Quality system
- Quality manual, procedures and records in use
- Calibration of gauges and test equipment
- Complaint handling and corrective actions
- Certificates (ISO 9001 and others) checked for validity
Quality · Factory audit
Know the factory before you order.
A SourceSquid factory audit is a one-day, on-site check of a supplier’s quality system, capacity, machines, inspection, traceability and social and safety basics. You receive a scored report with photos and clear actions, so your first order rests on evidence.
- USD 298
- per 1-day audit
- 7
- areas scored
- Photos
- behind every score
Factory audit · SQ-26-AUD-0233Example
Investment foundryRajkot, India · steel and alloy castingsApproved with actions
82/100
What we check
Seven areas. One day on the floor.
Our auditor walks the whole process, from raw material to packed goods, reads the records and talks to the people who do the work.
Capacity and capability
- Processes done in-house and subcontracted
- Real output per line and per shift
- Current load and open capacity
- Engineering and tooling support
Machines and maintenance
- Machine list, age and condition
- Preventive maintenance plan and records
- Tooling and mould storage
- Spare parts and breakdown response
Incoming, in-process and final inspection
- Incoming material checks and supplier approval
- In-process checks at key steps
- Final inspection and sampling plan
- Handling of non-conforming goods
Traceability
- Batch or lot marking on materials and goods
- Records linking material, process and shipment
- First-in, first-out storage
- Rework and scrap records
Social compliance basics
- Age records and ID checks at hiring
- Wage, attendance and overtime records
- Working hours and rest days
- Worker interviews on the day
Environment and safety basics
- Fire safety: exits, extinguishers, drills
- Machine guarding and personal protective equipment
- Chemical storage and labelling
- Waste and wastewater handling, permits seen
Your own questions
Tell us what matters for your product, such as a special process, a test you need or a capacity question, and we add it to the audit plan.
Scored report
A score you can compare and act on.
Each of the seven areas is scored out of 100 from the checkpoints our auditor marks as met, partly met or not met. The overall score is the average of the seven, so you can compare factories on the same scale.
- SummaryOverall score, rating and the five actions that matter most
- Factory profileProducts, processes, people, machines and capacity
- Seven scored areasEvery checkpoint with its finding and photos
- Action planRecommended actions, owner and due date
- EvidencePhotos, records seen and the auditor’s notes, with a verify code
Approved Approved with actions Re-audit after actions
Example score cardExample
Investment foundry, RajkotSQ-26-AUD-0233 · one-day audit
82/100
Select an area to see an example finding and action.
Finding
Quality manual and procedures in place and in use. Two calibration records for vernier calipers were overdue.
Recommended action
Bring calibration up to date and add a monthly check to the QC supervisor’s list.
How it works
From brief to scored report.
- 01
Brief us
Share the factory, the product and anything that worries you. We agree the scope and any extra checkpoints.
You receiveA fixed quote and audit plan - 02
We schedule
We agree the date with the factory and confirm the auditor, who speaks the local language.
You receiveConfirmed date and auditor - 03
Audit day
Opening meeting, full floor walk, record review, worker interviews and a closing meeting with the factory.
You receiveFindings shared on the day - 04
Report and review
The scored report with photos and actions, then a call to walk you through it and plan next steps.
You receiveScored report and review call
Deliverables
What you receive.
- Scored report (PDF)Overall score, seven area scores and the rating.
- Photo evidencePhotos behind every finding, from the floor and the records.
- Factory profileProcesses, machine list, people and real capacity.
- Action planRecommended actions for the factory, ready to share.
- Verify codeA report code anyone can check on our verify page.
- Review callA follow-up call to go through the findings and next steps.
When to audit
Three moments that pay back.
Before you commit
Confirm the factory can make your product, at your volume, to your standard, before you pay a deposit.
- Compare two or three candidates on one scale
- Find gaps while they are cheap to fix
Before you pay for moulds or dies
Tooling ties you to one factory. Check its tool room, maintenance and process control first.
- Tool storage and maintenance seen
- Process capability for your parts
To keep it on track
An annual audit shows whether actions were closed and whether the factory has changed.
- New machines, owners or subcontractors
- Evidence on file for your customers
Factory audit questions
Straight answers.
Anything else, ask us directly. A principal replies, not a bot.
[email protected]What does a factory audit check?
Seven areas: the quality system, capacity and capability, machines and maintenance, incoming, in-process and final inspection, traceability, social compliance basics, and environment and safety basics. Each area is scored and supported by photos and records seen on site.
How long does a factory audit take?
One day on site for most factories. Very large sites or several production buildings can need longer, and we confirm this with your quote before we book.
Is this the same as a social audit such as SMETA or BSCI?
No. Our audit covers social compliance basics, such as wages, working hours, age records and safety, as part of a quality and capability audit. If your customer requires SMETA, amfori BSCI or SA8000, we help you arrange an accredited audit.
Does the factory know about the audit in advance?
Yes, usually. We agree the date with the factory so the right people and records are available. Where you need it, we can run a semi-announced audit within an agreed window.
How much does a factory audit cost?
USD 298 per one-day audit, including the scored report, photos, the action plan and a follow-up review call. Sites that need more than one day, and travel outside the main clusters, are confirmed in your fixed quote before we book.
Book an audit
Audit the factory before the deposit.
Tell us the factory and the product. We confirm the auditor, the date and the fixed price.