How do regional supervisors manage their inspectors?

source:KF Quality author:KFQ 2020-12-27 01:29:08

Regional supervisors/managers have become more important for third party inspection companies. Inspectors are the front-line soldiers, they need to be trained to get learned with client’s new requirements, the update of new standards, and good practice sharing so that they can have much experience for the sack of inspections. In addition, their performance shall be monitored to ensure they perform proper inspections.

Here I would share some experience for regional supervisors.

1) Coaching

- On site coaching: correct inspector’s mistake immediately; ensure all checkpoints are verified, inspection/testing methods are appropriate, inspection findings are complete & impartial; provide demonstration when needed.

Reminder: Do not affect the normal inspection process; Be mutually respected and do not criticize/argue in front of factory people.

- Classroom training: topics can be client’s requirements, case studies, good or bad practice during previous coaching, new company policies, experience sharing, etc.

- Phone or WeChat conversation: remind the inspectors of important checkpoints.

2) Effectiveness follow-up

- Verify if improvement areas previously mentioned by you and monitoring team have been improved, and

- If company shared customer complaints, new policies and instructions have been reviewed and well understood by the inspector.

3) Inculcating

- Mindset: e.g. basic requirements of inspector, client’s focused, safety precautions, being professional, pro-active, meticulous, etc.

- Problem solving skills: e.g. if testing/measuring equipment is not available, try to find alternative simulation method, at least can provide info for the client to make decision although the result is Pending. And other example, if there are no finished products for inspection, try to get much info as possible for client’s reference.

4) Reminding

- Tips for each inspection process

- Latest requirements from the company

The ultimate goals of the coaching/training is to reduce the compliant rate, align all inspectors of acceptance standard, operational process and inspection method, improve inspectors’ product knowledge and problem solving skills, and enhance team-working & cohesion spirit.