What should I focus on when visiting a supplier’s factory?

A factory visit is your chance to dig deep and evaluate a supplier’s capabilities. Here’s what you should pay close attention to:

• Cleanliness & Organization: A well-kept factory usually reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
• Equipment & Technology: Look for modern, well-maintained machinery that can produce high-quality goods efficiently and meet all of your requirements.
• Workforce Skills: Observe how skilled and productive the workers are – this gives you a good idea of whether they can meet your standards.
• Quality Control: Ask to see their quality checks at different stages of production. This will help you understand how consistent they are.
• Compliance & Certifications: Look for internationally recognized certifications like ISO or BSCI to ensure they’re following best practices.