When’s the best time to catch a quality issue? Hint: It’s not at the end of the line.
Most importers rely on pre-shipment inspection or final inspection as their first checkpoint. However, by the time your finished product is boxed and ready to ship, the window to fix issues without disrupting your production schedule or delaying delivery has already closed.
Enter: During Production Inspection (DuPro) – a crucial but often overlooked type of inspection that gives you visibility right when you need it most.
What Is a During Production (Inline) Inspection?
A during production inspection, also known as an inline inspection, is a quality control inspection conducted on-site at the factory when around 25% to 50% of your production is completed.
Unlike a pre-shipment inspection, which takes place after all goods are manufactured and packed, an inline inspection allows brands to verify product quality midway through the manufacturing process.
The goal? Early detection of deviations from product specifications, workmanship flaws, or material non-compliance, before they affect the entire batch.
Why High-End Brands Need Inline Inspections
Luxury and high-end brands operate with tight quality standards and demand consistency. A minor flaw in stitching, finish, or functionality can damage brand reputation and trigger costly product recalls or rework.
With inline (DuPro) inspections, importers gain:
- Visibility into the production process
- Real-time updates on production status
- An opportunity to course-correct before defects multiply
- A detailed inspection report that informs of corrective actions
Key Benefits of Inline Inspections
1. Early Detection of Defects
If you wait until the final product is complete, your only options are rework, shipment delay, or rejection. Inline inspection allows inspectors to catch potential issues early, like:
- Incorrect raw materials
- Assembly errors
- Non-compliant shipping marks
- Inconsistent workmanship
2. Stay on Track with Production Schedule
Addressing defects during the initial production phase keeps the line moving. There's less disruption and no need to scrap large volumes of inventory. You maintain on-time shipments and reduce costs.
Read More: Preventing Stockouts & Maximizing Sales: Smart Inventory Allocation Strategies
3. Actionable, Detailed Reports
Each inline inspection is accompanied by a detailed report, which includes photos, AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) results, measurements, and a list of non-compliance findings. These reports give you the data needed to make informed decisions and manage follow-ups with suppliers.
4. Boost Customer Satisfaction
High-end customers expect high-quality products that match specs. An inline inspection aligns with your quality assurance goals by improving the final output and minimizing defective products.
What’s Checked During an Inline (DuPro) Inspection?
Inspectors typically assess a variety of factors depending on your product specifications and type of inspection. Here’s what’s commonly included:
Product Quality Checks
- Visual and physical checks
- Measurements against approved specs
- Material and component verification
Functional Testing
- Product functionality tests as applicable (e.g. zip performance, load tests)
- Safety and durability assessments
Workmanship Review
- Stitching, welding, gluing, and other finishing
- Surface appearance, color matching
Packaging & Labeling
- Review of shipping marks, logos, hangtags, and barcode placement
- Verification against customer expectations
Production Status Assessment
- % of goods produced
- % packed and ready
- Any visible bottlenecks on the production line
Random Sampling
- Sample size based on AQL standards
- Ensures representative checking across the production batch
Inline vs. Final Inspection: What’s the Difference?
Both inspections matter, but for high-end importers, integrating both ensures you catch issues at multiple stages of production.
When Should You Schedule an Inline (DuPro) Inspection?
Inline inspection is best scheduled when at least 25-50% of goods are made. This sweet spot allows you to:
- Assess quality during the actual production check
- Validate consistency across multiple lines or shifts
- Flag systemic issues that may affect the finished product
Pro Tip: For new suppliers or complex SKUs, consider a pre-production inspection too, to verify raw materials, components, and machinery readiness.
Read More: When Should You Inspect a Shipment | QC Frequency & Timing
Common Inline (DuPro) Findings That Impact Quality
- Color variance between SKUs
- Improper labeling or branding
- Inconsistent dimensions or finishes
- Use of unauthorized materials
- Missing or misplaced shipping marks
Spotting these during production gives you time to request corrective actions without halting the entire manufacturing process.
Read More: 5 Factory Inspection Mistakes & Best Practices for Quality Control
Partner with the Right Inspection Service Provider
Your inspection services partner should bring:
- Strong experience with high-end products
- Transparent communication and reporting
- In-country expertise (especially for China, India, Vietnam)
- Fast follow-up capabilities
Providers like Silq offer customizable inline inspection frameworks built to align with your quality control inspection standards.
Leverage During Production Inspections for Better Supply Chain Control
Skipping an inline (DuPro) inspection might seem like a shortcut, but in reality, it's a gamble. For brands that value quality, consistency, and reputation, integrating an inline during production inspection into your workflow is a no-brainer.
It helps streamline your inspection process, reduce risk, and ensure your final product meets both spec and customer expectations—on-time and on-brand.
Need help implementing inline inspections into your sourcing process? Contact our team or explore our quality control services tailored for high-end goods.
