Direct answer
What should a buyer check during production after a factory audit?
Check whether the actual order still matches the supplier route and product baseline that were approved. Focus on the points that would be difficult or expensive to correct after production is complete.
- Confirm the production order, drawing, specification and approved sample reference.
- Check critical material identity, source and lot records before use.
- Confirm the factory, subcontractors and critical process route for the order.
- Review first-piece or early-production results against acceptance criteria.
- Record proposed changes before they are used in production.
- Track quantity, schedule, packaging readiness and unresolved corrective actions.
- Connect final pre-shipment findings to the same order and revision.
The depth and timing of production checks should follow the product risk and the buyer's next decision. A photo update is useful only when it is tied to an identified order, requirement and finding.
1. Start from an approved production baseline
Before following production, make sure the supplier and buyer are referring to the same approved version. A verbal description or old quotation is not a reliable production reference.
- Purchase order and product reference
- Drawing, specification and packaging revision
- Approved sample or first-article reference
- Material grade, source and permitted alternatives
- Critical process, subcontractor and inspection points
- Changes that require notification or written approval
2. Put checks at the point where they can still change the outcome
Scroll the table sideways to compare all columns.
| Stage | Useful checks | Decision supported |
|---|---|---|
| Before production | Material, tooling, revision, subcontractor and order readiness | Release, clarify or hold the start |
| First piece / early run | Critical dimensions, finish, function and process settings within scope | Continue, adjust or request approval |
| In production | Material lot, process consistency, quantity progress and corrective actions | Continue, contain an issue or change the plan |
| Packing | Product identity, pack count, labels, carton marks and protection | Release packing or correct the pack-out |
| Pre-shipment | Identified lot against agreed inspection and sampling plan | Buyer release, hold, correction or reinspection |
3. Track materials and subcontracting separately
A factory can use the correct drawing while changing a material source or outside process. Where those inputs affect performance, identify them in the production record instead of treating the factory name as the full supply route.
- Material manufacturer, grade or product code where critical
- Batch or lot identity and supporting record
- Approved substitution rules
- Outside process, subcontractor and location
- Incoming or return inspection for subcontracted work
4. Use written change control
If a supplier proposes a different material, process, factory, subcontractor, tooling route or packaging version, connect the proposal to the current approved baseline and decide what evidence is needed before production continues.
- Current approved condition and proposed change
- Reason for the change and affected orders or lots
- Potential effect on performance, appearance, compliance, cost and delivery
- Revised document, sample, test or production-trial requirement
- Buyer decision, effective lot and supplier acknowledgement
5. Keep evidence tied to the order
Each finding should name the order, lot, location, date, reviewer, reference and status. Separate what was checked from what the supplier stated and what remains open. The buyer should also know who can release production or shipment.
Practical answers
Frequently asked questions
- Is a factory visit enough to control later production?
- No. A visit records conditions within its scope and date. Production can later use different materials, people, subcontractors or process settings, so order-specific follow-up may still be needed.
- Can production follow-up be done remotely?
- Some identity, schedule, document and visual checks can be coordinated remotely. Direct observation, measurement, testing or independent inspection should be assigned when remote evidence cannot answer the buyer's open question.
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