Going through a product recall is not pleasant at all… A product recall can damage our bottom line and our reputation. What do we have to do to prevent this unpleasant condition? Let’s solve it!
Product recall is a request to return a product caused by the discovery of safety issues or product defects that can put the consumer at risk or in danger.
What can we do to diminish or even eliminate the problems in our products? Ed Creedle, senior risk control specialist with Hartford, Conn. will help us 🙂
1. Determine product specifications and requirements for production
Detail, detail, detail! When creating a new product, pay attention to design aspects such as color, texture, size, etc. Well, after all, color, texture and size are the most visible aspects. Ensure that the product conforms to the industry code standards, for example ANSI or the Approved American National Standards.
2. Establish relationships with your suppliers
It’s important to ensure that a supplier can provide the exact materials that you need as most products have parts and materials coming from various suppliers. If needed, you can make a formal agreements with legal review and specific language setting forth their expectations from the supplier and the consequences when it doesn’t meet the requirements. It’s also a good idea to visit the plant at least once a year, if your supplier is overseas or hiring an inspection company to conduct quality audits on your behalf.
*Based on my friend’s experience in acquiring products from China, I can say that visiting the plant is a very effective way. Many new businessmen are tricked by suppliers here. But he never once being tricked, though he can’t speak Chinese because he always visit the plant when he has time. If visiting the plant is too time consuming, then, hiring an inspection company is your best choice.
3. Implement quality control standards
Once component parts start coming in from your suppliers, you need to be able to track where the materials are coming from. Businesses need to have a quality control system in place to address any non-conforming goods. It’s very important to inspect materials to check whether they meet your specifications or not. Moreover when you’re dealing with high volume. If your oder volume is high, usually it’ll take a sampling plan, to determine from a sample of the products, whether the goods conform with product specifications. The sampling plans for various industries can be measured by American Society for Quality (ASQ) table (click here for the ASQ table).
4. Test your system
Conduct a simulated recall once or twice a year. It will help you to make sure whether your quality control system works as it should or not. The simulation can be conducted in-house or with the help of trusted customers by selecting a product and tracking it from materials to store shelves. You should also trace a lot of products and verify that communications channels are working properly.
Source: Entrepreneur