Auditing Services #2706757

What is Factory Audit?It is a systematic analysis conducted by an expert at the supplier's facility to assess the supplier's quality assurance system, capacity and their ability to meet various requirements of the buyer. The auditor examines manufacturing processes, process controls & supplier control systems to make an honest appraisal of their potential and worthiness.

The scope of the factory audits is very wide. In broad terms we can categorize it as follows :-

• Social Audit - Refer this link for more details about this audit.
• Factory Audit (Technical) - Read this page to know more about Technical audit

Some common names used for Factory Audit (Technical) are as below :-

• Factory Evaluation (FE)
• Vendor Factory Evaluation (VFE)
• Factory Capacity and Capability Audit (FCCA)
• Factory Quality Audit (FQA)
• Quality System Audit (QSA)

Why Do Factory Audit (Technical)?

• Performing a Factory Audit is a cost-effective, time-efficient way to compile a complete profile of your supplier, so that you know if they're reliable before you give them business and also
• To ensure the existence of target set up
• To evaluate the capacity and capability
• To verify their strength/capability in manufacturing targeted product lines.
• To evaluate the existing quality management system.
• To verify whether they are already into manufacturing.
• Technical audit helps to finalize potential factory to place an order along with few backups for future.

Who is it for?This is required for a customer who sources or imports merchandise from a new supplier or a new product from existing supplier.

Benefits of Technical AuditWith systematic evaluation of supplier, the customer will have the following benefits :

• Get a snapshot of supplier practices and organization and implement corrective actions plans wherever required.
• Evaluate risks of non-quality and determine adapted quality control measures.
• Establish mutual beneficial partnerships with a pool of suppliers.
• Avoid chances of selection of a technically non-competitive supplier.

What Techniques We Use For Technical AuditTechniques used are based on simplified and modified ISO 9001 systems. 
The audit process includes:-

Opening meetingAn opening meeting is conducted with the senior management / factory representative(s) to let them know the scope and methodology of the audit, any assistance documents required from them during the audit. 
Factory tourA factory tour is conducted to observe the manufacturing processes, procedures, process controls and overall general work place conditions. Interaction with employees during the factory tour or after the tour is a part of the audit process. 
Employee interviewsAuditors interview a representative sample of workers in a non-conspicuous area, without the presence of management and talk with them freely about the work place conditions.

Documentation reviewAuditor reviews relevant documents and records in support of the factory’s systems and procedures in place. 
Closing meeting with the senior managementA closing meeting is held with the senior management / factory representative(s) to let them know and discuss about the audit findings. The management is free to express their views and concerns on any issue pertaining to the audit during the closing meeting. The management / factory representative(s) will sign a copy of the audit findings in acknowledgement of the receipt of the findings and propose their corrective action plan, where necessary.

Why use Arts inspection?
Your Eyes in the FactoryWe are an independent quality control company, working on your behalf to protect your business interests in the supply chain.

Manage Your Quality Control Process OnlineCreate your free account, schedule audits online, make payment arrangements, and receive your detailed audit report electronically. In order to offer the highest quality audits, each auditor is specialized by audit type, and undergoes mandatory in-depth training and strict internal audits.

Comprehensive Audit ReportsThe report is delivered within 48-72 hours of an audit. Every report includes copies of factory records, management interviews and images to ensure that you get a complete profile of your supplier.

What Services We Offer?Two types of services are provided by us.

• Simple factory audit : Factory systems are reviewed briefly. This gives a macro view of factories capability & systems. This requires one man-day for a factory with up to 500 employees.
• Extensive factory audit : Factory systems are reviewed in depth. This gives a micro view of factories capability & systems. This requires two man-days for a factory with up to 500 employees.

What Type of Suppliers?

• Textiles
• Apparel
• Leather goods
• Accessories
• Belts
• Shoes
• Bags

ReportsOn completion of the audit, findings are reviewed with the factory representatives/ senior management and a report is sent to the client within 48-72 hours to enable the client to take a decision.

Social Audit (SA) or Social Compliance Audit or Ethical Standard AuditTo Evaluate the factories Social responsibilities the factory's according to the International Standard - SA 8000.

We investigate on factories Social roles on

• Child Labour,
• Forced Labour,
• Under waged,
• Over time waged,
• Working hours,
• Social benefits,
• Health & Safety,
• Protection of the Environment.

Information on SEDEXSMETA (SEDEX MEMBERS ETHICAL TRADE AUDIT) is an ethical audit format used across the world for ensuring that the Suppliers, Client dealing with, are working in ethical approach. SMETA is introduced by “SEDEX STAKEHOLDER FORUM”.  SMETA is not a Code of Conduct or Certification Audit. This is conducted as per ETI base code.
SMETA is invented to bring down repetition of work in ethical business auditing, useful to retailers, brands and interested parties. Suppliers can represent themselves with various customers with one SMETA, instead of facing separate audit for each customer.

Auditing principles of SEDEXSMETA focuses on Ethical Trading Initiative and Local Laws as a gauge tool. It contains following four measures

• Labour Standards
• Health and Safety
• Environment
• Business Ethics

How this is useful to its membersSMETA is introduced for SEDEX Members. Organisations who are not members of SEDEX, are also being motivated to use SMETA. We hope to encourage better competency in audit procedure and applying auditor’s knowledge and skills that bases SMETA report and adds value in organisation.

How Arts is equipped to make the SEDEX audits:Arts has qualified and skilled Auditor’s team, having professional experience in Social Compliance Audits.

Contact Information of ArtsDuly filled audit booking form, that includes factory profile, number of workers, number of buildings, total area, product category, production process name, factory’s geological location.