Pre-Production Inspection

The Pre-Production Inspection (PPI) is the first step to assure the quality of your products. This type of quality control is performed before the production process begins. We will check the quantity and quality of the raw materials and components which are used for your order, and whether they are in conformity with the product specifications.

We suggest a PPI for sensitive and critical lead–time of if this is an order to a new factory. Due to high cost pressure and market changes, many suppliers try to buy cheaper material and replaced them with approved components during the production.

What is a Pre-Production Inspection (PPI)?

A Pre-Production Inspection (PPI) is a vital quality control step conducted before the manufacturing process begins. It focuses on checking the quality and conformity of raw materials, components, and parts to ensure they meet the buyer’s specifications. This type of inspection is especially important for first-time production runs, new suppliers, or complex products with tight tolerances.

By conducting a PPI, you can identify potential problems early, avoid production delays, and reduce the risk of costly reworks or shipment delays. TIC’s inspection team helps verify that everything is in place before the factory starts mass production.

Why is a Pre-Production Inspection Important?

A Pre-Production Inspection provides a strong foundation for a successful production process. Here’s why it matters:

✅ Prevents mistakes before mass production begins.
✅ Confirms material quality and compliance with product specifications.
✅ Validates the factory’s preparedness and understanding of your expectations.
✅ Minimizes financial risks from defective materials or incorrect processes.
✅ Ensures raw materials are appropriate and not substituted with lower-quality alternatives.

Many suppliers under pressure may cut corners—PPI is your early-warning system. With TIC, you get a detailed analysis of whether the factory is truly ready to start production.

How does TIC perform the Pre-Production Inspection?

Once you decided your vendor and finished an audit, the TIC team will come before the mass production of your order begins. The aim of the Pre-Production Inspection is to make sure your vendor understands your requirements.

The quote will be sent to you via email.

Which steps does TIC follow on a PPI:

Step 1

Our inspector arrives at the factory before the production starts.

Step 2

Random selection of samples: Raw materials, components and semi-finished products are randomly selected to ensure the best possible representation.

Step 3

Raw materials & accessories check: The raw materials and components will be checked by our inspector according to the requirement for the product.

Step 4

Product finish and workmanship check: Our inspector carefully checks the products finish, color and quality of raw materials, components and semi-finished products.

Step 5

Audit of production line: Our inspector will do a simple audit of the production line, to verify the production ability, production process and quality control ability.

Step 6

PPI is an early-warning system that safeguards your product against costly import risks. For all inspections, TIC uses the standard internationally recognized ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) statistical sampling procedure. These comprehensive criteria cover: functionality, performance, durability, overall appearance, and dimension.

Step 7

Inspection report:The detail report issued be our inspector will show all findings and include many pictures for review. With this report you obtain a clear picture of whether everything is in place for tour products to be completed according to your requirements.

What Happens After a Pre-Production Inspection?

Once your Pre-Production Inspection is completed, TIC provides a detailed inspection report. This report includes:

📸 Photographic evidence of raw materials and factory setup.
📋 A checklist comparing inspected items against your product requirements.
📝 Notes on any non-compliance or risk areas.
✅ Recommendations on whether to proceed, correct issues, or delay production.

This report acts as your go/no-go decision tool to confidently approve production or ask for corrections—before any real costs are incurred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A PPI should be scheduled once your supplier has received all raw materials and before mass production begins. It ensures that everything is ready and meets your standards.

Skipping a PPI increases the risk of receiving non-conforming products. It’s strongly recommended, especially when working with a new supplier or complex items.

Pre-Production Inspection