Pre-production prototype testing is the process of building and evaluating working prototypes to find and fix reliability, usability, and manufacturing issues before mass production. Skipping it means gambling with your investment, your timeline, and your reputation. What’s a Real-World Example of Successful Prototype Testing? Komatsu’s 1960s bulldozer project is a textbook example of testing […] The post What Is Pre-Production Prototype Testing and Why Is It Critical for Product Suc...| QualityInspection.org
During product development, the pressure to get from concept to launch can be overwhelming, and the temptation to cut corners is a real thing. But without proper checkpoints, new product manufacturing projects often derail, costing time, money, and reputation. In Episode 288 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Paul Adams, Head of New Product Development at Sofeast, […] The post Why YOUR Manufacturing Project Needs Phase Gate Reviews (Before It’s Too Late) appeared first on QualityInspection.org.| QualityInspection.org
Learn how 2025’s US tariffs and trade war disrupt Chinese factories, creating quality, continuity, and supply chain risks buyers must manage strategically.| QualityInspection.org
Dan Harris just published advice to exhibitors that showcase their own new product designs. In his words: It should go without saying that you should not reveal anything more at a trade fair than you would otherwise, and you should have an agreement in place (an NDA or an NNN) before revealing any trade secret. This […]| QualityInspection.org
Manufacturers sometimes view pilot runs as an optional step, but they’re far from it. In fact, skipping them can lead to delays, higher costs, and product quality failures. In Episode 286 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud and Adrian walk listeners through the painstaking yet essential pilot run process, showing how skipping it can derail your […] The post Why Pilot Runs Are Essential For Successful Manufacturing appeared first on QualityInspection.org.| QualityInspection.org
India has overtaken China as the top smartphone exporter to the U.S. in 2025. Discover why this shift happened, the role of Apple, and what it means for your supply chain strategy.| QualityInspection.org
Smaller e-commerce sellers are facing rising ad costs, platform fees, and fierce brand competition. Learn why the old playbook no longer works, and how smart strategies can still lead to success.| QualityInspection.org
Have you ever wondered: Can you sell a great idea to a company and get rich? How do cultural differences impact deals with Chinese suppliers? What are the secrets to cutting manufacturing lead times and getting products faster? Is it even possible for small brands to compete with big players in manufacturing? In this special […] The post Manufacturing Q&A: From Idea to Product, Faster Manufacturing, Small vs. Large Scale, China vs. West Business Culture & More appeared first on QualityInspe...| QualityInspection.org
What can importers who're outsourcing production to Chinese suppliers do to avoid getting their margins squeezed? Here are my 5 tips.| QualityInspection.org
Do you prefer to work with an OEM, an ODM, or a CM? What are their pros and cons? And, first of all, what do these 3 acronyms mean?| QualityInspection.org
Explore key terms you'll need to discuss when negotiating with Chinese suppliers. You need to know what to ask and how to respond if they act unreasonably.| QualityInspection.org
People who want to develop their own product often go for a shortcut: working with an ODM. However, that's when things get pretty risky for the buyer!| QualityInspection.org
Meet the top 14 contract manufacturers in S China who can help importers create their new products! Read an overview of each and choose your new supplier.| QualityInspection.org
As product companies diversify where and how they sell, choosing the right logistics strategy has never been more important. Retail distribution, Amazon FBA, and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) each bring different challenges and different expectations around packaging, timelines, storage, and compliance. In episode 282 of the China Manufacturing Decoded podcast, Adrian and Kate (Supply Chain Leader at […] The post Which Fulfillment Strategy Is Right for You? Comparing Retail, Amazon FBA & D2C app...| QualityInspection.org
Over the past five years, Vietnam has grown into a go-to manufacturing hub for companies trying to diversify away from China. However, a recent shift in U.S. trade policy may now force American importers to re-evaluate that strategy. On July 2, 2025, the U.S. announced a new trade framework with Vietnam, imposing a 20% tariff […] The post US–Vietnam Trade Deal July 2025: What it means for American Importers appeared first on QualityInspection.org.| QualityInspection.org
China’s rare earth export limits are shaking global supply chains. Learn why it matters and how manufacturers can respond.| QualityInspection.org
Learn why packaging is important for product protection & differentiation. They don't need to be exclusive. Is it time you gave your packaging a fresh look?| QualityInspection.org
Kevin Howard, packaging engineer and owner of Packnomics, lifts the lid on everything hardware startups need to know about design for distribution.| QualityInspection.org
Many product launches get delayed or compromised due to poor packaging planning. Learn how to design packaging that protects, elevates your brand, and avoids costly mistakes.| QualityInspection.org
Learn how to protect your intellectual property when sourcing components overseas, with practical tips to avoid IP theft and supplier misuse.| QualityInspection.org
New product introduction is a complex process to master, and SMEs and hardware startups we often work with find it very challenging and seek our help to devise and manage the different steps in order to get into mass production on time, on budget, and with products that are reliable, safe, and good quality. We […]| QualityInspection.org
Explore a product development framework that may change how you approach development: the evolution from Minimum Viable Products to SLC Products (Simple, Lovable, and Complete).| QualityInspection.org
Trump intends to add tariffs to products…with a focus on those from China. So, how do we navigate those upcoming USA tariffs? Find out.| QualityInspection.org
You don't want your new product to get stuck in product development limbo and suffer from long delays. Here's when to engage a manufacturer.| QualityInspection.org
Andrew Amirnovin introduces 7 key New Product Introduction tasks that will help ensure a successful product launch for your product.| QualityInspection.org
