Evidence Planning
China Factory Audit vs Product Inspection
Audits, visits, inspections, sample approvals, and acceptance tests answer different questions. Match the activity to the decision and risk.
A factory audit, supplier visit, product inspection, sample approval, factory acceptance test, and site acceptance test answer different questions. Buyers create blind spots when one activity is treated as proof of everything. Start with the decision and risk, then choose the evidence activity.
1. Factory audit: system or capability against criteria
An audit is a structured evaluation against defined criteria and scope. It may review management systems, process controls, competence, purchasing, traceability, calibration, nonconforming output, corrective action, records, or selected production capability. Current ISO 19011:2026 provides guidance for auditing management systems, including audit principles, audit-program management, conducting audits, and auditor competence.
2. Product inspection: specified goods at a defined stage
Inspection focuses on the product or order at a stated point: incoming material, during production, pre-shipment, loading, or another agreed stage. The plan should define specification, lot, sampling or coverage, measurements, workmanship, quantity, function, packaging, labels, photos, acceptance criteria, and reporting.
| Activity | Main question | Typical output |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier due diligence | Who is the legal and commercial counterparty? | Identity, entity and role records |
| Factory visit | What can the buyer observe and clarify? | Notes, photos, questions and follow-up list |
| Factory audit | Does the defined system or capability meet stated criteria? | Evidence-based findings and report |
| Product inspection | Do specified goods meet defined checks at this stage? | Inspection results, defects and disposition |
| FAT/SAT | Does equipment meet the agreed acceptance protocol? | Test record, punch list and acceptance status |
3. A factory visit is not automatically an audit
A visit can be valuable for introductions, process observation, sample review, layout discussion, machine viewing, and question closure. It is not automatically independent, complete, or representative. Without criteria, competence, evidence sampling, and a formal record, call it a visit or capability discussion rather than overstating it as an audit.
4. Timing changes what can be learned
- Before supplier selection: identity, capability, system, sample, and quotation evidence.
- Before production: approved drawings, reference sample, control plan, materials, packaging, and change records.
- During production: process status, materials, workmanship, quantity, records, and emerging issues.
- Before shipment: completed goods, function, quantity, packaging, labels, documents, and open-issue disposition.
- For machinery: FAT before shipment and site checks after installation using agreed protocols.
5. Write the evidence plan before booking the activity
State the objective, scope, criteria, records, exact product or process, samples, access, responsible parties, report format, issue severity, response deadline, and decision rule. Clarify whether the person attending is a buyer representative, sourcing coordinator, technical specialist, qualified auditor, or independent inspection body.
Allot Tech can support visit planning, supplier questions, and evidence organization. It does not present ordinary sourcing support as accredited certification, independent inspection, or a substitute for qualified technical and compliance review.
Questions buyers ask
What is the difference between an audit and inspection?
An audit evaluates a defined system or capability against criteria; an inspection checks specified goods or characteristics at a defined stage.
Is a factory visit the same as an audit?
No. A visit may support observations and communication, but it is not automatically an independent, criteria-based audit.
Which activity should happen before an order?
Depending on risk, buyers may need due diligence, capability review, sample approval, and an audit before production, followed by inspections and acceptance testing.