Third-Party Inspection
Supplier inspection and production surveillance
Inspection at the manufacturer, at the stages your ITP defines, from raw material release to final inspection and shipment.
01What the service involves
Supplier inspection, also known as source, shop or vendor inspection, is the core third-party inspection service. A QUALITAS TR inspector attends the supplier's works to verify raw materials, manufacturing operations, in-process and final conditions, tests and documentation against the purchase order requirements.
For critical or long orders, inspection can be extended to production surveillance: regular visits or a continuous presence during manufacturing, so that problems are seen while they happen rather than discovered at the end.
02Why buyers need it
The later a problem is found, the more it costs. Final inspection alone cannot see weld roots, hidden machining steps or material substitutions. Inspection at the right stages gives the buyer genuine control over the product.
Surveillance also changes supplier behaviour: work that will be checked is done more carefully.
03Typical applications
- Machined and fabricated components
- Mechanical equipment and assemblies
- Castings and forgings
- Steel structures and skids
- Bought-out items at sub-suppliers
- Spare parts and replacement components
04Methodology
Pre-inspection meeting
ITP, drawings, procedures and schedule confirmed with the supplier at the start of the order.
Material stage
Raw material identification, certificates and condition verified before processing.
In-process stage
Critical operations inspected at hold and witness points.
Final stage
Visual, dimensional, functional and documentation checks on finished goods.
Release
Inspection release note issued when all ITP points are closed.
05Applicable standards and references
QUALITAS TR follows the impartiality and competence principles described in ISO/IEC 17020 in its working methods, without claiming accreditation. Product requirements come from the codes and standards named in your specification.
06Deliverables
- Pre-inspection meeting minutes
- Stage inspection reports
- Photographic records
- Nonconformity reports
- Inspection release note
07Customer benefits
- Control at every critical stage
- Earlier and cheaper problem detection
- Independent evidence of conformity
- Better supplier discipline
- Release decisions based on facts
08How QUALITAS TR supports you
We keep the same inspector on an order where possible, so knowledge of the product and the supplier carries from visit to visit.