Last updated on April 15th, 2025 at 10:15 am
All distributors agree: optimising costs is the key. In order to meet the expectations of some of our customers, we have developed a strategic solution to reduce inspection costs while maintaining rigorous quality control: the Self Inspection Program (SIP). Let’s take a look at the advantages and the stages of this programme.
1. What is the Self Inspection Programme (SIP)?
The Self Inspection Program (SIP) allows selected and trained suppliers to carry out certain inspections and checks themselves under the supervision of EASTWISE, without knowing in advance whether or not we will intervene directly. This random and periodic approach guarantees compliance and data reliability. Each inspection follows our methods and tools, ensuring an optimal level of quality. The result: greater flexibility, increased supplier accountability and reduced costs for our customers.
The self-inspection program is a structured process in which only selected and trained suppliers carry out quality checks according to standards defined by Eastwise, while reporting their results. We conduct random and periodic visits to ensure compliance and data reliability.
As Jay, our Director of Operations and Quality, emphasises:
“SIP is an innovative and cost-effective solution that combines cost control with quality requirements. It ensures rigorous and predictive control without compromising surveillance. Since its implementation, quality has remained stable, while offering suppliers greater autonomy as their performance improves.
2. How does the SIP work?
Step 1: Supplier selection and training
Our quality control experts identify suppliers who are suitable to join the programme based on rigorous criteria:
- Level of their quality system,
- Compliance history,
- Complexity of the products manufactured. The selected suppliers undergo specific training to ensure execution in accordance with EASTWISE standards.
The selected suppliers undergo specific training to ensure that they comply with EASTWISE standards. This training includes modules on best practices in quality control, deviation management and the use of digital tools to ensure the traceability of inspections.
Step 2: Collaboration between suppliers and the EASTWISE quality team
Inspections are carried out according to strict protocols and in direct collaboration with our experts. We use digital solutions to ensure real-time monitoring, including the analysis of photos and videos of the inspections carried out by suppliers. EASTWISE ensures rigorous supervision and monitoring at every stage of the process.
Step 3: Validation and sending of inspection reports
The inspection reports are examined by our teams before being sent to our customers for final validation, thus guaranteeing total control over the quality and conformity of the products delivered. Thanks to detailed reporting and regularly updated performance indicators, we guarantee optimal transparency throughout the process.
3. Three levers to optimise your inspection costs
Reduction of inspectors‘ travel expenses
Reducing the number of on-site inspections eliminates part of the inspectors’ travel expenses, which represents significant savings. In addition, it reduces the carbon footprint with fewer actual trips.
Continuous and transparent reporting
Despite a reduced frequency of on-site visits, Eastwise remains involved in the control process and provides detailed reports. This guarantees constant monitoring and documentation of production quality.
Flexibility in inspection planning
Until a few days before the end of production, the factory does not know whether the inspection will be on-site or remote. This uncertainty encourages suppliers to maintain a high level of rigour throughout the production process, thus avoiding last-minute preparation solely for the inspection. This approach guarantees greater adaptability to production constraints, optimises resources and encourages the supplier to maintain a high level of quality at all times.
4. Why adopt SIP with EASTWISE?
Opting for SIP with Eastwise means choosing optimised quality control, without compromising on rigour. Thanks to this approach, our customers benefit from a significant reduction in inspection costs while maintaining a high level of standards. The integration of digital solutions also improves traceability and responsiveness to potential quality deviations.
Fewer on-site inspections means lower travel costs, greater flexibility and improved responsiveness to production challenges.
At EASTWISE, we guarantee strict monitoring and total transparency: each inspection report is validated by our teams before being sent to our customers.
Would you like to challenge your inspection process and optimise your costs without compromising quality? !
