TTS GLOBALTTS / SERVICE GUIDE
Pre-Production Inspection in China (PPI)
Catch material and preparation issues before they reach the production line.
Request a quote
01 / WHEN TO USE IT
Before the line starts
- You are placing a first order with a factory.
- Materials or components have changed since sample approval.
- You want to verify preparation before bulk manufacturing.
Understand the service in detail
Problems in bulk production often start with the wrong material, missing components or an unconfirmed reference sample. A pre-production inspection focuses on what is available before manufacturing begins. TTS reviews the agreed inputs and preparation evidence so you can raise discrepancies before they are built into a full order. This service suits new products, new suppliers, important material changes and orders where colour, finish or component consistency matters.
- 01BOM & approved reference→
- 02Incoming materials→
- 03First-piece checks→
- 04Issues before bulk production
A scope guide; the actual methods and criteria are agreed for the project.
02 / A CLOSER LOOK
Find a material mismatch before it becomes a batch problem.
Open a checkpoint to see the evidence recorded and how it informs your decision.
01Material identity
Match supplier references, material batch labels and available certificates to the purchase specification or bill of materials (BOM).
A similar colour or appearance does not establish that the specified resin, fabric or component was supplied.
02Approved reference
Confirm which sealed sample, drawing revision, colour reference and measurement sheet governs production.
Conflicting sample versions create disputes later. Record the controlling reference and unresolved differences before release.
03Available quantity
Compare usable material and component quantities with the planned order, including shortages and material awaiting approval.
Production readiness depends on the required component set, not just the presence of the main material.
04First-piece readiness
Review the initial assembly or first-off sample where available, tooling readiness and the factory’s incoming-quality-control (IQC) records.
Decide which concerns must be resolved before bulk production and which need a targeted during-production check.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
One changed component can affect the entire order.
- !
The situation
A replacement zipper arrives for production.
- ◎
What to record
Compare its marking, construction and function with the reference.
- ↗
The next decision
Resolve approval before the stock is consumed.
Read the full scenario
Illustrative example: the approved sample uses one zipper, while the warehouse contains a visually similar replacement. Record the markings and compare dimensions, function and construction with the approved reference. Ask for buyer approval or the specified component before production consumes the stock. Any laboratory performance requirement remains a separate item in the test plan.
03 / STANDARDS & REQUIREMENTS
The rule.
The scope.
The evidence.
Applicability and editions are confirmed for your product, market and project date.
BOM, technical drawings & approved sample
These product-specific references define the material and construction being verified. Provide revision numbers and agreed tolerances.
Official source & scopeISO 2859-1
Use an agreed sampling plan when incoming components are checked by sampling; keep it distinct from complete document and readiness checks.
Official source & scope04 / THE WORKING PROCESS
From your brief
to your next step.
01Prepare the brief
Send the material list, specifications, approved references and intended start date.
02Start the work
Confirm which inputs have arrived and which preparation activities can be inspected.
03Examine & record
Compare the accessible materials and record differences with photographs and quantities.
04Review & follow up
Review the findings with the supplier before deciding whether further checks or corrections are needed.
Content guide; the agreed service determines the final deliverable.
05 / YOUR DELIVERABLE
A basis for
your next decision.
Material findings and preparation gaps to address before production.
How to use the result
The findings help you request replacement material, clarify an instruction or agree the next production checkpoint. Materials that are unavailable during the visit remain outside the observed result; chemical composition or other hidden properties may require laboratory testing.
06 / Discuss your project
What to send for a quotation
- Bill of materials and quantities for the order.
- Approved sample, colour references and component specifications.
- Factory address, contact, material arrival dates and production schedule.
Practical questions
Can a PPI approve chemical composition?
Visual checks and supplier documents cannot replace a required analytical test. If composition or restricted substances are critical, identify the relevant laboratory testing before approving the material.
Can this verify chemical composition?
Visual checking can verify identification and visible condition. Chemical composition requires an agreed analytical test and suitable samples.