Remind yourself of your project’s scope
It’s worth revisiting your project’s scope, even if you think you know it by heart. There are a lot of services available when it comes to QC inspection, and your needs will affect your budget.
Some things to consider at this stage:
- Do you need first article inspection?
- Does the inspection plan require a CMM?
- Is your part delicate? Will it need non-contact inspection?
- Does your design team need a 3d render of the prototype? Will that data come from a white light scanner?
Once you zero in on the necessary resources, that forethought will save your firm, and your client, both money and time. Understanding your scope prevents the tendency to bring on resources that does not fully align with the project’s purpose.
Sometimes, the best laid plans are the ones that have already been set.
Research
Once your needs are clear, it’s time to search for the resources and gather a base of knowledge. Engage search engines, your fellow co-workers, other clients and, perhaps, the phone directory to find the companies that can do the job.
Contact your potential resources
Take the list and get to know these vendors. Peruse their websites. Call them. Ask about the services they provide and how they can help. Here at AML, it can be as simple as sending us an email with a blueprint and your inspection requirements.
Commit and Communicate
Once you’ve outsourced your quality control process to another firm, it would be wise to touch base with them. This allows a building of repoire between you and your vendor, in addition to lending to a deeper understanding of their processes.
Having a good relationship with your sources is key to future success as a consultant. When you develop a partnership, you have found a reliable source you can trust, one that you know you can come back to again and again.
At AML, we are proud to say that we are proactive when it comes to communication, which has lead to a brand that our clients can call on whenever they have a need for QC services.
