Inside Our Shanghai Sourcing Office: How We Audit Factories

Our Shanghai sourcing office is the operational heart of My Building List. Located in the heart of China's manufacturing corridor, our team conducts regular factory audits, manages production timelines, and ensures every product meets the specification agreed with our Australian clients.

The Audit Process

Before any factory becomes an MBL supplier, they must pass a comprehensive audit covering four dimensions:

1. Production Capability

• Equipment age and maintenance status
• Production capacity and current utilization
• Quality control checkpoints during production
• Packaging and handling procedures

2. Quality Systems

• ISO 9001 certification status and scope
• Internal QC team size and training
• Test equipment calibration records
• Defect tracking and corrective action processes

3. Compliance History

• Export certifications held (CE, WaterMark, CodeMark, etc.)
• Third-party test reports from accredited labs
• History of customs clearance issues
• Client feedback and dispute resolution record

4. Financial Stability

• Company registration and ownership structure
• Years in operation and major client list
• Payment terms and financial transparency
• Insurance coverage for product liability

Ongoing Monitoring

Passing the audit is just the beginning. Every active supplier receives:

1. Quarterly re-audits covering the same four dimensions
2. Monthly production reports with photos and videos
3. Ad-hoc inspections triggered by client feedback or quality concerns
4. Annual performance review with scoring across quality, delivery, communication, and price competitiveness

"We currently maintain active relationships with 73 factories across Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces. Only 12 have achieved our highest 'Platinum' supplier rating, which gives them priority for large-volume projects."

Technology on the Ground

Our sourcing team uses a combination of technology and on-the-ground expertise:

• Digital audit checklists synced to our CRM in real-time
• High-resolution photo and video documentation of every factory visit
• GPS-tagged inspection reports confirming the actual location of production
• Sample tracking system linking factory samples to client approvals

Want to know more about how we select and monitor our suppliers? Contact us for a detailed walkthrough.