Air Suspension Factory: Follow One Order From Product to Dispatch

It is much simpler to evaluate an air suspension factory if it is being discussed as to a particular product instead of a general tour. Equipment in the room can illustrate activity, but not the identification, assembly, checking and releasing of the desired component for shipment.

The more practical way for importers, distributors, and purchasing teams is to stick with one proposed order and discuss it throughout the factory. It is important to note that this guide does not assume that all components go through the same process when it comes to the production responsibility, inspection records and shipment consistency of HUIJIE's published range of passenger vehicles.

Take One Order Representative to the Factory discussion.

Choose a product to represent the business you want to place. Specify its application, replacement reference, installation location, contents expected and quantity to be purchased. There is a distinct air strut/compressor identified so that both parties have a tangible object to review.

HUIJIE's air suspension assemblies feature replacement assemblies for select passenger vehicles. Begin at the appropriate catalogue entry and request the supplier to specify the exact configuration that they are offering for your order.

Then use the same configuration for the entire discussion. If a different model is exhibited at the factory to explain a process, ask which observations apply to the model, and which do not, for the particular product. This prevents using a demonstration unit to substantiate a reference to a different one.

Know the Product Family Prior to the Process

Air Springs, Full Struts, Compressors and Valve Blocks are all different and contain different components. Those differences should be acknowledged in an assessment of a factory and not assume that one explanation of production applies to the whole of the catalogue.

HUIJIE's air suspension springs include springs and repair kits. Reinforced sleeves, crimping rings, structural parts and leakage check are described on relevant product pages. In those cases, inquire about the rules and regulations for the assembly configuration and the sealing requirements that apply to the product.

An enquiry for a compressor opens up new answers concerning the compressor provided for assembly, electrical interfaces, parts for mounting, and performance information. A valve block needs to be dealt with considering its specific routing application and connections.

Ask about the product family to which the order pertains first, before asking about manufacturing.

Specify the Activities that the Supplier is Really Performing

Request supplier to describe the route of manufacture of the proposed reference. What parts are bought, what activities happen at the facility presented, and if there are any operations that are performed elsewhere? Separate responsibilities for the manufacturing, assembly, inspection and distribution of components.

HUIJIE makes it into a factory gallery, which is divided into four categories: Workshop, Machines, Process and Products. These categories suggest an appropriate starting point for questions, but do not necessarily mean that the operation for each reference is done in-house.

Go through the explanation of the proposed item. Inquire about its point of entry into the facility, how the parts are known, and what records are associated with the work with the ordered configuration. For an activity that is conducted outside, discuss how the activity's product is accepted.

In order to make it clear who is responsible. A documented supply route is more useful than an unsupported assumption that all parts and materials seen come from one factory.

Search for “Configuration Control” at Assembly

Even a properly constructed component could end up being the wrong part if the incorrect bracket, connector, fitting or application variant is shipped with the order. The discussion at assembly should then relate to the physical work being done to the reference and specification being provided.

Inquire about how the operators differentiate between similar variants, and which documents specify the correct contents. Verify that a change to a relevant component is checked prior to seeing it in your shipment. These are not questions to take for granted because of a neat work station.

Identify the parts provided and the parts that may have been kept when a vehicle is being repaired for complete struts and repair kits. With other assemblies, check to see if accessories are included with the picture. The product description approved should facilitate production and the buyer's receiving inspection.

Write down any differences if an example is not the same as the one stated in the configuration. Otherwise, a nice factory demonstration can easily turn into the purchaser's expectation for a product not included in the quotation.

Link Each Inspection Claim to a Record.

It is only when inspection language is used to describe what is inspected, when and to which acceptance criteria, that it becomes useful. Request details about the product that is being proposed, instead of a general statement that the quality is under control.

There is a statement on pages of HUIJIE's compressors that tests are performed on the working current and voltage. Inquire about the criteria that the applicable outcome is judged by for the reference you are interested in purchasing. However, don't make the leap to assuming that all the durability or environmental needs are confirmed.

Similarly, a leakage test and a long term endurance test provide different answers. Determine what evidence is needed to routinely accept your shipment and what other validation (if any) is required by your application.

Examine the identification of nonconforming and determination of the disposition of such nonconforming items. An informative discussion is included not only on what happens when a product passes, but what happens when it doesn't. Ask for supporting records relevant to order and agreed confidentiality of records.

Follow Product into Packing and Dispatch

After inspection, the product should still be the same order, identified correctly. Check the matching of references, quantities, accessories supplied and packing requirements prior to dispatch.

Inquire about which interfaces should be protected and the agreed contents are maintained. Use the proposed packing arrangement to compare with the conditions of your own operation that the goods will be received. Every order should have product support and packaging should meet those product support and product identification needs.

HUIJIE offers a range of air suspension valves in addition to the other categories of components. Variants in a category can be similar in appearance which makes unambiguous identification especially useful for picking and receiving even if the actual size of the variants is small.

Identify an approximate despatch date from an actual date of commitment for date of reference mix. Note if all lines will be shipping together or how shortages and/or proposed substitutions will be communicated prior to release.

Let's Leave More than Photos

The factory visit (or remote walkthrough) should result in clarified questions, outstanding actions, and clear responsibilities. Connect each action to the product being discussed and do not make a series of follow-up requests.

Differentiate between observations and facts. A photograph captures what was seen, a specification, inspection record or written confirmation provides the answer to a different question. Be mindful of the type of evidence when reporting the assessment in-house.

Close issues which impact the acceptance of the product before placing/replacing the order. Make sure the setup, necessary paperwork, packaging and shipping detail is written out. A factory discussion is the value that is created for the next shipment.

Conclusion

Checking on an air suspension factory involves considering a particular order, and then production, inspection, and dispatch to the order can be accounted for. Take that product through those questions and record the agreed requirements for one product. This makes the purchase decision more useful than an evaluation of the size of the factory and machinery only.

FAQs

Q1. A photo from the factory – evidence of in-house manufacturing?

No; Identify which activities are relevant to the proposed product and their location. Photographs give context only and don't represent a full production line.

Q2. Does all suspension equipment need to be inspected by the same plan?

There are differing needs for No. Springs, Struts, Compressors and Valve blocks. Ask for all the checks that are relevant to the ordered reference.

Q3. What is a buyer's checklist prior to a factory discussion?

Carry with you a reference, application info, contents in the application, and number of orders. Use this same set up for the entire review.

Q4. Does a leakage check equal an endurance check?

No. Each test will provide different kinds of answers. Determine the evidence required for shipment and other project requirements.

Q5. What needs to be verified prior to the initial shipment?

Verify the product configuration, inspection agreement, identification, packing and delivery. Prior to release the order, record unresolved actions.