Episodes
-
Renaud hosts and is joined by Fredrik Gronkvist, founder of Productmkr.com, to discuss near-sourcing from Europe + Turkey (and Mexico for North American buyers) VS buying from China. Fredrik has done a lot of research on how to source from China alternatives and he now offers a supplier database for subscribers to help make finding the right option easier. Here he shares his advice on near-sourcing and how it differs from the traditional approach of buying from China.
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.
04:14 - What are the key challenges importers face when near sourcing?
08:14 - How to improve your chances of receiving a response from non-Chinese suppliers?
11:04 - What is the impact of near sourcing on MOQs and lead times?
17:03 - Does near sourcing reduce quality and compliance risks?
22:40 - Does it make sense for all types of products?
27:23 - Is the process of identifying and screening potential suppliers in Europe/Turkey the same as in China or Vietnam?
32:19 - How should buyers approach sourcing from nearby countries? (Summary)
33:24 - Wrapping up.
Related content...Read Productmkr.com's analysis: Manufacturing in Europe vs China: A ComparisonNearshoring To Mexico. An Alternative To China?India Gaining Popularity over China as a Near-Shoring and Sourcing DestinationGlobalism 2.0: North American Importers To Move Supply Chains Out Of China Soon?Get in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
Adrian and Renaud are back to examine the recent May 14th news of new China tariffs being implemented by the Biden administration with the overall aim of reducing trade with China whom many in America see as flooding the market with cheap exports that damage American businesses who can't compete. EVs, solar panels, medical devices, steel and aluminum, and more are in the firing line. So, how does this affect US importers and the relationship between the two giants? Let's find out...
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction
03:26 - When did China tariffs start being used?
09:46 - Why add more tariffs now?
16:20 - What does China have to say in response to this?
20:45 - Which products and materials have been given these tariffs?
29:51 - The USA's target areas for improvement.
33:06 - Will Chinese companies find other customers instead?
36:36 - If you're an American buyer likely to be affected by these tariffs, what can you do?
39:51 - Wrapping up.
Related content...U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to Take Further Action on China Tariffs After Releasing Statutory Four-Year ReviewHe Helped Trump Remake Global Trade. His Work Isnât Done.Has the US declared economic war on China?âEnterprise Chinaâ â Chinaâs Strategy for Economic Success (Author Interview with Drs. Allen J. Morrison & J. Stewart Black)Get in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
Episodes manquant?
-
Renaud welcomes Dan Harris, Partner of the Seattle-headquartered and globally officed Harris Sliwoski LLP and long-time writer of the China Law Blog, to the podcast! Over the years he has shared so much valuable information for importers who buy from and manufacture in China; a key topic being keeping IP safe when purchasing from Chinese suppliers.
So in this episode, we delve into Dan's decades of assisting Western companies navigate doing business with Chinese suppliers and get his tips on common IP risks and steps you can take to protect your business.
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction
03:27 - What are the major risks to IP concerning working with Chinese companies that Western businesses should look out for?
07:58 - Western companies consistently underestimate the risks of their technology and IP being used against them.
13:39 - Has the Chinese legal system evolved for the better (or worse) regarding IP protection?
20:11 - Protection 1: The right partner.
28:11 - Protection 2: The right contract.
30:21 - Protection 3. The right protections.
38:26 - Wrapping up.
Related content...Great reads from China Law Blog:
China NNN Agreements: The Ten Most Asked Questions AnsweredChina Trademark Protection: Is Your Chinese Manufacturer a Friend or a Foe?How to Avoid China Manufacturing Problems: A PrimerChina Due Diligence: NOT OptionalYou should also check out these resources from Sofeast:
Sofeast's FREE guide: IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importerâs Guide]Video presentation: Legal Agreements & Tools Used By Manufacturers For Protecting Product IPSofeast Combined Supplier Due Diligence Checks (Best Results & Value)Get in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
Renaud hosts and is joined by Sofeast Group senior engineer, Paul Adams, to discuss how to go from a design to mass-producing your plastic injection molded parts, first following the proven pre-production pilot run approach to ensure risks are kept to a minimum. You'll learn what should be optimized and what should not be skipped, even if sometimes getting to market sooner seems tempting.
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction
01:49 - Why is an injection molding pilot run important?
05:05 - What are the steps involved?
09:53 - Why 'metal safe' is your goal after the trials.
12:39 - The supplier still needs to optimize the tooling
25:01 - Optimizing the injection mold press (machine).
34:55 - Keeping records of parameter settings helps to control the process.
39:04 - Wrapping up.
Related content...The Plastic Injection Molding Process: Top Questions and AnswersPlastic injection molding explainer videosInjection Mold Textures: How to Choose the Right One?Mold Tech Texture BookGet help from our subsidiary to make your plastic parts in South ChinaGet in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
Today Adrian and Andrew Amirnovin, our reliability and testing head, look at some of China's recent technology successes, what fuels China's tech dominance, and how technology is caught up in the middle of the US-China trade war.
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.
06:18 - What is fuelling China's tech dominance?
12:40 - The success story of Huawei.
20:32 - Other Chinese tech success stories.
23:30 - Is Chinese technology a privacy risk for users?
26:22 - How does the US-China relationship affect technology?
33:43 - New technologies coming out of China to be aware of.
36:10 - More semiconductor manufacturing to happen in the USA?
37:16 - Wrapping up and closing questions.
Related content...Tech Please rewind: China's top tech feats of 2023BaiduDJI DronesU.S. bans new Huawei, ZTE equipment sales, citing national security riskSurprise! China's top Android phones collect way more infoHuawei 5G kit must be removed from UK by 2027HuaweiThe first phone maker to add satellite texting to its devices is... HuaweiThe US is headed for a much more aggressive trade war with China regardless of who is president next year, economist saysAmerica's billion-dollar bet on US chipmakingGuide to China's e-commerce websitesThis chart shows which countries produce the most lithiumChina's AI Analog Chip Claimed To Be 3.7X Faster Than Nvidia's A100 GPU in Computer Vision Tasks (Updated)Get in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel -
Adrian and Renaud get together to talk about 10 common problems that companies with Chinese manufacturing suppliers often face, AND how you can deal with them. Hopefully, you are not one of the unlucky ones, but being prepared with the knowledge to avoid issues is always helpful!
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction
03:22 - 1. If your supplier refuses to ship the goods you paid for.
09:40 - 2. Your manufacturer tries to force you to accept poor quality that youâre uncomfortable with.
16:00 - 3. If the supplier has failed to prepare export packaging of your products for your scheduled quality inspection.
21:41 - 4. When your supplier has disappeared with your tooling and/or inventory.
25:33 - 5. Your supplier wonât provide important supply chain information.
29:30 - 6. You catch your supplier selling your products as their own!
34:59 - 7. Your âfactoryâ turns out to be a trading company.
39:00 - 8. Coping with an unexpected price increase from suppliers.
41:50 - 9. Your current supplier blocks the transfer of your mold tooling to a new supplier.
46:09 - 10. Worries about keeping sensitive product information secure.
48:26 - Wrapping up.
Related content...We cover these cases: 10 Common Disputes With Chinese Suppliers And How To Overcome Them!Sourcing Chinese Suppliers? 7 Expert Tips To Get You Better Results!IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importerâs Guide]Will A China NNN Agreement Protect Us If We Start Assembling Products There?Get in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
Adrian and Renaud discuss Quality Fade. This bad practice from suppliers sees them put their profits before your product quality, but the big problem is that you may not even know it is happening as it's a gradual process where quality declines over time, bit by bit.
Are you at risk, how do you identify it, and what can you do to combat it? We reveal all in this episode!
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction
02:27 - What is Quality Fade?
09:25 - Is it still happening today?
12:15 - Actions to help you avoid quality fade.
18:30 - If you are a victim of quality fade, how can you catch it?
23:44 - Examples of products affected by quality fade.
28:51 - Ongoing reliability testing: Warn the supplier, or do it secretly?
35:28 - Wrapping up.
Related content...âQuality Fadeâ: Chinaâs Great Business ChallengeMattel Recalls 19 Million Toys Sent From ChinaLearn how to source the right supplier from China in these podcast episodes: DIY Sourcing from China Series5 levels of quality standards from best to worst practicesGet in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
On this episode of the China Manufacturing Decoded Podcast, Adrian hosts and is joined by Andrew, our reliability and testing head who is going to explain why the PCBA in your electronic product is critical, and how to protect it both physically and through product design.
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.
01:45 - What is the PCB and why is it so important?
03:04 - How and why do we protect the PCB?
04:40 - Conformal coating.
08:51 - Other PCB protection options.
14:14 - The process of protecting a product from the inside out.
18:42 - The costs of protecting PCBs.
23:44 - The coating process.
25:05 - Wrapping up.
Related content...PCB Prototyping Methods: 5 FavoritesDFM for PCBA â 40+ ImprovementsGet help from us! We can make your PCBA in ChinaCM + PCBA Factory vs. EMS Supplier in Shenzhen, ChinaElectronics Videos: Basics about PCB, PCBA, and the SMT Process For ImportersGet in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel -
Adrian and Renaud are talking about traceability for manufacturers which provides a detailed record of how the products are manufactured and the supply chain, from raw materials to finished products. Having this mindset and system can help you to reduce risks and deal with problems quickly by pinpointing where they arise. It can also help you be a more compliant business. Plenty of benefits, but it takes a cultural shift to put in place, so Renaud will explain how.
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction
03:53 - Traceability takes a conscious effort to put in place.
06:07 - Introducing traceability and the difference between batch level and unit level.
12:06 - Benefits.
24:01 - Is it expensive to run a traceability initiative?
25:35 - How does traceability relate to product passports in the EU?
27:44 - How to implement it?
35:41 - How to audit a supplier's traceability system?
40:47 - Wrapping up.
Related content...Get help to audit your supplier's traceability system from SofeastTraceability in Manufacturing: Do your Chinese Suppliers Do it Right?Checking for Forward and Backward Traceability in a FactoryWhat To Do If You Have A High Product Return Rate? [6-step Process]Get in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
Air travel requires an extremely high level of safety, so it's very embarrassing for Boeing that they have been dogged by quality and reliability issues lately, resulting in a near-disaster on a brand new Alaska Airlines 737 Max.
Renaud and Paul look at Boeing's recent troubles, based on information from news reports, that seem to have been caused by bad manufacturing habits such as accepting sub-standard parts from suppliers without pushing them to improve, not fixing issues in-process and 'leaving them for later,' an over-reliance on inspections and rework when planes were complete, and a business culture which placed financial results above quality.
They also explain the best practices that good manufacturers follow to reduce risks as your key takeaway from the episode.
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction - where is Boeing going wrong?
06:15 - What do good factories do to avoid problems like travelled work?
10:08 - Investing time for training suppliers in the upstream supply chain to reduce quality risks
18:24 - What can we learn about dealing with in-process issues from the automotive industry?
27:14 - Why a focus on inspection and rework later increases risks.
33:32 - Summary: Good manufacturers' best practices.
37:46 - Wrapping up.
Related content...Behind the Alaska Blowout: a Manufacturing Habit Boeing Canât Break (WSJ)Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 Near Disaster! Quality & Reliability Issues?NPI process explainedGet in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
Our CEO Renaud is joined by Marc Burban and Amanda Han, insurance brokers from Asian Risks Management Services. We get advice from these two China insurance experts, explore the typical risks that manufacturers and buyers in China face, and learn how you can use insurance and risk management to mitigate them. For anyone manufacturing in China, this information will help you understand your best options moving forward and how an insurance broker can assist you in making the right choices.
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.
01:54 - What are the major risks that companies who are manufacturing or buyers having products manufactured in China need to keep in mind?
06:04 - How can these risks be mitigated?
10:02 - How does insurance work?
15:07 - Why national safety regulatory compliance is not necessarily enough to save a business when the worst happens?
20:30 - What kind of insurance policies are available in China for manufacturers and buyers?
25:12 - Changing EU liability laws will mean product liability insurance will be even more important in Europe.
26:34 - Why work with an insurance broker instead of going direct?
31:35 - Amanda introduces Asian Risks Management Services & wrapping up.
Related content...Visit https://asian-risks.com/ to learn more about how they can help you with insurance in China.Getting Ahead Of The Upcoming EU Product Liability DirectiveGet in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
Renaud is joined by regular guest, Clive Greenwood, an international product compliance expert based in China. They talk about the growing risks of Li-ion batteries used in Chinese e-bikes and scooters amid many high-profile fires in China, deaths in the West, and grave warnings from the FDNY. Clive also makes suggestions about how legislation can change to improve safety moving forward.
As these personal vehicles become more popular and importers around the world source them from China, it pays to understand the risks...spoiler alert, they're no joke!
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.
03:57 - Looking at the risks of Li-ion batteries used in micro-mobility in China.
09:21 - What is the Chinese government doing to combat the dangers of batteries?
17:53 - What if you're buying e-bikes and scooters, or batteries for them, from China now?
21:22 - Does China need new battery regulations to make them safer, or to just enforce the current ones?
25:42 - Safety tips for battery buyers.
28:46 - E-bikes and scooters are a new source of risk people need to adapt to.
33:01 - Wrapping up.
Related content...The Dangers of Cheap Li-ion Batteries and the Future of Compliance (Sofeast Podcast)Lithium-Ion Battery Safety (FDNY)FDNY warns that lithium-ion batteries are now a leading cause of fires and fire deaths in New York CityNYC journalist's death is city's latest lithium-ion battery fire fatality, officials say (USA Today)Electric Scooter Explodes during Charging (Video from China)EU Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation (2023): How Will It Impact Portable Electronics?Download Clive's FREE whitepaper on Li-ion battery risks and mitigation.Get in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
In this bonus episode, our host and CEO Renaud is joined by our product reliability and durability expert, Andrew Amirnovin, to talk about the bad news for Apple that their much-hyped Vision Pro headset is cracking just weeks after being released to the public. They explore the durability problems rearing their heads only a month or so into the product's general release in early February 2024, based on information found in online news articles and videos.
Show Sections00:00 - Introduction, what is the Vision Pro?
Apple's Vision Pro headset is an incredibly well-received augmented reality headset that earned rave reviews worldwide. It took more than 10 years to develop and is one of the most groundbreaking Apple products released in recent years.
02:29 - Uh-oh, cracks to the headset!
The external plastic layer, like a visor, is cracking in a straight line from the nose to the forehead on some models even though the customer didn't do anything like drop them. We don't know the percentage, so it's hard to ascertain what pattern there is, but these unsightly defects are not welcome in a device that costs over $3000+.
04:04 - How would an engineer start diagnosing this case?
Environmental or transportation conditions may cause a defect like this or it could even be the packaging placing some kind of stress on the wrong part of the visor that eventually results in the crack developing. It is fair to say that the plastic seems fragile.
Apple should accept field returns from customers and do a root cause analysis to identify the defect and its cause and then implement a corrective action plan.
06:40 - Is the return or repair policy straightforward? What should Apple customers do if they're affected?
Apple may need to clarify its returns or repair policy, as some customers have reported receiving different responses from Apple with some stores offering to repair or replace, and some refusing to take responsibility. With visor repairs costing $800, it seems sensible to at least invest in an AppleCare extended warranty for the device to reduce potential repair costs.
08:48 - Is it likely Apple's engineers missed this issue and never saw it during product testing and development?
It's hard to say, but was the visor that cracks added after most development and testing was done maybe for some reason? If so it may not have been tested (as much). If Apple doesn't fix this, and fast, it could damage their brand as this is such a high-profile release. The situation is similar to the problems they had with the Macbook 'Butterfly' keyboards in 2015/2016 which they replaced by returning to a scissor mechanism they then named the 'Magic' keyboard, although in those cases Apple replaced the defective keyboard (and sometimes added a new battery) for free.
11:29 - We all know that an iPhone is likely to suffer damage when dropped from 6ft, should we be surprised that the Vision Pro seems similarly fragile?
The Vision Pro does not seem very durable, the same as the iPhone. The majority of users put their iPhones in a protective case for exactly this reason.
An acceptable drop height for a mobile phone to withstand damage is about 1M, not 6ft. However the Vision Pro is meant to be worn on the face and is very front-heavy, so if it slips, it will likely fall from around 6ft. There is no protective case for the Vision Pro when it is in use unlike for phones, therefore, should it be durable enough to survive such a drop, especially for its price?
13:27 - Wrapping up.
Related content...Vision Pro owners are reporting a mysterious crack in the front glassSome Apple Vision Pro units are developing glass cracks in the same spotMaking Apple Vision Pro - Apple Official VideoApple Vision Pro DURABILITY Test! Worth $3500?Get in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel -
Adrian hosts and is joined by Sofeast Group senior engineer, Paul Adams, and they talk about the uses and limitations of the metal and plastic 'development prototypes,' that is to say, product prototypes made during the development process and before mass production. Remember, these are not production-standard prototypes, but that doesn't mean that they aren't important as you will find out...it's all about controlling expectations.
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction
02:06 - Why are we producing prototypes to start with?
04:09 - Plastic prototyping processes.
07:02 - 3D-Printed plastic development prototype limitations.
12:10 - The trade-off between quality and cost when it comes to prototypes.
15:34 - Metal prototyping processes.
18:18 - Metal development prototype limitations.
22:48 - Key limitations of development prototypes.
29:35 - Considerations for you regarding prototypes.
32:56 - Wrapping up.
Related content...Rapid Tooling Prototyping GuidePlastic Enclosures for Electronics Projects (Plastics Sourcing Guide)CNC Prototyping In Metal And PlasticDevelopment Prototypes for Parts: Issues and Limitations (2 examples)Mold Tech Texture BookGet help from Sofeast's engineering team to develop your prototoypesGet in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
Adrian and Renaud discuss how to plan for the handover of your innovative new product to manufacturing (with a focus on hard goods with mechanical elements and some electronic/electrical parts). Product handover should be a structured process of actions taken mainly before the manufacturer gets involved to ensure a smooth transition from you to them so the product ends up being made to your specifications and requirements and the risks of issues before product launch are minimized.
You'll learn:
What a product handover is.The drawbacks of not following a structured process and how not to hand over.What the best practices for handover are so you can follow them to streamline your next project.Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction
00:50 - Who needs to hand over their product to a manufacturer and why?
04:22 - The WRONG way to hand over to the manufacturer.
09:57 - Questions about the product that need to be answered.
12:55 - Who will do the DFM?
15:32 - What can happen if you just throw designs over the wall to a manufacturer without doing a DFM review?
18:15 - Handover best practices.
35:14 - When is the handover complete?
37:59 - Wrapping up.
Related content...Avoid Sending Immature Product Designs to a Chinese Manufacturer! [Podcast]Sourcing Chinese Manufacturers: Western Or Chinese Model? [Podcast]DIY Sourcing From China Part 1: Good Fit, Sourcing, Vetting, & Backups [Podcast]OEM, ODM, Contract Manufacturers: Which Chinese Supplier To Choose?The Danger of Developing your Custom Product with an ODM FactoryGet in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
Renaud hosts today and welcomes guest speaker Amit Rosenthal, CEO of Proboxx, to the show and this episode's focus is on moving your products from Asia to where they need to be via freight forwarding. They discuss how the latest technological advancements in freight forwarding are streamlining operations, improving tracking and transparency, and offering more reliable and efficient services for Amazon sellers.
Since many people manufacturing overseas end up selling on Amazon, at least as part of their mix, being up to speed on moving your products is useful, so hit that play button!
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction of Amit and his freight forwarding business, Proboxx.
06:03 - How and why freight forwarding needed to go from old-fashioned to cutting edge.
13:20 - Why not knowing their shipment's arrival date at the distribution facility can make life difficult for sellers.
19:21 - How do Amazon sellers plan their sales?
22:31 - Are GPS trackers for the products in a container helpful?
26:33 - Many small freight forwarders set up in China since around 2020 are going bust, how does this affect overseas customers?
32:05 - Wrapping up.
Related content...Learn more about Proboxx and how they can help youImpact of Yemenâs Houthis On Global Shipping in Jan â24 [Bonus Podcast]Types of Incoterms (Guides)How Does International Shipping Work?FOB Risk Of Loss Is A Real Problem. Donât Be Caught Out!HS vs HTS Codes: How to Find the Right Code for your Product? (incl. Links to Official Sources)Get in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
Adrian and Renaud go through what makes a good QA auditing and inspection program for innovative new electro-mechanical products that will reduce risks of poor quality, reliability, and compliance, and detect the issues in time for them to be worked on before anything is shipped. Unless you are producing simple products or working with a supplier who is very experienced in manufacturing the exact product type you're developing, you will very likely require some form of QA program like this.
It's split into 5 points: 1-3 cover the preparation of the product and process design, then 4-5 are after the product starts mass production. Listen and explore what needs to happen to power up your product quality!
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction
01:37 - Why do you need a QA auditing and inspection program?
06:53 - #1. A DFM review of some components (especially custom-designed).
10:50 - #2. A quality system audit of suppliersâ factories.
18:00 - Are market surveillance authorities scrutinising product compliance more than before?
21:13 - #3. Production line preparation audit at the assembly factory.
28:46 - #4. A product inspection during the pilot run(s).
33:12 - #5. Final product inspections during and after production.
41:09 - Wrapping up.
Related content...Explore Sofeast factory audits and product inspectionsDocumenting Your Companyâs Quality Standard into the DetailsWhat Is A Quality Assurance Plan?Product Quality Checklist: How To Prepare ItHow To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need?How To Choose Which Product Quality inspection You Need?Get in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to the podcastThere are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser -
On this episode of the China Manufacturing Decoded Podcast, Adrian hosts and is joined by Andrew, our reliability and compliance expert, from the Sofeast Group for a deep dive into electrostatic discharge (ESD) â a critical factor in electronics production with the potential for significant impact on product success and customer satisfaction. They stress the importance of ESD testing for bulk-manufactured electronics and discuss the potential consequences of failing to consider ESD in manufacturing, such as financial loss and product recalls.
Beyond providing an overview of ESD's significance, this conversation also introduces listeners to three methodologies used for its testing: The Human Body Model (HBM), the Machine Model (MM), and the Charged Device Model (CDM). Andrew elucidates these models, their unique benefits, and their most appropriate application industries as part of a comprehensive ESD discussion.
The need for ESD-resistant design, sound manufacturing environments, and ESD-protective packaging are a few of the critical preventative measures emphasized. Additionally, the roles of regular auditing and assessments for maintaining compliance and enhancing manufacturing methods are also underscored. The episode culminates with specific ESD requirements and testing protocols per product, concluding with insights on how a comprehensive ESD prevention approach can help avoid product returns and financial disparities.
This episode equips listeners with the knowledge needed for safeguarding their electronic products against ESD, enlightening them about its potential damage, and details preventive measures for ESD in the manufacturing process.
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.
02:24 - What is ESD?
06:59 - 3 ESD test models.
13:41 - Common tests and voltages.
18:53 - The harm or damage that can be caused by ESD.
25:42 - How to prevent the effects of ESD?
35:53 - Product design to prevent ESD.
38:34 - Wrapping up.
Related content...ESD definitionWhat To Do If You Have A High Product Return Rate? [6-step Process]Get help and advice from our testing lab if you have questions about ESD testingGet in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel -
Welcome to our special 200th episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, a podcast by Sofeast Group, where we discuss global manufacturing topics to help you decode and navigate the supply chain world.
In this episode, we discuss the impact of the Houthi Yemeni rebels' attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, and how it may affect your shipping costs and other issues you might face. We're joined by our very own Kate Oliynykova, Head of Supply Chain Management at Sofeast Group, who shares her insights on the current political events and their potential ripple effects on importers. Listen in as we unravel the complexity of this issue.
The Red Sea route accounts for 12% of global trade, including 30% of the container traffic passing through the Suez Canal. Any disruption in this route affects not only oil and gas prices but also the availability and cost of a broad range of goods. The current attacks have caused a direct increase in ship insurance costs, prompting bigger shipping companies to opt for alternative routes around the Cape of Good Hope. This, in turn, not only escalates transportation costs but also significantly extends delivery times.
In this scenario, we advise importers to diversify their supply chain, considering options like rail or truck deliveries, or partial shipments with air freight.
What are the repercussions if the situation is prolonged? How can importers better prepare for these unforeseen circumstances? Tune in to this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded as we discuss the critical aspects of this multinational issue. Remember, the Sofeast Group offers an in-house logistics department to help formulate a tailored solution that meets your needs most cost-effectively, given the present situation.
-
In this insightful episode, host Renaud Anjoran and senior engineer Paul Adams delve into the intriguing world of the 'experience effect' - a phenomenon that offers a wealth of benefits in mass production through persistent refinement and accumulated knowledge. Immersing you in several industrial examples, Renaud and Paul throw light on how Boeing and the semiconductor industry have leveraged the experience curve to their advantage. Witness firsthand, the complex interplay between efficiency, cost reduction, and the tangible journey of relentless improvement in mass manufacturing setups.
Show Sections00:00 - Greetings and introduction.
00:51 - The example of Boeing in the 40s and 50s.
04:04 - The theory behind the experience effect.
12:10 - It's more than just individuals improving on the production line...the whole business must evolve.
20:00 - Pilot and starting costs are higher, but don't be tempted to skip ahead.
25:46 - The learning curve.
28:23 - How does the experience effect translate in commercial terms?
32:54 - Who does improvement work the right way?
35:10 - Conclusion.
Related content...Robust Design: Enhancing Product Quality and Performance5 steps for a Chinese factory to improve its efficiencyHow To Improve Quality From Your Supplier? [Podcast]Keeping your supplierâs costs under control [Podcast]Get in touch with usConnect with us on LinkedInSend us a tweet @sofeastPrefer Facebook? Check us out on FBContact us via Sofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel - Montre plus
