Leave a factory visit with evidence and open questions
A factory visit is most useful when you know what needs to be checked before entering the building. A presentation, sample room or video tour is not proof of ownership, capacity or consistent quality.
Prepare the visit
Send the product specification, expected quantity and purpose of the visit. Agree which areas may be observed and photographed. Ask for the legal entity name, facility address, relevant production route and the records needed to verify important claims.
Follow one product through the process
- Incoming materials: identity, storage conditions, traceability and inspection records.
- Production: actual equipment, process sequence, current work and subcontracted stages.
- Quality controls: test methods, calibration records, defect handling and corrective actions.
- Packing: approved artwork, units per carton, outer dimensions, net/gross weight and marks.
- Release: final inspection responsibility, shipment records and unresolved exceptions.
Record what you saw, not just a score
| Question | Evidence to record | Open action |
|---|---|---|
| Can this line make the required product? | Relevant operation, model and production sample observed with permission | Confirm product-specific capability gaps |
| Can the order meet the requested date? | Current loading, bottleneck process and material lead time | Ask for a dated production plan |
| Are quality criteria controlled? | Current specification, test procedure and sample inspection record | Resolve missing acceptance criteria |
Label each entry as observed, supplied by the factory or still unverified. Record the date and source. Do not publish private documents or photos without permission.
Know the visit limits
This checklist is not an independent quality-system, social, security or regulatory audit. Use a qualified specialist when the product, destination or commercial risk requires it. A visit also does not replace sample approval and a controlled purchase order.
Prepare your visit checklist · Define the product requirements · Build an evidence log
Next useful steps
Use these related pages when the result from this tool becomes part of a larger sourcing, shipping, SEO, or planning workflow.