Factory Audit Guide for China Sourcing

China has over 3 million manufacturing enterprises, ranging from world-class ISO-certified plants to backyard workshops. A factory visit reveals what websites never show: actual shop floor conditions, machine maintenance, worker skill levels, and quality culture.

Key reasons to audit: verify machine capabilities, assess quality management in person, check workforce size and skill levels, evaluate 5S implementation, and review actual production samples.

1. Request documentation: Business license, ISO certificates, export license, customer references
2. Review samples: Request actual production parts (not polished samples)
3. Prepare checklists: Create scoring sheet for consistent evaluation
4. Meet the right people: Production manager and QC manager, not just sales
5. Bring tools: Calipers, micrometer, surface roughness gauge
6. Keep it short notice: 1-2 days notice gives realistic picture

Shop Floor (50%): Machine count and brands, age and maintenance records, tooling storage, material storage (segregated and labeled), scrap/rework area, 5S implementation.

Quality Control (30%): QC lab equipment (CMM, hardness tester, roughness tester, microscope), in-process inspection sheets actually being filled, calibration records, FAI process, non-conformance reporting.

Workforce & Management (20%): Total headcount, engineer-to-operator ratio, training records, shift system, staff turnover rate.

For initial screening or when travel budget is limited:

• Video call walkthrough: Have QC manager show shop floor live
• Third-party audit: SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV, or Intertek offer factory audit services
• Sample testing: Send production samples to a qualified lab for independent verification
• Customer references: Contact 2-3 existing customers of the factory
• Annual audit: Combine remote screening with an annual in-person visit