Secondly, if you were, say, sued and in court, after a product caused an injury, what you as the 'supplier' did to ensure consumer safety would be investigated and product testing reports from your supplier would be of benefit to you to dispel accusations of negligence. Thirdly, ideally, you will also conduct your own lab tests on some random samples picked from the batches in addition to your supplier's in-house testing, as this provides you with solid evidence of product quality, safety, and compliance that cannot be 'tampered with.'

13:03 - Some examples of testing for different types of products and some key observations about what suppliers may or may not do in these cases:

Garment factory - they often don't record test results after doing them.
Consumer electronics (music amp) - buyers usually perform their own tests in order to keep electronics suppliers accountable and drives improvement.
Batteries - suppliers will be doing tests on 100% of the batteries. It's important to get data about batteries that haven't passed in order to make sure that the tests aren't just for show.
LED suppliers - it's fairly standard for them to have quite expensive in-house testing equipment and this will be expected by customers.
CMM machines - these are expensive devices to precisely check the dimensions of mechanical parts. Even though the cost is high some factories even have one of these machines simply as it's expected, but don't use it!

Key point: If a supplier shows you some fancy testing equipment, make sure that they can back up its use by showing you accurate results.

20:50 - Do even very simple products call for a supplier to require in-house testing facilities? Some tests, such as chemical tests will need to be in a lab so this kind of equipment likely will not be in-house. A better way to look at this is how often you're likely to need to do the tests - on simpler products it would perhaps be less so. Therefore, conducting occasional tests in a 3rd party lab would be fine as the expense of purchasing in-house testing equipment may be prohibitive for a supplier in this case.

23:07 - Is it helpful to have a supplier's test reports in hand when you go to a laboratory to conduct your own tests on the product samples? While having a test report from a client is useful as we discussed earlier, you should not need it to know which tests to perform. In order to buy from China safely, you need to be fully aware of the kinds of tests your product is required to undergo in order to be compliant and safe (so you're not taking a supplier or lab's word for it alone).

24:49 - The risks of 'buying cheap stuff from China' without understanding your liabilities as an importer and what kind of testing is required. An example: The very unbalanced PPE industry has now got a lack of trust on both sides, which has been increased by people rushing into buying without performing the necessary checks.

27:22 - Why the testing of high-risk products is all the more important based on the experiences in the PPE market in 2020.

28:12 - Some examples of the testing equipment you'll typically find in factories which produce products with common processes, such as electronic assembly, injection molding, etc. Smaller factories often won't be proficient in testing at all, but larger factories often have sophisticated and expensive testing equipment in the factory.

33:51 - Conclusion: Factory testing facilities and in-house tests are useful in a vetting sense as they help you to assess supplier proficiency and red flag those that aren't quality-conscious.

Extra information you may find helpful * This episode used this blog post as its basis: Factory Testing Facilities * Explore Sofeast's factory audit solutions, get pricing, and arrange your audit * Go back and listen to all of the episodes in our mini-series about vetting Chinese suppliers * Read more about lab testing in this blog post, too: The five types of product TESTING laboratories in China

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Today we're discussing compliance testing.

Compliance testing is not only a crucial tool for reducing product risks and assuring their safety, but it also enhances consumer trust and confidence in your brand which is ever more valuable in today's world.

You'll carry out tests on your products to assure that they're safe, don't include restricted materials, and are saleable in your markets. Tests may also include your packaging, too. Jump into the episode to start to explore just why this testing is an important step that YOU need to be in control of.

Show Notes 0:00 - Podcast & topic intro + introduction product tests. Defining what product tests are into roughly 2 large families of tests, reliability tests and compliance tests. Includes some examples, such as drop tests. Why many compliance tests are dictated by consumer safety regulations which can be rather country and product-specific.

07:00 - Why not all compliance testing leads to certifications and examining what a test report is. The big difference between a test report and a full certification. Why test reports may not be trustworthy...what to be cautious of, such as NOT getting a test report from a supplier (the level of trust you have with a supplier is connected to the manufacturing contract you have with them).

14:19 - Exploring what 'certification' means. This is more serious than a 'test report.' They tend to be product-specific and are done towards the end of the development stage of a new product. A lab will test the products AND provide certification to a certain standard which is more complex and with increased oversight. They often look at manufacturing processes and systems and so are more difficult to obtain.

15:48 - The benefits of regularly testing to a certification's standard. This isn't the same as becoming certified, but it will provide oversight on production runs to assure that they remain compliant and safe. A random testing regime is better if testing 100% of batches aren't possible. Not testing and/or letting your supplier know when products are or are not being tested opens you up to abuse.

17:53 - Is it 'safe' to use Chinese testing labs? Many larger companies prefer testing in Hong Kong as they have trust issues with mainland labs in general. Chinese labs' internal control may not be as high as foreign names, but they're likely to be cheaper. Checking that the lab is certified to ISO 17025 and checking that their nominated scope applies to your product type is a 'must do.' Where to find lists of accredited labs. A few horror stories about a lack of integrity in labs.

24:36 - Vetting the right lab. Discussing best practices for when trying to find the right lab for your compliance testing.

26:09 - How do buyers know what kind of testing and certifications they require? Many resources exist online in paid and free formats for buyers to research the right standards that apply to their products. You can speak with people who have been there and done it before. There's also the option of working with companies like Sofeast or Compliancegate on your project to assure the correct testing and procedures are followed for your compliance. A good tip is to request quotations from testing labs - this will provide you with the tests they believe you require to be compliant (this may vary from lab to lab). The dangers of doing 'too many tests' as this can get quite expensive and they may not all be strictly necessary.

31:28 - Would you instruct factory auditors to focus on the key tests and standards products must undergo and comply with? Yes, auditors can bear these in mind during the initial vetting process, or ongoing factory audits on a factory who has been producing for you over time. Checking if the factory is doing the testing that they have, say, committed to do is just another process to check during process audits, for example.

34:24 - What information should you provide to testing labs when requesting a quotation? Giving you a helpful list of the product-specific information points to prepare, such as region for sale, materials, image, instructions, etc.

35:47 - Wrapping up - knowing your risks and why compliance testing protects you. A serious compliance issue can be enough to kill a company and the supplier usually doesn't share responsibility. Reiterating that for safety's sake YOU need to control the compliance testing process, not leave it to your supplier. Also, your own certification (with your name on it, not your supplier's) can also be used to market your product.

Extra information you may find helpful * Sofeast's resources on reliability tests such as HALT Testing (Highly Accelerated Life Test) and Life Test To Determine Product Reliability. (See even more in our glossary) * Need help to work out which compliance testing your product requires and to set up a relevant and effective testing plan? Sofeast can help you with this compliance testing solution. * Here's the list of CPSC accredited testing laboratories. * If you're stuck and need some expert feedback on your project, our friends at Compliancegate.com should be able to help answer your questions around product compliance and testing, too. You may also benefit from checking ProductIP.com if you're in the EU. * Read these posts from my blog for extra info: Product Compliance 101: What Every Importer Must Know [Q&A] and CPSIA Compliance For American Baby & Kids Product And Toy Importers

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... We're going through the NPI new product introduction process. Renaud will explain what this process is, why it can help to reduce your risks and provide other benefits throughout a new product manufacturing project from design to mass production, and the phases included in the NPI process which you can follow for your production.

Planning ahead before rushing into production is so important, and in this episode, you're going to learn exactly why reducing risks before you go into production by following a sound NPI process is worthwhile.

Show Notes Start to 05:19 - Introduction to the NPI process. The dangers of trying to manufacture new products without a process to guide you.

05:19 to 08:55 - The single greatest mistake that companies make when they're developing a new product. Going from prototype to mass-production misses out some crucial actions. Why Chinese suppliers might rush into mass production, even though it's a mistake.

08:55 to 23:30 - What is the makeup of our suggested NPI process? - looking at the different phases of the process in detail that would typically be useful for electrical and mechanical products:

09:18 - Phase 1: Document specifications & requirements in a clear and measurable manner.
11:03 - Phase 2: Feasibility study / Proof of Concept - especially useful for more complex and technical products.
13:22 - Phase 3: Prototyping - source components suppliers who can do the best job and test the prototype/s to be sure that the product reaches expectations.
16:07 - Phase 4: Tooling - when to order new tooling and testing it to make sure it's perfect and creating the final prototype or golden sample (relevant blog post on QualityInspection.org: The Conundrum of Investing in Tooling Before a Final Prototype).
18:40 - Phase 5: Pilot run & pre-production prep - risk analysis, process FMEA, process control plan, small production batch, pre-production review of processes and materials.
22:30 - Phase 6: Production - ordering materials, applying the plans made and improving and solving issues over time.

23:30 to 30:16 - Is such a detailed NPI process necessary for every product type? - dependant on expected volumes to be ordered, product complexity, and money at stake, as reducing risks for large amounts is more crucial. Some of the negatives you can expect if taking too many risks! Balance the risks and plan ahead.

30:16 to 33:44 - How Chinese suppliers can rush into production which contradicts prior-planning and following an NPI process - many Chinese suppliers want to ship the goods ASAP in order to get paid, therefore they often dislike time-consuming pre-production steps.

33:44 to 38:20 - Adding your expectations to a manufacturing agreement - large manufacturers may take a hands-on approach to assure that the supplier follows the NPI process in the factory.

38:20 to END - What can a buyer expect from implementing an NPI process and its impact on quality? - a clear standard, a less risky product design that leads to fewer quality issues, the manufacturing process that causes less quality issues as it has been honed over time, more consistent production that is closer to the golden sample.

Extra information you may find helpful * Sofeast's resources about steel alloys, the plastic injection molding process, and thermoplastics * We wrote a FREE NPI process guide for hardware startups. * You can work with us to make sure your project is following NPI best practices here. * Read our FREE new product manufacturing in China guide, too. * A video playlist about customized product development & production.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... Join us as we continue our deep dive into the vetting process used when sourcing new Chinese suppliers.

We've already discussed quality audits and social compliance audits, and this time we're going to cover factory process & system audits. While this type of audit may not differ too much in terms of structure (an auditor still goes into the factory observes, questions staff, and takes notes), this time we're checking the maturity of the factory's systems and process controls with the objective of assessing how reliable they are, if they've put thought into how they manufacture, if they follow best practices, and, therefore, if they're going to be capable of fulfilling your expectations in the longer term.

As a part of the supplier vetting process, process audits give great insight into whether you're selecting a supplier who can fulfill their promises to you.

Show Notes Start to 9:35 - What are factory process audits? A general explanation of what auditors do when they go into a factory. How many audits don't focus on production processes and the new product development side of things (which can reduce risks at an early stage). The auditor checks processes (for example, the cutting of materials) in detail and assesses them while considering if all possible issues are avoided.

9:35 to 12:05 - Why it helps process auditors to have real-world knowledge about the production processes and products being manufactured, but that they also require an open-mind and the willingness to ask a lot of questions.

12:05 to 14:56 - What kinds of businesses will benefit from performing process audits? Order size and the nature of the products will impact if they're useful. Importers with a lot of money at stake or producing technical or high-risk products will find them useful for providing an in-depth analysis of the risks involved with dealing with that supplier.

14:56 to 15:36 - A quick definition of 'high-risk products.'

15:36 to 32:58 - What is usually checked in a process audit? A list and explanation of each point are given:

Management systems (16:30)
New product introduction (16:54)
Specific process controls that are relevant to your needs and product (using plastic injection molding as an example) (18:00)
Training & staff evaluation when hiring (21:12)
Equipment - funny anecdote about a factory doing CNC machining in a shocking way (21:50)
Predictive/preventive maintenance (24:22)
Mistake proofing for operators (26:13)
Statistical analysis of processes (27:13)
Measurement devices (27:42)
Environment - good anecdote about a kids' toy factory (29:41)
Office activities (32:15)
The shop floor - warehouse and suppliers to check components (32:28)

32:58 to 34:32 - GMP checklists - if the supplier is following this, it reduces the need for the auditor to be extremely familiar with the manufacturing processes in use.

34:32 to 39:05 - Can process auditors give advice to spur positive improvements? This is dependent on context - a 3rd party auditor is unlikely to do this, however, internal or 2nd party auditors may well do this.

39:05 to END - Outlining roughly what is in a process audit checklist - capacity / incoming material check / setup of processes / process controls / checking finished products / HR / Equipment (read this blog post for more details about audit structure).

Extra information you may find helpful * This episode used this blog post as its basis: Factory Process & System Audit * Explore Sofeast's factory audit solutions, get pricing, and arrange your audit * Go back and listen to all of the episodes in our mini-series about vetting Chinese suppliers

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In This Episode... We're discussing manufacturing contracts. These are an essential piece of the puzzle for buyers with suppliers in China or elsewhere in Asia as they provide you with a way to clarify your requirements with your supplier, outline your expectations and the penalties for if they aren't met, protect your IP from being used or distributed incorrectly, and provide a legal framework to take action if things go wrong.

Hopefully, if you have an enforceable contract you will never need to resort to litigation, but we do touch on this, too.

Show Notes Start to 02:47 - Introduction & do buyers work with suppliers without a manufacturing contract? - this is fairly common, but the idea that contracts are not enforceable in China (which is fairly prevalent) just isn't the case.

02:47 to 05:30 - What makes buyers feel secure enough not to use a contract when dealing with Asian suppliers? - this could be down to a lack of awareness about the need for a specialized manufacturing contract that is enforceable in, say, China, because they're used to not requiring a new contract per project in their countries. They may not know about the risk-reducing benefits of a valid contract, especially where larger orders are concerned.

05:30 to 07:53 - Payment terms which can help mitigate your risks - exploring preferential payment terms which may be acceptable to suppliers if large orders are placed, such as paying by letter of credit or paying a 20% downpayment and the balance after delivery.

07:53 to 12:22 - What are the benefits of having a valid and enforceable manufacturing contract? - outlining key benefits. The number one is the ability to outline and clarify your expectations to the supplier and have them commit to it in writing. Using a clear quality standard as an attachment is also important here. The second key benefit is the extra leverage that the contract provides to buyers in the event that something goes wrong.

12:22 to 25:45 - What is included in a manufacturing contract - there are roughly 3 elements to consider (although this will depend on your needs and the type of supplier you deal with) and we'll go through them one by one:

Confidentiality agreement - China NDA or more comprehensive China NNN agreement - this will prevent the supplier from sharing your IP, using it to compete against you, or reaching out to your customers behind your back. Note - keeping penalties sensible is important.
Product Development Agreement (PDA) – (if developing product/s with your supplier) - this controls who will own the IP and outlines who financed what, etc. This will help you to move to new suppliers and take tooling and designs with you if needed.
Manufacturing Agreement (MA) - this outlines what you want the supplier to commit to. Product, spec, quality standard, price, shipment date, etc. It takes away any ambiguity and makes your requirements 100% clear.

25:45 to 27:05 - Further discussion about when these 3 elements may or may not be appropriate - for instance, if a Chinese supplier has rightfully developed the product that you are, say, white-labeling, then it is not appropriate to insist on a clause of exclusivity for the design.

27:05 to 31:53 - What else should go into the manufacturing agreement? - you may include payment terms, a clause about access to their factory for audits and checking, that no sub-contracting is allowed, the inspection process, and when products will be allowed to ship (contingent on passing inspection), what happens if products are received, but many quality issues are found - Why many lawyers struggle to distinguish between manufacturing and design defects which can lead to conflict between supplier and customer if the wording of the contract is not clear on this point and defects occur after some time that the products have been in the field (which would usually indicate a design defect, not a manufacturing defect that the supplier would be responsible for unless they developed the product, too) - also clauses on when a supplier may be sued or termination of the contract can be actioned.

31:53 to 34:36 - Manufacturing contract templates and contract depth - the length and depth of your contract is influenced by the size and type of supplier you work with and your order size and complexity. A small supplier may not have the bandwidth to deal with a very long and detailed contract.

34:36 to 36:40 - The strength of the manufacturing agreement to remove ambiguity - how the contract keeps everything in black and white and prevents managing a project via skype, wechat, email, etc. This could cause problems if trying to find fault for issues, in comparison to a contract where everything is clear and simple.

36:40 to END - How realistic litigation is if there are problems - this will depend on the contract. If it's not enforceable in your supplier's country litigation will be harder, but holding the supplier accountable in general will be affected. The dangers of being 'too trusting' and not planning ahead for the worst-case scenario.

*Please note, we are NOT lawyers. Any information provided in this episode is of an casually informative nature, but we recommend contacting a lawyer who is familiar with China/Asian law to help you produce your manufacturing contract.

Extra information you may find helpful * China Law Blog articles by Steve Dickinson - often focusing on manufacturing contracts and similar topics * On the Sofeast blog: How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IP

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

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In This Episode... This podcast uncovers everything importers are likely to need to know about management system standards. We'll discuss key standards, their benefits (for both manufacturers and buyers), good and bad ways to implement them, auditing them, and more.

What are management system standards?

Certifications of these standards are achieved by organizations to demonstrate that they're able to perform the tasks required to achieve their objectives or those of their clients and/or drive improvements in a certain area. An example would be the ISO 14000 family which relates to environmental management being adopted by a manufacturer whose factory must limit pollution and other negative environmental impacts in order to be able to work for an environmentally-conscious client.

When a supplier is certified for a standard this will allow a buyer to feel confident in working with them if this standard is important to their business, therefore it's one factor to consider as part of the vetting process.

Show Notes Start to 4:04 - Introduction - explaining why management system standards are important to pay attention to, especially when vetting new suppliers or auditing your own operations (as they can form the basis of an improvement checklist).

4:04 to 09:50 - Tying in management system standards to working with Chinese suppliers specifically - the difference between adhering to a standard and being officially certified. Where to check certifications if they're claimed. The role of standards in building client confidence. Warning about fake certificates and those provided by companies who are less credible.

09:50 to 14:07 - Key management system standards - all of these are sets of requirements with different purposes:

ISO 9001 - the basis for many standards due to its framework. Quality management system standard for an organization to adopt when focusing on its customer's needs and improving.
Other QMS standards specific to certain industries, like ISO 13485 for medical devices, IATF 6949 for the auto industry's components, and others such as for aerospace.
ISO 140001 - environmental management / friendliness
ISO 45001 - occupational health & safety
ISO 27001 - information security

In Chinese factories, ISO 9001 & 14001 are usually the most commonly adopted certifications as foreign clients often demand these before for working with them and so they are more appealing if they hold these certifications.

14:07 to 18:40 - Does the Chinese government's focus on the environment provide an impetus for manufacturers there to gain environmental management certifications? - discussing the government's environmental regulations and enforcement in recent years and how effective this has been. Why ISO 14001 certification would make sense for companies who are close to the limits of environmental regulations in China. Positive global recognization of greener companies, like Patagonia.

18:40 to 30:40 - Certifying to multiple standards - if a company wishes to certify to more than one standard it is possible to do this without an enormous amount of work as many standards are quite similar in many ways. Also, discussing the differences between good and bad implementations - explaining how you can save time and money in a 'good implementation.'

25:05 to 29:03 - Why and how certifying bodies and auditors often push in the wrong direction - how they can sometimes drive clients to do everything from scratch unnecessarily costing them extra money! What a good certifying process looks like. Being wary of being in a position where you're overpaying certifying bodies.

29:03 to 30:00 - Does the certification process vary a lot per certifying body? - why their similarities prevent this from being particularly problematic.

30:00 to 35:25 - The logical path for learning more about standards - the same bodies do the training and the certifications and often push companies to purchase a standard to learn from, then implementation training, and then learn how to do the auditing by doing internal and then lead auditor training. How all of these activities don't necessarily make sense and can be very expensive, especially if you have some understanding or past experience in implementing standards. It's also possible to find a lot of the information you need for free online in order to start the learning process.

35:25 to 46:21 - Why and how are audits of the management systems carried out? - explaining the difference between 1st (internal audit by supplier's own staff), 2nd (customer sends an employee or uses an external agency like Sofeast to go an audit the supplier), and 3rd party audits (auditor from a certifying body goes in to perform the audit sticking strictly to the standard's clauses), and their benefits and drawbacks. Auditing will help buyers to vet new suppliers (a higher score than other options being favorable) or can help keep the pressure on current suppliers to assure that they maintain the standards you require.

46:21 to END - How auditors can help to suggest improvements for the future - this is especially the case when working with 2nd party auditors and using the audits as a part of an improvement program.

Extra information you may find helpful * Supplier due diligence * Factory audits * Vetting

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In This Episode... Recently Renaud wrote a blog post on the 'China Law Blog' titled: Verifying and Monitoring Your Chinese Suppliers. In it, he discussed 7 challenges facing buyers with Chinese suppliers which stem from a lack of transparency. We'll discuss these challenges in today's episode.

When we speak of risks and challenges these days many buyers are thinking of the effect of the US/China trade war, the situation in Hong Kong, and other political issues on their business, but the risks covered here are related to the daily struggle that buyers have just to receive their products at the quality they expect and some of the steps you need to take to mitigate them.

Show Notes Start to 4:35 - Introduction + what are the 'risks' and challenges facing buyers today that are NOT box-office news topics like US/China trade war, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, etc? The 7 situations where challenges occur due to a lack of transparency and how these are very damaging. Podcast episode on social compliance audits (referred to around 2:25)

4:35 to 12:17 - 1. Supplier screening & qualification - taking control of your supply chain and not letting the supplier keep sub-supplier information, etc, from you.

12:17 to 18:33 - 2. New product development (manufacturing side) - includes how prices can be increased without warning and suppliers can skip pre-production steps like a pilot run.

18:33 to 25:54 - 3. New product development (design side) - including why you should expect to be given up-to-date designs for your product and not being sucked into losing the rights to your IP to OEMs who want to lock you in by holding your designs. Podcast episode on choosing the correct supplier (relevant to this section).

25:54 to 30:40 - 4. Confidentiality of information - how Chinese suppliers can play 'fast and loose' with information and IP that should remain confidential and how to safeguard against this.

30:40 to 37:29 - 5. Purchasing materials & components - being wary of counterfeit components and how to keep tabs on suppliers who may switch out components to improve their profits.

37:29 to 40:02 - 6. Manufacturing (Sub-contracting) - can you be sure that the production is truly carried out at your supplier's factory as agreed, or is it being subcontracted to a sub-supplier that you don't know about due to being too busy? Solutions to this issue.

40:02 to END - 7. Your supplier selling your products without permission - are you open to abuse by the supplier because they have your tooling and can use it to produce your products and sell to other clients or in your market against you? What to do to avoid this.

Extra information you may find helpful * Supplier due diligence * Factory audits * Product inspections

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In This Episode... We continue our exploration of the vetting process when sourcing new Chinese suppliers in this episode. You can read more about this topic in the series of blog posts on QualityInspection.org which we refer to throughout - read all of those posts here.

Social compliance audits are the next factory audit type that buyers need to be aware of and consider, certainly if you're from a big brand or in a niche where social issues (such as child labor) are common, for example, apparel.

Ideally, using a social compliance audit to assure that your supply chain is free from illegal practices such as modern slavery is an important factor in vetting and working with a new supplier. Many large companies, like Walmart for instance, have their own standards that they insist that suppliers meet concerning employee welfare, adherence to local laws, and elements like environmental standards, too. Fundamentally, a social compliance audit protects you from being associated with things in your supply chain which could damage your company or brand.

So, let's explore what this type of audit is, how effective it is, and the drawbacks it has, too.

Show Notes Start to 8:53 - Introduction + explaining WHAT a social compliance audit is. Some examples of the 3 'big' circumstances that importers want to avoid: Child labor, forced labor, and dangerous working conditions.

8:53 to 10:24 - Does adding in the cost of improving working conditions increase costs overall for buyers? Why the costs associated with paying injured staff, negative government scrutiny, or reduced efficiency due to a shortage of staff put off by unsafe conditions can quickly escalate.

10:24 to 13:55 - Elements of a social compliance audit that are probably given too much importance, for example, working longer working hours and overtime. Even where hours worked are into an 'illegal' amount, this doesn't mean that abuses are occurring, especially in China with migrant workers.

13:55 to 17:20 - What does a 'dumb' importer do when performing a social compliance audit? The dangers of sticking rigidly to a standard in terms of forcing suppliers to lie in order to pass (this may be unavoidable if big customers demand certain things).

17:20 to 18:00 - How the 'smarter' importer approaches social compliance auditing with a selective focus. If the supplier is safe and improving, this should be the goal. Focusing on things like consensual overtime is a red herring.

18:00 to 20:30 - The different social compliance standards and how these have become a good business for large testing groups, to the point where it can be used by buyers and labs to profit from the suppliers who are forced to be audited in order to win business.

20:30 to 22:30 - How and why factories in places like China and Vietnam are improving over time naturally these days and why, therefore, many social compliance audits aren't helping other than for improving the buyer's image.

22:30 to 23:26 - The risks of social compliance auditors being corrupt.

23:26 to 24:45 - How buyers train their suppliers to lie by enforcing rigid social compliance audits with a lot of short-term pressure (pass or lose the order) and also possibly create corruption in the supply chain if the wrong auditor goes in.

24:45 to 26:52 - Why a rigid social compliance scale is good for a buyer's statistics, but not so helpful on the ground. Is it merely ass-covering?

26:52 to END - Exploring a better, more holistic way to approach social compliance audits which is likely to be less open to abuse and more likely to lead to positive changes.

Extra information you may find helpful * This episode draws from a lot of the information in this blog post about social compliance audits. * Learn more about on-site social compliance audits from Sofeast and how we can help you. * Read more about social compliance audits' negative effects. * In this post, Renaud writes about why social compliance audits don't work! * Read about the value of worker interviews during social compliance audits.

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In This Episode... A lot of commentators are discussing what's going to happen to the manufacturing industry 'post-COVID19,' in fact, we've discussed it ourselves before here!

But one topic keeps coming up, JIT manufacturing and how it has been negatively affected by the virus and other circumstances.

So, let's explore this supply chain model - why has it been so popular, how has it come under strain this year, and what's next for importers who currently use it?

Show Notes Start to 1:31 - Introduction

1:31 to 11:22 - Some examples of what JIT is and what it isn't. Discussing the dangers of holding too much inventory, especially where risk and working capital is concerned, and long supply chains.

11:22 to 12:51 - 3 benefits of JIT: Lower working capital, ability to be more responsive to the market by accelerating production of good sellers rapidly, and the ability to cut losses on poor sellers and halt production quickly in order not to hold stock of them.

12:51 to 16:00 - Why JIT (Just In Time) Manufacturing works well with a short supply chain with fast processing times, such as automakers.

16:00 to 23:05 - How and why is JIT susceptible to external circumstances, such as the coronavirus pandemic. Is it even JIT's fault that disruption from the outside can happen, or is it actually your supply chain's setup?

23:05 to END - What's the scope for things to get 'back to normal' or will there be lasting changing to the way supply chains are structured? The role of the US/China trade war in spurring change in, specifically, American companies.

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Now that you have done a preliminary investigation into your potential new Chinese supplier and perhaps even visited their factory to do a subjective evaluation, the next step in the vetting process is to perform a factory quality audit.

Understanding your manufacturer's grasp of quality and in-house quality systems means that you're able to assess whether they're going to be able to fulfil your quality needs down the line. Even if they're a legitimate company, this doesn't mean that they're able to produce your goods at the quality you need.

This is where an experienced auditor's keen eye and checklist can help you. A personal factory visit is useful, but do you have the expertise to look into the quality system (or lack of one) and root causes of quality issues?

So, this episode will give you a detailed introduction into how and why factory quality audits are a logical 'next-step' in your supplier vetting process as now you start to get a real understanding of your supplier's quality capabilities and reliability.

Show Notes Start to 2:00 - Introduction + China/UK weather update (!). A reminder of the vetting new Chinese suppliers mini-series of episodes (here's episode 1 to get you started).

2:00 to 9:00 - WHAT is a factory quality audit? Factory audits defined, different types, the difference between such an audit and a factory-visit where you form subjective evaluations.

9:00 to 12:15 - Talking about audit structure and standards, such as ISO 9001:2015.

12:15 to 15:33 - Explaining what a 'Quality System' is and why it's important to audit it. The effect that ancient Chinese wisdom from Sun Tzu, for example, still has on today's Chinese businesses and their approaches to quality.

15:33 to 19:15 - How the auditor will approach auditing your potential supplier. Importance of the checklist they need to follow and controlling the audit. What they do to cut through 'BS' manufacturers are likely to show or tell them.

19:15 to 35:47 - Renaud's TOP 8 CHECKPOINTS to focus on in a factory quality audit.

35:47 to 38:55 - Will potential suppliers be resistant to a factory audit which could be uncomfortable for them? How some suppliers can try to discourage visits by professional auditors.

38:55 to END - What can factory audits miss or what are their blind spots? Wrapping up the pod.

Extra information you may find helpful * We referred to Sun Tzu's 36 stratagems - here's a link to the book. * This episode draws from a lot of the information in this blog post. * Learn more about factory audits from Sofeast and how they can help you.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Thirty-Six Stratagems: Bilingual Edition, English and Chinese: The Art of War Companion, Chinese Strategy Classic, Includes Pinyin

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In This Episode... What are the relationships between foreign importers and their Chinese suppliers like in 2020? Have they been negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic or other reasons?

To find out, we sent a survey to both our Sofeast and QualityInspection.org readers to assess the state of manufacturing in China in 2020.

The results are discussed in this episode. Listen in and you may get some helpful insights that could help you anticipate possible issues that we're seeing occurring this year.

Do any of our findings resonate with what you're seeing from your Chinese suppliers?

Show Notes Start to 3:40 - Introduction. What was the survey and what were we expecting from it?

3:40 to 36:30 - Going through each of the survey's 7 questions one-by-one, providing the statistics, and feedback per point from Renaud.

36:30 to end - A quick summary. What did and didn't surprise us about the results of the survey?

Extra information you may find helpful * We mentioned some of the common problems that can be caused by working with the wrong Chinese supplier - listen to our episode about them here. * Read the survey in full and get Renaud's exclusive feedback per question in this blog post. * Don't forget, if you can't visit China right now - companies like Sofeast provide on-the-ground assistance in sourcing new suppliers, factory audits, product inspections, and much, much more!

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

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In This Episode... What is so useful about free trade zones in China?

Why should importers with Chinese suppliers consider utilizing them?

Sofeast has recently opened an RMA and fulfillment facility in Shenzhen's Pingshan Free Trade Zone, so, based on our experience there, we're going to explain the benefits.

Hopefully, after listening to this episode, so you will understand if using warehousing, RMA, and fulfillment in the FTZ is better for your business in terms of costs, time, and effort than in China-proper.

Show Notes Start to 6:27 Introduction into what Free Trade Zones are.

6:27 to 9:01 - FTZ RMA facility is better than local ones (such as in the USA) due to far lower costs and proximity to your suppliers.

9:01 to 10:42 What does the inspection, sorting, and repair/rework process that the FTZ is perfect for look like?

10:42 to 11:52 Rather than using a local rework company, sending defective pieces back to the FTZ means your supplier can take responsibility and send their own staff to do the repair/rework. How does this work?

11:52 to 12:08 There was a lack of repair services in China, until now..!

12:08 to 15:01 Suppliers deliver finished products/components to the FTZ and they have 'exported' - can apply for VAT rebate and request payment by customer - they like this and it can help you to have a better relationship with the supplier. Our FTZ facility can store your goods (it's cheaper than locally or even other places in China) and fulfill them as per your needs, so you rely less on the supplier to get things right or safely store your products (the supplier's warehouse may be damp, may not be insured against fire, etc). It's suitable for batches of products of a certain size, but not dropshipping piece by piece (we handle this from our Dongguan contract manufacturing facility)

15:01 to 17:00 If importers have the need to bring together orders components/products and ship them out from China in batches, using a FTZ fulfillment center can improve relationships and results from suppliers.

17:00 to 19:49 If you use a 3rd party (such as our company) to act on your behalf from the FTZ to deal with your supplier Chinese-company to Chinese-company - this allows easier payments, invoicing, and builds more trust with the supplier who knows that they can take legal action against us if we, say, do not pay them (much harder for them to do against foreign companies), therefore they are more likely to offer preferential credit terms and other benefits to you. Therefore using a dedicated 3rd party China buying office in conjunction with the FTZ location is helpful.

19:49 to 21:15 An FTZ location allows you to receive components and goods from different suppliers without letting them know important information such as your IP, product type, other suppliers, costs, your retailers, etc. Overall, this helps protect you against suppliers using your designs or undercutting you in your market by selling cheaper.

21:15 to 22:15 If some parts come in from suppliers in a foreign country, let's say somewhere like Vietnam, to be assembled with other from China, is it worth paying fees to import them to China and spending the time to go through Chinese customs? By utilising a Free Trade Zone facility, this cost can be avoided.

22:15 to 23:29 Customs clearance - are there tangible reductions to delivery times due to the FTZ's reduced bureaucracy in regards to customs clearance?

23:29 to 26:24 Do the Chinese FTZs eat into Hong Kong's status as a free port where there are also lower import/export duties and processes? Hong Kong still has benefits, but labor costs there are high.

26:24 to END Summarising the benefits of the FTZ - where is the Pingshan FTZ in Shenzhen located? Take a look at this map for a rough idea (you can see how close it is to Yantian port).

Extra information you may find helpful * If you do end up with defective products, RMA in the FTZ is a good last resort that gives you options to recover some or all of the order, however, it's always better to work with suppliers who won't cause you problems - we've already created a podcast mini-series on vetting good Chinese suppliers to help you get into that position. * Learn about our Free Trade Zone facility and its solutions.

Get in touch with us * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB * Contact us via Sofeast's contact page

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In this episode... This is the fourth part of our series on vetting Chinese suppliers which loosely follows the blog posts in this series that Renaud wrote before.

In this episode, we’re discussing your subjective impressions when you finally go out to a supplier and visit them (or the questions your factory auditor should be answering if you have sent them in your stead, which is perhaps more likely during the coronavirus pandemic when travel to China isn't possible).

So you'll want to use this opportunity to check the facts with your own eyes, and Renaud is going to give you a number of tips about this which are split into three categories:

Factory fit
Factory management
Factory setup and condition

Show notes Introduction - This episode covers a fairly loose list of topics that you need to pay attention to when visiting a supplier. (START to 3:30)

Factory fit (3:30 to 15:40) Factory size - Huge suppliers may have a good reputation, but if your orders only make up a fraction of their sales they may not provide you with the best service as you are not a priority, therefore finding a balance is needed. Size is the most important factor to consider when assessing a supplier's fit. (4:25 to 6:16)

Seasonality - If your supplier has many customers with the same seasonality (requiring products to be made at the same time), this could lead to delays and for your order being bumped in favour of larger customers. (6:16 to 7:07)

Focus - Who is the supplier usually dealing with? Their requirements have an impact on their focus - for example if their number 1 customer generally requires fairly low-quality goods, but you need them to produce goods at a very high quality, then their focus isn't a good fit for your needs. (7:07 to 8:36)

Keeping key processes in-house - if one production process is very critical to your products, choose a manufacturer who keeps this in-house instead of subcontracting it. (8:36 to 9:03)

The contact person - who will you be working with? If they're not experienced it could cause you trouble later. Don't base buying decisions alone on how effectively the representative communicates, as great suppliers may not always have staff who speak good English. (9:03 to 11:38)

Respect for IP - Does the supplier show you a showroom full of different designs? Did they develop all of these products, or are they 'touting' the designs of their current or former clients? If this is the case, how can you be sure that your product design and IP won't be next? (11:38 to 12:25)

The pros & cons of working with large or small suppliers - this is related to finding a supplier whose size is a good fit. Large = good resources and facilities, but a possible lack of attention. Small = good access to management, your order will be valued, but they may have poor structure and a lower level of experience, a poorer network for sourcing materials and components, etc. (12: 25 to 15:40)

Factory Management (15:40 to 23:00) Are the managers/production supervisors/team leaders present on the factory floor? - why this is important in terms of how well the supplier has control over its production and can make improvements. Do they email instead of verbally communicating with the team? This affects productivity and shows poor leadership. (15:40 to 17:30)

Are any metrics displayed? - this demonstrates an overall understanding of the present performance and grasp of where the supplier is at right now. (17:30 to 18:20)

Are operators paid the piece or by the hour? - by the piece is a red flag as this pay scheme causes a lot of problems such as operators hurrying to produce quantity without being so concerned about quality. (18:20 to 18:52)

Hands-on management who look to improve things are positive - they're likely to be a sustainable supplier over a longer period. (18:52 to 19:45)

Management who show an interest in and understanding of finances and profit point to being a sustainable supplier - suppliers who try to make a sensible profit and understand their costs will have a more secure business and be more sustainable over time (19:45 to 23:00)

Factory Setup & Condition (23:00 to END) This is what you should be looking for when in the factory:

Cleanliness - this reflects on how well the operation is run. (23:00 to 23:51)

Are products in contact with the ground? - shows how well your products may be respected, or not. Are electronic parts in contact with non-ESD surfaces or packaging. This demonstrates their culture of quality and how well they'll pay attention to your quality standard. (23:51 to 24:42)

How are the operator's toilets? Clean, have soap? - seems strange, but this speaks to the culture of the supplier and whether they're concerned with improving conditions for workers and are a forward-thinking supplier. (24:42 to 25:37)

How is the condition of the equipment? - again, this shows how concerned they are with the upkeep and maintenance, as newer or well-cared-for equipment will affect your product quality. (25:37 to 27:50)

Is the testing equipment maintained properly? - if the supplier truly pays attention to quality their testing equipment should be well-maintained. If not, are they capable of producing products which reach your expectations on quality? (27:50 to 28:28)

Is the owner's car very expensive? - it's normal to see fancy cars in China, but if the factory is relatively shabby and the owner is driving a Rolls Royce this could show that he is trying to suck the maximum cash out of the business and is therefore not necessarily in it for the long run. (28:28 to 29:20)

Organized factory layout & operator PPE - the management is serious about organization and safety which is a good sign. Safety goes hand-in-hand with quality and staff improvement. (29:20 to 32:15)

Safety and Social Compliance - personal safety is a bigger problem than child labour in countries like China and Vietnam. If your suppliers don't take it seriously, can this reflect badly on your brand were something to happen? (32:15 to 33:12)

Management style - how operators are treated and whether they're in fear of management, if they have younger staff who will be faster and more adaptable tells you how dynamic the company is, and is the work broken into very short cycles? If so, it's lazy management with little process-engineering and low efficiency. (33:12 to 35:16)

Their in-house capabilities - do they do a lot of the work in-house, or they're just packing boxes? If the latter they may a trading company! (35:16 to 35:45)

Check for shipping marks on packages - this will give you an idea of the kinds of customers they work with which can give you an indication of the level of price and quality they usually work with (35:45 to 37:20)

Summary - also mentioning how factory auditors can help answer these questions for you and take additional pictures should you choose to send them in instead of visiting yourself (37:20 to END)

You will also find this long list of questions to ask useful, as well: 24 questions to ask during a Chinese factory visit.

In parts 1-3 of this series, we’ve covered what bad suppliers look like, how to verify their legitimacy & suitability with numerous tips and questions, and how and why to assess their engineering capabilities.

Catch up with them here:

7 Ways Suppliers Can Cheat Importers Or Cause Problems
Initial Vetting Process & Approaches To Weed Out ‘Bad’ Suppliers
How To Evaluate Your Supplier’s Engineering Capability

All these steps take place before the factory visit, which we've covered in this episode.

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In this episode... This is the third part of our series on vetting Chinese suppliers which loosely follows the blog posts in this series that Renaud wrote before.

In this episode, Adrian & Renaud discuss the importance of evaluating your potential Chinese supplier's product engineering capabilities which are especially important if you're working on new product development with the supplier.

We mainly concentrate on the 5 key engineering attributes you need to check:

CAD Compatibility
In-house Design Capability
R&D Facilities and Capability
Prototyping Capability
Initial Prototype Test Capability

These give you a roadmap you can use to assess whether your supplier has the engineering experience, knowledge, and capability to create your new products before you start working with them.

Show Notes Introduction - WHY to evaluate engineering capability in order to choose the right supplier. Tightly linked with many importers relying on their supplier's expertise and competencies to fill in gaps in their product development (design & engineering) that they do not have (for instance, implementing a camera module into products). If you choose the wrong supplier, you open yourself up to risks. Not just competency either, it may be that you choose a supplier that is the wrong size for you to be a priority. (START to 7:16)

What are the attributes you should be checking? - size, incentives, time-scales, and business model. Work with a lawyer to address the greatest risks. (7:16 to 9:47)

What to do if your potential supplier won't sign a manufacturing contract? - some suppliers know that you need their expertise and will, therefore, refuse to sign a contract that puts too much responsibility on their shoulders. Instead of caving to their demands, you can find a new supplier, or redevelop or simplify your product to avoid the issue. This would typically happen with an ODM factory, whereas an OEM or CM + design house are other options where you will have more control (also more expense) (9:47 to 12:50) - read more about supplier choice and their pros & cons.

Does your supplier have CAD compatibility? - can files be sent back and forth and worked on with no issues? This is important if you are both working on product designs (12:50 to 13:25)

Do they have good engineers internally? - what you should look out for when assessing the capabilities of the supplier's mechanical, electrical, electronic, and/or software engineers (13:25 to 17:10)

Questions to ask and evidence to request to see engineering capability - Renaud shares some of the key questions you need to ask the supplier, such as about past projects which are similar to yours, in order to see that the supplier can truly reach your expectations (17:10 to 20:10)

Some more attributes that engineers need to display in order to assist on the R&D side and with certifications - electrical engineers need to be able to calculate motor torque, understand control systems, etc. Electronic engineers should have an in-depth understanding of PCBAs, but can they also design them in such a way that the products can pass FCC scrutiny for example? Do they know how to test the PCBAs? Software engineers - what environment are they used to? Can they work with your team on it seamlessly? Do they have examples of sensors etc that they have worked on before? Do they have experience of speeding up early prototyping for proof of concept? They may also have to help you with tooling, which is expensive. Do they have experience of reviewing tooling or do they just trust that the mold fabricator does a great job? (20:10 to 25:30)

How well can the supplier help if things go wrong? - if there are technical issues with custom-made parts (such as poor surface-finishing), can someone from the supplier's team go on-site and check why it's happening? Do they have experience with reliability testing? If the supplier is unaware of effective testing, that's a major red flag. (25:30 to 29:12)

The importance of asking questions and getting examples if you're unable to go on-site - until you can visit your supplier, quizzing them on past experience in R&D, testing, etc is a good option. Do they have experience in your materials, products, packaging, etc? If they test in-house, question their testing capabilities, too. Do they understand your quality standard? (29:12 to END) - Sofeast can also assist you to find suitable suppliers.

The advice you've been listening to draws on this blog post:

China Supplier Vetting, Part 3: Evaluating Engineering Capability

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This is the second part of our series on vetting Chinese suppliers which loosely follows the blog posts in this series that Renaud wrote before.

In Episode 10 we explored the bad behaviours or trouble that the wrong supplier can cause, such as scamming you, raising prices dishonestly when they know you have little choice but to pay, or just not being competent enough to be able to produce your products correctly.

Now that you know what you don't want from a supplier, what are some of the first steps you can take to weed out suppliers who aren't suitable? Adrian and Renaud discuss this initial vetting process, approaches, and some actionable tips here...

Show Notes Introduction - we'll be discussing questions to ask and actions to take that can help avoid red flags when sourcing new Chinese suppliers (START to 2:40)

The following tips are fairly unstructured, but can all be helpful as a part of your preliminary supplier vetting process...

Test the water with a factory audit - a supplier should be secure enough to accept a factory audit. If not, then what are they hiding? Either way, conducting an audit teaches you a lot about your potential supplier's ability to do the job you need them to, and audits are affordable (2:40 to 6:20) - learn more about factory audits.

Do a search engine search for the supplier - if they have behaved badly in the past, it's likely that there might be some articles or news about them online, so search their company name and see what you can find (6:20 to 8:45)

Is the supplier's online information consistent? - a red flag is where the supplier has different information on Alibaba, Global Sources, etc. If they don't match, why not? You can also see verified information about the supplier on these platforms, so it's a good place to see what they're offering very quickly (8:45 to 13:07) - For anyone thinking of sourcing suppliers based on Alibaba's recommendations alone, Renaud wrote about 'Why An Alibaba Gold Supplier Status Doesn’t Mean Anything' here.

Has the supplier consistently participated in trade shows? - if they have it is evidence that they are a legitimate supplier as trading companies, very small, or unprofessional businesses may not do this (13:07 to 13:45)

Try purchasing a sample and insist on paying to their company account and collecting the sample from their address - by doing so you can confirm 2 things: 1. That they are who they say they are because you collect from their address (is it a factory, apartment building, office downtown? If it's the latter two you could have an issue). If they do request you to pay to a personal bank account, or maybe one in Hong Kong, this is a red flag, too - as a legitimate company should be able to provide a real business bank account (13:45 to 17:30)

Check the business in the Chinese government database - you will need the company's Chinese name and address, but with this (and the ability to read Chinese) you can learn a lot about the supplier, such as their company size, the scope of work they do, the investment capital (a low amount suggests they aren't a manufacturer), and any past or present court cases and decisions against them and the reasons, too (17:30 to 20:02) - performing a legal records check on the supplier is a fast and inexpensive way to check for this helpful information.

Check if the company holds any trademarks or patents in their own name - if it doesn't look like they do a lot of R&D but they have trademarks, patents, etc, this is a possible red flag. Have they been taking IP from past customers and registering it in China under their own name without their knowledge? (20:02 to 21:34)

Request the supplier's business license - it will be in Chinese, but it contains a lot of the useful information listed above if you can read Chinese. If not, get someone knowledgeable to analyze it (there should be a QR code on them which shows the registered info online). A good point is to check if they have an export license, too. If they do not, they'd have to deal with an intermediary which can add some risk of IP-leakage, etc (21:34 to 23:48)

Check their ISO 9001 certificate - this is common in China now, but you should ask for the certificate which you can verify with the issuing body and also the manual which should list the quality objectives and scope of the Quality Management System is - this is not suitable for people with no understanding of it, but at least be aware of this certificate's veracity if the supplier claims to hold it (23:48 to 25:53)

Question them about how they protect your IP - do you have a standard agreement for customers like us? How do you protect my IP? Many importers do NOT ask these questions! If they do provide an agreement, get you lawyer (familiar with Chinese law) to check it and assure that it's enforceable (25:53 to 27:56)

Ask for reference customers - who do they work with? You can learn a lot from this, although it's not always practical for suppliers to give too much of this information away (27:56 to 31:00)

What is the typical order quantity and quality standard? - if they deal with huge companies who place much larger orders than you will, you may have to expect a lower standard of quality than you're expecting. So the supplier's 'level' should be appropriate to where you're at as a business (31:00 to 32:30)

Familiarity with export standards - if they are unaware or lack understanding of the standards surrounding the products they make (such as UL standard for batteries), this is a red flag (32:30 to 33:19)

How is their communication? - real manufacturers may not have the best communication. If they do, you may be dealing with a trading company. However, don't discount a manufacturer where their English isn't perfect, as it is fairly normal (33:19 to 34:50)

Conclusion - Buying in China for the first can be confusing, so talk to other importers or find someone with experience who can provide some advice - keep eyes open, do due diligence, gather intelligence - these are three key takeaways (34:50 to END) - We also mentioned the book, 'Poorly Made In China' - this is a modern classic that gives great insight into the (many) things that can go wrong when you start manufacturing in China!

The advice you've been listening to draws on these 2 blog posts:

China Supplier Vetting, Part 1: Background Checks
China Supplier Vetting, Part 2: Questions to Ask Before a Visit

Get In Touch * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

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In this mini-series of podcast episodes, we will explore the process of what it means to work with the right Chinese supplier and how to qualify them effectively, screening out the bad options and focusing only on the one or two best choices.

You can read more about this topic in the series of blog posts on QualityInspection.org which we refer to throughout - read all of those posts here.

When starting to source new suppliers, you need to be aware of the risks, and these bad behaviours are what we focus on in this episode - the 7 ways Chinese suppliers cheat or cause trouble for customers.

Show Notes Why is vetting new Chinese suppliers so important? (Start to 1:45) - the topic is drawn from this blog post which you can read for extra information.

Introduction to the components of trust between supplier and client - firstly, do you trust them their character and truthfulness and secondly, do you trust them to be able to actually fulfil your orders correctly? The need to be careful not to put yourself in a situation where you rely too much on one supplier who may not have your best interests in mind. (1:45 to 7:38)

7 ways Chinese suppliers can cheat you! The 5 bad behaviours 1. The supplier disappears after a deposit, or a fee for samples is wired. (7:38 to 11:25)

Price increases unexpectedly after a deposit is transferred and you're 'hooked.' (11:25 to 16:33)
Price increases from one order to the next, without relation to production cost increases. (16:33 to 18:55)
Lack of respect of IP rights (selling the buyer’s design to other customers). (18:55 to 25:05) - you may also enjoy this blog post related to IP theft in China, too.
Lack of transparency (subcontracting outside of an approved facility, changing a component without notice, etc.) includes a discussion about how face is gained when you get away with things and also the concept of chabuduo (more or less). (25:05 to 31:24)

2 lacks of competency/experience 6. Lack of reliability: late deliveries, inconsistent communication…why over-promising and underdelivering has become common among Chinese manufacturers. (31:24 to 34:50)

Inability/unwillingness to reach the desired quality standard. At what point do you 'pull the plug' on a supplier who is unable or unwilling to produce goods at the quality standard you are expecting? (34:50 to 37:55)

Previewing the next episode In part 2 of this series, we will move on to discuss how to screen out the 'bad' suppliers who are likely to cause you the problems discussed in this episode? This will include tips for better vetting, such as background checks and smart questions to ask that will help you quickly identify which candidates aren't right for your needs. (37:55 to END)

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In episode 9 of the podcast, Adrian and Renaud discuss the different types of suppliers you may encounter in China (and Asia in general), their pros & cons, and what to look out for when sourcing suppliers.

Show Notes We react to the worrying news coming out of Beijing about new clusters of coronavirus infections. How could this affect manufacturing in China? (Start to 3:45)

As the disputes and rancour between China and the USA rumble on, how are the trade war and the recent push to 'reshore' manufacturing going? (3:45 to 7:10)

Moving onto the episode's main topic, Renaud defines OEM and ODM - what these suppliers are, their features, and pros and cons of working with them. Factory audits are a useful tool here to help assess if the supplier is right for your needs. (7:10 to 23:50)

ODM - Expanding on some of the benefits and possible risks of working with an ODM specifically, such as their failure to alert you about who really owns the IP of the products they're suggesting they can produce for you, and also the need for a watertight Chinese manufacturing contract. (23:50 to 25:45)

OEM - Similarly expanding on OEMs. What are some of the key benefits (fast to market) and risks for importers when working with these suppliers? Such as being locked in with a supplier who won't produce the quality you need or the risk of losing your IP to them and finding your products on the market later on at a much lower cost! (25:45 to 32:56)

How to keep an OEM in line when working with them? Including arranging a suitable agreement with your lawyer and what it must contain in order to hold sway over the supplier. (32:56 to 36:05)

The rules of thumb for choosing suppliers - What production volume of yours would be best served by hiring an OEM, ODM, or CM (or even setting up your own manufacturing facility)? (36:05 to 37:25)

CM - What are contract manufacturers in more detail. Benefits of working with them and a number of best practices to make sure the production runs smoothly. Why CMs are less likely to play tricks than OEMs and ODMs and want to get to mass production and for it to run very smoothly. (37:25 to 45:10)

"Famous CMs produce products for HP, Apple, etc, so if I work with them I'll be guaranteed great quality products, too, right?" Why this is not necessarily the case. We also mentioned our own Contract Manufacturing subsidiary, Agilian Technology, at this point, which is one of the 'smaller alternatives' mentioned that will provide a better service for buyers who don't bring enormous orders to the table. (45:10 to 50:00)

The dangers of dealing with trading companies who may be leading you to believe that they are a manufacturer or who cannot handle the manufacturing project as capably as you need (due to not being particularly involved with the factory amongst other reasons). In this section, we also mentioned due diligence and how we provide solutions like an affordable legal records check to help weed out trading companies or bad apples when sourcing suppliers. (50:00 to END)

Get In Touch * Connect with us on LinkedIn * Send us a tweet @sofeast * Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

Get even more great content or assistance with your own project * Visit our website at Sofeast.com * Subscribe to our YouTube channel

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In episode 8 of the podcast, Adrian dials in with Renaud to discuss supply chain risk, how to manage it, and some of the tools that can really help make a difference for importers.

Section 1: Supply chain risk, Black swan events, & VUCA (Start to 25:00) * What is supply chain risk * Real-life instances where this has negatively affected businesses * Black swan (unpredictable) events * VUCA (Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) and some examples * Performing due diligence on suppliers (Sofeast can help with this)

We follow the topics of this blog post: Supply Chain Risk Management, Part 1: What are VUCA and Black Swans?

Section 2: The Business Continuity Plan (25:00 to 37:00) * Explaining what a BCP is and its benefits * The dangers of 'swimming naked' * How to build and complete the plan (including Issues/Risk dimensions/Action plan) * The role of planning in an organisation that wants to take action to reduce risks

This section focuses on the topic of this blog post: Supply Chain Risk Management, Part 2: The Business Continuity Plan

As promised, you can get Renaud's BCP template and configure it for your own needs should you wish to undertake your risk analysis for your own business here: https://bit.ly/BCPTemplate

Section 3: The Supply Chain KPI Scorecard (37:00 to End) * Why most purchasers pay too much attention to the price of what they buy but fail to take risks into account such as too much complexity, unreliable suppliers, etc * Examples of the negative consequences of focusing primarily on price * How completing a supply chain KPI scorecard can help reduce risks and the key KPIs to include (such as quality, cost, on-time delivery, and certain risks, too) * Summing up and closing remarks from Renaud

This section draws on this blog post: Supply Chain Risk Management, Part 3: A Purchaser Supply Chain KPI Scorecard’s Benefits

If you have any questions about the topics discussed in this episode you can get in touch with us and we'll do our best to answer them and also remember to subscribe to Renaud's blog at QualityInspection.org and visit Sofeast if you need assistance on the ground in China or SE Asia with your supply chain, quality, product development, and much, much more.

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After reading IndustryWeek's article: What Will Manufacturing’s New Normal Be After COVID-19?, Adrian and Renaud discuss the topic with a special focus on China.

If you have a supply chain or factory in China, how might things change for you in the future and, if you're in lockdown right now and cannot travel to China, what kinds of activities can you do to keep making progress in 2020?

The message is that things don't need to be on hold! There are useful activities that importers and manufacturers can perform right now that will help you hit the ground running post-COVID, and the use of technology may spur this even more.

Today's topics In summary, we cover these topics:

Remote activities importers and manufacturers can do, such as product development.
Which industries are thriving during the pandemic and which are negatively affected.
What kinds of safety measures have been brought in to factories in China?
Is productivity being affected by this?
Can manufacturing be returned to the West 'easily' if automation is factored in?
How likely is it that companies can 'decouple' from China post-coronavirus? What challenges exist for reshoring or near-shoring and what are the benefits?
Is digitization going to increase in the future and how can it be helpful?

Show notes * Bringing an IoT Product from Concept to Market: Case Study * Our hardware startup client's new product development case study video * A blog post about why you need a backup supplier in China * An article about digital transformation * We mentioned the SynControl quality inspection software which helps importers manage their inspections remotely and in real-time

Get even more great resources from us at Sofeast.com, and if you have any questions, please contact us any time.

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In this extended episode... Renaud is interviewed by CMC (China Manufacturing Consultants) about the hottest topics in China manufacturing in Spring 2020.

These topics are covered:

If there is a global recession/depressed demand, what are the effects of this on manufacturing?
Why the bargaining power of buyers will increase and how it's the time for buyers to seriously evaluate their Chinese suppliers for a better future supply chain (including the kinds of activities you might perform).
How to spur Chinese suppliers to make positive changes if it's found that they need to adjust.
How short term thinking is affecting long-term improvement projects in Chinese manufacturers (we blogged on this here) which negatively affects quality, delivery, efficiency. How consultants can come in to assist with this.
Who should Chinese factories be hiring internally to complement consultants to make long-term improvements?
The advice to PPE & medical supply manufacturers and buyers - this industry is booming due to the coronavirus pandemic causing unprecedented demand, so there are certain things that both parties should consider which Renaud explores, such as selecting the right kind of equipment to cope with a temporary increase in demand.
What can buyers of high-demand products such as PPE do to assure that their customers will get the right quality products on time? This includes production planning and more.
How has factory relocation from China to other countries been affected by the pandemic? Some useful tips for manufacturers who still intend to move, such as how to plan ahead and why starting small is a good idea.
The top 3 things a big buyer (30-50% of output for a supplier) should be doing right now.
The 3 things that buyers of medical supplies and PPE should be conscious of in the current environment.

Show notes As promised here are the links from today's show.

China Manufacturing Consultants website
Sofeast.com
Medical products and PPE were mentioned quite a lot, so our coronavirus medical supplies resources hub will help you if you're in that market.

If you have any questions arising from the pod, please contact us and we'll be happy to help if we can.

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As the world battles coronavirus, there is an increasing number of buyers rushing to buy coronavirus medical supplies such as masks, gowns, face shields, ventilators, test kits, and more from China.

The situation is fast-moving and the market is risky. So when lives are on the line, what can buyers do to assure that the products they're importing are safe, high-quality, and permitted to be exported from China and/or imported into their countries?

Adrian from Sofeast and our CEO, Renaud Anjoran, discuss this topic today.

Show Schedule

What is the situation on the ground in China now regarding the manufacturing of PPE/medical supplies to deal with coronavirus?
Has China implemented any rules to improve quality?
Loopholes, risks, and importing to the West.
Renaud's main TIPS for importers.
If buyers can't get the products they need from China, what other options do they have in Asia if any?

Resources for coronavirus medical supply buyers

Various resources and solutions for buyers
The minimum buyers should do is undertake supplier certificate verification
Risk Reduction For Buyers Of COVID-19 Medical Supplies With Existing Suppliers - YOU manage the purchasing, WE work with you to reduce your risks

If you have any questions or need help with buying medical devices or PPE, please feel free to contact us. We're already working with clients worldwide to help support them during this difficult time.

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This episode focuses on factory audits, product inspections, and testing in laboratories, are really important for importers, and how they fit together! It's a must-hear if you're buying from China!

We discuss the elements in order:

Factory Audits - We cover popular types of factory audit, what's included in them, and why they're helpful, especially when working with new suppliers. Without auditing supplier's factories, it's very hard to know if they're reliable and capable of providing you with conforming products. We also share tips on how often to audit and how to handle regular auditing in China if you have a buying office there, for example. (Start to 13:55)
Product Inspections - We'll talk about why inspections provide a safety net before your products are shipped, as they allow you to head off quality issues before they become serious or you receive defective products. I explain why inspections during production and before shipment are two of the most popular product inspections, and what you need to think about when deciding to conduct inspections in order to get best results for a reasonable budget, such as using correct sampling. (14:00 to 27:00)
Lab Testing - 3 occasions where lab testing should happen. First, when a manufacturer is developing its own product and needs to guarantee its compliance before production. Second, when a buyer wants to check if a new supplier's product reaches their country's certification requirements before placing an order. Third, a buyer who has an order being produced sends some random samples for lab testing before shipment. I also share some tips on choosing the right testing lab and working with suppliers to get the testing done to prove product safety to your satisfaction, and deciding which tests to carry out. (27:00 to end)

If you have any questions based on this podcast's topics, please let us know by contacting us.

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In this podcast, Renaud and Paul Adams (Sofeast senior engineer) discuss everything that buyers need to know to get a lot out of factory visits to their suppliers' factories.

They cover checking:

The basics that buyers need to be looking at. A selection of things you need no special training to check, such as the general state of the factory (is it dirty, etc).
Quality Control basics. What you should look out for regarding the supplier's grasp of QC, such as the tracking of data, etc.
Documentation. If documentation is in Chinese you may be prevented from checking certain things like procedures, so what can you do in this case?
Inventory. Is it 'good' to see a busy factory with lots of inventory? What can we learn here?
Production speed. This affects lead times, so how to check this? How about a production planning system?
Social compliance. There are audits for CSR, but when sourcing you can evaluate basic supplier compliance, such as fire prevention, emergency exits, etc.
Engineering capabilities. Why a focus on new product development is important. Can the supplier help you with development? Can they understand your product and blueprints?

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In part 2 of this podcast series, we continue to discuss the 10 elements of a strong quality assurance strategy in China.

In part 1 we went through elements 1-5:

Background checks on the potential supplier
Reliability audit on factories
Evaluating the fit of the new supplier
Fair payment terms
Contracts

Quality Control 6. Product Specification Definition - a common mistake of new importers is not defining their specifications in great detail. Your supplier needs to be reminded about your requirements, which can include materials, design, quality, and even packaging. The specification sheet acts as that reminder.

Quality Inspections - another error is rushing to get the products shipped without performing quality inspections. Having been to the supplier's factory and even seeing that some of the first products off the line were fine is not enough - some buyers have received their goods to find that 40% or more had to be scrapped due to poor quality. By performing inspections, it allows any issues to be solved in the factory before shipment and the payment of the balance- after shipment and when you've paid 100%, anything like that becomes 'your problem' in most cases.

Buyer/Supplier Relationship 8. Building Long Term Business Relationships - you need to find a way to be seen as a long term, stable customer who won't shop around to save a small amount. Chinese suppliers may not believe any claims you make about being a good customer, so the best way is to walk the walk with a clear roadmap, purchasing plan, inspection policy, etc. This professional outlook gains you respect. Fulfilling your promises also gains you a lot of credit, so placing orders when you promise to and being upfront and honest about changes of the plan also helps win hearts and minds, as does not negotiating too hard on the price to the point where you put them in a jam.

Regular Face-To-Face Meetings - you need a contract and procedure in place before placing orders, but buyers should actively go to China and visit suppliers regularly. Buying from China can't be done remotely forever, you need to call in and keep an eye on things. Also, it is not necessary to be drawn into big dinners, socialising etc, this isn't advantageous unless you want it to be - they will respect professionalism and your stable business more than socialising.
Improvement of factory operations - you should find out what suppliers have been doing and see if there are opportunities for improvement. If you're a reasonably large customer you will have the sway to push them to improve. The message here is not to hesitate to make the suggestion even if it is 'their factory,' as if you can help a Chinese supplier improve without costing them a lot of money (which is often possible) they will like you even more as a customer.

You can look at the overall strategy in more detail in this blog post from QualityInspection.org: https://qualityinspection.org/quality-assurance-strategy-china/

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In this podcast, Renaud is joined by senior Sofeast engineer Paul Adams to explain the 10 key elements of a strong QA strategy for importers in China.

The strategy can be broken down into 4 themes which each include specific elements.

Let's get started with the first:

Qualification of the new supplier 1. Background checks on the potential supplier - the assurance that you're choosing the right supplier is gained by performing activities like checking their legal documentation, purchase orders and logistics, certifications, and more.

Reliability audit on factories - importers can't take a new supplier's word as gospel, they won't necessarily check the quality, maybe have no process controls, ignore work instructions, etc. Therefore it's important to seriously examine how they control quality by performing factory audits.
Evaluating the fit of the new supplier - there's a difference between being a minor customer of a large factory that scores well on quality and a more important customer of a smaller factory that scores a lower grade in a quality audit. The former may not really care about you, provide good prices, or finish your orders on time if you only provide a small percentage of their business, whereas the smaller factory really cares about your orders and will strive to keep your business. For this reason, there's a need to check whether a factory is a good fit for you, even if they have some weaknesses in certain areas.

Purchasing methodology 4. Fair payment terms - some guidance on the types of payment terms you should accept to protect yourself, especially with first-time purchases from a new supplier. We also discuss how to split up your payments (with a smaller deposit first) in order to keep some leverage over the supplier.

Contracts - you may work with a lawyer to create a Chinese-language manufacturing contract which protects you in China - if you have future orders where the terms are the same you can re-use this in future. Chinese suppliers take legally binding contracts (in China, not your own country) seriously. If you have no budget, consider creating a document spelling out your terms clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
Failsafe purchasing steps - every buyer should put together a procedure including supplier screening and certain checkpoints in order to raise red flags if something seems wrong. There will be approvals, such as: receiving a production sample and agreeing it is OK or sending an inspector to check product quality during production who confirms all is well. You should also negotiate before placing an order when to pay the supplier.

Remember, you can listen to part 2 of these 2 podcasts here.

You can look at the overall strategy in more detail in this blog post from QualityInspection.org: https://qualityinspection.org/quality-assurance-strategy-china/

China Manufacturing Decoded: Recent Episodes

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