In the ever-expanding global economy, nothing about suppliers or distributors can be taken for granted. As illustrated by the numerous high-profile recalls that have occurred, manufacturers outsourcing to foreign countries must maintain quality control in their supply chains.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, many products recalled in the U.S. due to safety concerns were manufactured in either China or other low-wage countries. The recalls involve toys, drywall, toothpaste, pet food, cribs, tires and electric tools.
Unfortunately, the savings from low wages are eroded by the costs involved when something goes wrong.
The benefits of sourcing with foreign companies can obviously be significant. But there are also substantial potential risks, including:
Product liability insurance can help cover some of the losses due to a recall, but policies typically have deductibles and limits on reimbursable costs. In addition, if a defect is deemed to be the result of a "deliberate act," including knowledge of substandard overseas manufacturing, the insurer may refuse to pay.
Don't wait for a crisis to show the flaws in your company's supply chain. Whether you source offshore or domestically, it's unlikely that problems can be completely avoided, but there are proactive steps that can help mitigate the risks. Here are six questions to ask about your outsourced supply chain:
1. Does your company conduct in-depth due diligence of the operations of offshore suppliers, as well as their back-up systems?
Not every supplier in the world interprets quality standards the same way or follows International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines and other globally recognized certifications. Conduct background checks, review trade references and examine the source's business history. Do subcontractors have the same quality controls?
2. Have you investigated the origin of your products' parts?
Quality risks don't come simply from finished products imported from one manufacturer in a single country. For example, a large percentage of Chinese outsourcing is done for Japanese and Korean firms, and many of those products end up as components or finished goods sold in the United States.
3. Does your company hold foreign partners accountable?
Set up site inspections of supply chain partners and review their quality control systems. Are they willing to provide written guarantees? However, even with such assurances, government regulators and courts typically hold U.S. companies liable for ensuring that American safety standards are met in their foreign-made products. And as many businesses have learned after faulty products led to recalls or lawsuits, foreign partners may not have insurance and legal recourse is extremely difficult.
4. Does your company have reasonable goals when it comes to cost reduction?
Cost-effectiveness involves accomplishing objectives in ways that keep costs down without reducing quality. Perform cost modeling using offshore wages and other factors to get a solid idea of realistic prices in the country where you outsource. Factor in hidden costs. If prices are too low, there's a chance of a supply chain hazard or risk such as product counterfeiting.
5. Has your company clearly explained its quality assurance procedures?
Do foreign partners understand relevant safety requirements? Have they been provided with detailed product specifications in both their native language and in English? If possible, also use illustrations.
6. Does your company have a reputable testing laboratory in the U.S. or abroad that regularly monitors its outsourced products?
It is not uncommon for an offshore source to meet the original product specs, but subsequent batches start to contain low-quality and sometimes dangerous parts or ingredients. The most effective way to help avoid this, of course, is to have quality engineers from your company oversee the testing and ensure the laboratory is independent. Testing should occur at several points. Even if the original parts pass inspection, the manufacturer could run out of parts and purchase similar, but not identical, replacements. End products should be tested randomly or in a statistically significant way. Keep records of quality control tests.
The main thrust of these steps is to elevate your suppliers' standards and practices and continually monitor their production and quality assurance. This is likely to add to your operating costs and could lead to increased prices. But consumers are generally willing to pay a little more to guarantee safety.
The bottom line in this time of high-profile recalls: Companies need to take proactive control of their supply chains and make the investments required to ensure safety and quality.
Get in touch today and find out how we can help you meet your objectives.
