A factory audit is your opportunity to verify that a manufacturer can deliver the quality, capacity, and compliance your brand requires. Here’s a comprehensive checklist for auditing cat product factories.
Pre-audit preparation
Request documentation in advance. Don’t waste audit time reviewing basic documents. Ask for:
- Factory registration and business license
- ISO 9001 certificate
- Product certifications (CE, FCC, RoHS, UKCA)
- Recent audit reports from other buyers
- Quality manual and procedures
Prepare your checklist. Customize this checklist based on your specific product requirements.
Bring a translator if needed. Clear communication is essential during an audit.
The audit checklist
Factory overview
- [ ] Factory size and layout match claims
- [ ] Production areas are organized and clean
- [ ] Adequate lighting and ventilation
- [ ] Clear signage and safety markings
- [ ] Worker areas are separate from production areas
Production capability
- [ ] Injection molding machines are operational and maintained
- [ ] Assembly lines are organized with station-by-station quality checks
- [ ] Equipment matches the manufacturer’s claimed capabilities
- [ ] Production capacity matches stated capacity
- [ ] Sufficient equipment to handle your order volumes
Quality systems
- [ ] ISO 9001 certificate is current and displayed
- [ ] Quality manual is available and up-to-date
- [ ] Incoming material inspection procedures are documented
- [ ] In-process quality checks are systematic
- [ ] Final inspection procedures are documented
- [ ] Non-conformance tracking and resolution process exists
- [ ] Corrective action procedures are in place
Testing infrastructure
- [ ] Testing equipment is available and calibrated
- [ ] Pump noise testing equipment (decibel meter)
- [ ] Flow rate testing equipment
- [ ] Electrical safety testing equipment
- [ ] Drop test equipment
- [ ] Material testing capabilities (or access to third-party labs)
Material management
- [ ] Raw materials are properly stored
- [ ] Material certifications are on file
- [ ] FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory management
- [ ] Food-grade materials are segregated from non-food-grade
- [ ] Material traceability system exists
Pump production (if applicable)
- [ ] In-house pump assembly capability
- [ ] 100% pump testing (not sampling)
- [ ] Burn-in testing infrastructure
- [ ] Noise level testing for every pump
- [ ] Flow rate testing for every pump
Assembly and packaging
- [ ] Assembly lines are organized and efficient
- [ ] Quality checks at each assembly station
- [ ] Packaging materials are stored properly
- [ ] Packaging protects products during shipping
- [ ] All accessories and documentation are included
Certifications and compliance
- [ ] CE marking documentation
- [ ] FCC certification (for electronic products)
- [ ] RoHS compliance declaration
- [ ] UKCA marking documentation
- [ ] Food-contact material certifications (FDA / EU 1935/2004)
- [ ] Factory audit reports from recognized bodies
Worker conditions
- [ ] Workers have appropriate safety equipment
- [ ] Working conditions meet local labor law requirements
- [ ] No evidence of child labor or forced labor
- [ ] Adequate breaks and working hours
Red flags during audit
Disorganized production floor. Suggests systemic quality management issues.
Missing or expired certifications. Regulatory risk for your products.
No testing infrastructure. Quality claims without verification capability.
Reluctance to show certain areas. May indicate problems in those areas.
High worker turnover. Can indicate management or working condition issues.
No quality documentation. Systematic quality management requires documentation.
Post-audit follow-up
Document findings. Record all observations, both positive and negative.
Request corrective actions. For any issues found, request specific corrective actions with timelines.
Verify improvements. For ongoing relationships, schedule follow-up audits to verify improvements.
The bottom line
A thorough factory audit verifies that a manufacturer has the capability, quality systems, and compliance infrastructure to deliver products that meet your standards. Use this checklist as a starting point and customize it for your specific requirements.
Schedule a factory audit with HS Smart Pet to verify our manufacturing capabilities.
