Purchasing new equipment and machinery is no easy feat — lots of time, money and risk goes into the process, especially when dealing with international vendors located abroad. To reduce this risk and stay legally complied to international standards, a third party inspection company is vital to ensure that your machinery is both up to code and at the quality level needed for your processes to run smoothly and efficiently.
What is Third Party Inspection?
In short, a Third Party Inspection (TPI) is an independent, unbiased group who inspects a manufacturing company’s key assets such as equipment, processes and heavy machinery. They confirm the compliance of these products, determining if they meet the legally-required international standards, codes and technical specifications.No matter where you purchase equipment from, it must meet the same international standards. Even when you work with vendors from across the world, you have the responsibility of ensuring legal compliance.
By definition, these inspectors are literally a “third party” who take no part in the design, procurement, fabrication, construction or installation of the equipment — in other words, they have nothing to gain or lose from the results.
As Third Party Inspection is a necessary process for every manufacturing company, it’s important to ensure both quality and integrity in your chosen inspectors. Here, you’ll learn what factors are important when hiring your own Third Party Inspection company.
What exactly should you look for in a third party inspection company?
A local database of inspectors
Working with vendors located abroad can add an extra layer of complexity to the third party inspection process. It’s helpful to find a company who already has an international network and relationships with local and global third party inspection companies abroad. They already have a database of local inspectors, saving you the time of having to find them yourself in an unfamiliar place where you may not have many contacts.
ISO certification
The ISO9001 certification is an internationally-recognized credential that ensures the highest international quality and integrity in inspections. An ISO certified organisation will have a Quality Control System in place, which is followed, reviewed and updated to be in line with industrial changes. ISO-certified companies also have a system to conduct Internal Audits and strive for continuous improvement.
Since you choose your vendors based on selective production specifications, manufacturing compliance and expediting services, you need an inspector that’s verified and qualified for these same standards.
A company with a global network of third-party vendor inspectors
When dealing with international manufacturers, finding a global company who can serve as your single point of reference to access a worldwide network of offices and vendor inspection capabilities can expedite the process while saving you money. This way, they can service you in your own time zone, linking their local inspectors with your vendor — sparing you unnecessary time, travel and lodging expenses.
On-site inspection
The easiest way to inspect new equipment is to have it reviewed, tested and validated at the vendor’s or manufacturer’s location itself.
Inspectors that can pre-test and approve equipment before its arrival
You want inspectors that can review, test and report back on your pre-ordered products during the actual manufacturing process, guaranteeing fully inspected equipment upon delivery to your facility.
Companies that offer multiple services to save you time
When it comes to efficient vendor inspection, finding a company with all-in-one support packages can save a lot of time, effort and hassle. The best companies cover everything from source inspection, product assessment, vendor quality surveillance, compliance reports and expediting services, all coordinated in agreement with you.Take the stress out of third party inspection with Brunel
Brunel is a truly global, ISO9001 certified company with local offices in over 40 countries, enabling us to build strong relationships with local and international third party inspection companies. Our local database of inspectors and all-in-one services can save your company valuable time, money and stress.
To learn more about Brunel’s Third Party Inspection services, contact us today.