How a vendor inspection assignment works
- You send the documents. Purchase order, technical specification, approved drawings and the ITP. If there is no ITP yet, we draft one for your approval.
- We assign an inspector. You receive the inspector’s CV with relevant qualifications before the first visit.
- The vendor notifies the inspection. We confirm the date with the vendor and attend each hold and witness point.
- You receive a flash report the same day, then the full report with photos, test records and any non-conformances.
- We issue the release note once all hold points are cleared and the final documents are accepted.
What our inspectors check
Material certificates and traceability, welding qualifications, NDE results, dimensional checks, pressure and functional tests, coating, marking, packing and the manufacturer’s data book. Each check is tied to a line in your ITP, so the report shows exactly which points were witnessed, reviewed or waived.
When to use a resident inspector instead
If the fabrication runs for weeks with daily activities, a resident inspector based at the factory is usually cheaper and gives better coverage than repeated visits. See resident inspection.
Questions buyers ask
What is the difference between vendor inspection and pre-shipment inspection?
Pre-shipment inspection is a single check of finished goods. Vendor inspection follows the inspection and test plan through fabrication, with visits at hold and witness points such as material review, fit-up, NDE, pressure tests and FAT, as well as the final release.
How do you charge for vendor inspection?
We quote per inspector-day, including travel within the agreed area, and itemise any long-distance travel separately. You receive the quote before the first visit, based on your PO, ITP and the vendor's location.
How quickly do we get the inspection report?
The inspector sends a short flash report with the result and photos on the day of the visit. The full report in your format follows, normally within 24 hours.
Can you use our report format?
Yes. We report on your forms, your project's forms or our standard format, in English.