China Manufacturing Decoded

Sofeast

Join Renaud Anjoran, Founder & CEO of Sofeast, in this podcast aimed at importers who develop their own products as he discusses the hottest topics and shares actionable tips for manufacturing in China & Asia today! WHO IS RENAUD? Renaud is a French ISO 9001 & 14001 certified lead auditor, ASQ certified Quality Engineer and Quality Manager who has been working in the Chinese manufacturing industry since 2005. He is the founder of the Sofeast group that has over 200 staff globally and offers services (QA, product development & engineering, project management, Supply Chain Management, product compliance, reliability testing), contract manufacturing, and 3PL fulfillment for importers and businesses who develop their own products and buyers from China & SE Asia. WHY LISTEN? We‘ll discuss interesting topics for anyone who develops and sources their products from Asian suppliers and will share Renaud‘s decades of manufacturing experience, as well as inviting guests from the industry to get a different viewpoint. Our goal is to help you get better results and end up with suppliers and products that exceed your expectations! read less
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Episodes

Manufacturer's & Buyer's Risks in China: Mitigation and Insurance Tips
4d ago
Manufacturer's & Buyer's Risks in China: Mitigation and Insurance Tips
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 Sections 00:00 - 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   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
Chinese e-Bike/Scooter Battery Fire Risks Are No Joke! (Feat.Clive Greenwood)
Mar 8 2024
Chinese e-Bike/Scooter Battery Fire Risks Are No Joke! (Feat.Clive Greenwood)
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 CityNYC 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.   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
Apple Vision Pro Cracking Up! Reliability Problems, So Soon? (BONUS)
Mar 5 2024
Apple Vision Pro Cracking Up! Reliability Problems, So Soon? (BONUS)
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 glassSome Apple Vision Pro units are developing glass cracks in the same spotMaking Apple Vision Pro - Apple Official VideoApple Vision Pro DURABILITY Test! Worth $3500?   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel
Plastic & Metal Development Prototypes: Uses & Limitations
Feb 29 2024
Plastic & Metal Development Prototypes: Uses & Limitations
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 GuidePlastic Enclosures for Electronics Projects (Plastics Sourcing Guide)CNC Prototyping In Metal And PlasticDevelopment Prototypes for Parts: Issues and Limitations (2 examples)Mold Tech Texture BookGet help from Sofeast's engineering team to develop your prototoypes   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
Handing Over To Manufacturing: Best Practices
Feb 22 2024
Handing Over To Manufacturing: Best Practices
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 Sections 00:00 - 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   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
Technology & Innovation in Freight Forwarding (Feat. Amit Rosenthal, CEO of Proboxx)
Feb 16 2024
Technology & Innovation in Freight Forwarding (Feat. Amit Rosenthal, CEO of Proboxx)
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 youImpact 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)   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
What's A Good QA Auditing & Inspection Program For New Products?
Feb 9 2024
What's A Good QA Auditing & Inspection Program For New Products?
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 inspectionsDocumenting Your Company’s Quality Standard into the DetailsWhat Is A Quality Assurance Plan?Product Quality Checklist: How To Prepare ItHow To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need?How To Choose Which Product Quality inspection You Need?   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
Why NOT doing ESD testing on new electronic products is scary!
Feb 2 2024
Why NOT doing ESD testing on new electronic products is scary!
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 definitionWhat 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   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel
Impact of Yemen's Houthis On Global Shipping in Jan '24 (BONUS)
Jan 29 2024
Impact of Yemen's Houthis On Global Shipping in Jan '24 (BONUS)
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.
The Experience Effect: The Key to Mass Production Cost Reduction & Efficiency
Jan 26 2024
The Experience Effect: The Key to Mass Production Cost Reduction & Efficiency
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 Performance5 steps for a Chinese factory to improve its efficiencyHow To Improve Quality From Your Supplier? [Podcast]Keeping your supplier’s costs under control [Podcast]   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 Near Disaster! Quality & Reliability Issues?
Jan 19 2024
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 Near Disaster! Quality & Reliability Issues?
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 planesWhat happened after the Alaska Airlines flight took off, in 5 chartsNTSB 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 JetYou may also like: Why Did The Titan Sub And Siemens Gamesa Wind Turbines Fail?   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
Cost Vs Quality - How Manufacturers Can Find A Balance
Jan 12 2024
Cost Vs Quality - How Manufacturers Can Find A Balance
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 DetailsThe Design for X Approach: 12 Common ExamplesNPI 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   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
7 Key NPI Tasks To Do Before You Take Your Product Into Production
Jan 5 2024
7 Key NPI Tasks To Do Before You Take Your Product Into Production
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 DesignAvoid Sending Immature Product Designs to a Chinese Manufacturer!Transitioning to Manufacturing from Product Development | 2 OptionsThe NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps! [Podcast]   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
13 Strategies To Ensure Consistent Product Quality
Dec 22 2023
13 Strategies To Ensure Consistent Product Quality
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 ValidatedBackground checks on suppliersDocumenting Your Company’s Quality Standard into the DetailsWhat Is A Quality Assurance Plan?The Design for X Approach: 12 Common ExamplesWhy Skipping Incoming QC Is a Source of High Risks & CostsThe Benefits of a Feasibility Study (during new product development)How To Do Product Reliability Testing?Various product inspection solutions we provide you withProcess Control PlanTraceability in Manufacturing: Do your Chinese Suppliers Do it Right?   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
How to add Surface Textures to Molded Plastic Parts (Feat. Paul Adams)
Dec 15 2023
How to add Surface Textures to Molded Plastic Parts (Feat. Paul Adams)
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 QuotesProduct 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 ProgramMold Capability Validation Supervision (for Plastic Injection Molds in China)Tooling Custody & Management (for Plastic Injection Molds in China)   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
Should you be wary of the cheapest Chinese suppliers?
Dec 1 2023
Should you be wary of the cheapest Chinese suppliers?
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 factoriesLearn how to source from China: DIY Sourcing from China Podcast SeriesFree eBook: How To Find A Manufacturer In China: 10 Verification StepsHands-on buyers: qualifying factories and nurturing themHands-off buyers: accepting the risks of importingGet help from Sofeast to do your due diligence on potential suppliers: Background Checks on Suppliers   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
Getting Ahead Of The Upcoming EU Product Liability Directive (Feat. Clive Greenwood & Prof. Simon Choi)
Nov 24 2023
Getting Ahead Of The Upcoming EU Product Liability Directive (Feat. Clive Greenwood & Prof. Simon Choi)
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 Sections 00:00 - 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’ ComplianceExploring 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]   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
How A Supplier’s Quality Can Be Evaluated & Validated
Nov 17 2023
How A Supplier’s Quality Can Be Evaluated & Validated
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 SeriesGet help from Sofeast to source new suppliers for you and do due diligence on themSelect numerous helpful factory audits from Sofeast   Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser
Sourcing Chinese Suppliers? 7 expert tips to get you better results!
Nov 10 2023
Sourcing Chinese Suppliers? 7 expert tips to get you better results!
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 Sections 00:00 - 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 secretsWork 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 onSofeast supplier background check - it's great value and might just save your bacon!Our guide into the key Incoterms importers might useRead 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 LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe 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: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser