What is PPI – Pre Production Inspection?

The “PPI” or “IPI” (Initial Product Inspection) is completed right before the beginning of the actual mass production. It is done after the identification or evaluation of your vendor. The objective of the inspection is to ensure that your vendor and factory has truly understood your order’s requirements and specifications and that they are well prepared for production. The inspection is completed onsite at the factory or vendor office.

What is been checked during the Pre Production Inspection?

– Raw materials and key components of your order

– Relationship between the factory and the vendor

– The understanding of your demands by the factory: samples, costs, production schedule and processes

– In-house quality control checks and key persons from the vendor and factory (production manager, people who speak English etc.)

Why should you do Pre Production Inspection?

– To get a clear idea of the production schedule

– Requirements and specifications (material, color, etc.) well understood

– Everything ready before mass production

– Implementations of corrective actions as soon as possible

– Avoid unexpected delays and costs

For what kind of products should you do Pre Production Inspection?

At least when you have:

– New Products orders

– New Suppliers

– High Risk Products

– Large order quantities

– High Value products

– When defects in previous orders happened

Key benefits:

Minimize the risk of problems that could affect the quality of your goods
-> PPI sets up a preliminary production test to match the golden sample

Language barriers and cultural differences  are often  the main reason for poor quality
-> Misunderstandings can be avoided completely with a PPI.

So why should you book this?

Communication problems are familiar for many international buyers. The biggest wish you have is that you can be confident of what you are getting. Efficiency, correct materials and the correct production process are every buyer’s dreams. The PPI prevents the possible problems you might have with the vendor early enough to avoid them. The inspection gives you peace in your mind so that you can concentrate on your customer relationships.

Sources: Shanghai to Milan, Intertek

See more at: SBE Inspection

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