The Future of Manufacturing: How Industry 4.0 is Transforming the Supply Chain

by AQF Blog on 13 Mar 2024 | 0 Comments

With all the recent advancements and new tech, industry 4.0 is transforming the supply chain. Leveraging all of its advantages, it continues to revolutionize manufacturing processes! As a result, businesses are experiencing unprecedented changes in managing and optimizing their supply chains.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

The Challenges and Opportunities of Sourcing from India

by AQF Blog on 6 Feb 2024 | 0 Comments
Discover the challenges and opportunities of sourcing from India and learn strategies to navigate sourcing in India's vibrant market.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice, Sourcing, asia sourcing

4 Procurement Challenges Importers Will Face in 2024

by AQF Team on 21 Dec 2023 | 0 Comments


Procurement is a dynamic facet of business operations that is influenced by a number of external factors — many of which are beyond a company's control. For procurement teams, being able to quickly react and adapt to these external factors is key, especially when uncertainty lies ahead.

Best Practices for Supplier Quality Management During Relocation

by AQF Blog on 19 Dec 2023 | 0 Comments
Explore your options for best practices for supplier quality management during relocation and make your business thrive at all times!

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice, Sourcing, supplier audit

Top Supply Chain Trends to Watch for in 2024

by AQF Team on 7 Dec 2023 | 0 Comments


As we approach 2024, the intricate dance between technology, sustainability, and resilience will shape the future of supply chains. This blog post unveils the top supply chain trends that will redefine the industry going forward; from the continued integration of advanced technologies to the growing emphasis on ethical practices, these pivotal shifts will have a big impact on logistics, procurement, and distribution strategies.

Wood Warping and How to Prevent It

by John Niggl on 2 Dec 2023 | 48 Comments
Products made of wood can play tricks on you. While they might look fine at first, wood warping can distort what was once a perfectly fine item. But by knowing how wood warping is caused, you can take steps to make sure wood doesn't become disfigured and useless.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

3 Types of Quality Defects for Defect Classification

by AQF Team on 28 Nov 2023 | 5 Comments
Defect classification is a vital step for determining if goods should pass or fail inspection. Check out these 3 types of quality defects for your different product types.

Topics: Consumer Electronics, Industrial Goods, Product Inspection, Textile Products, Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)

Chinese New Year Factory Shutdown 2024: Tips for Importers

by AQF Team on 22 Nov 2023 | 0 Comments

Tips for Importers During Chinese New Year Factory Shutdown 2024

The Chinese New Year is an annual event that carries significant implications for businesses that rely on inventory from China. Understanding and preparing for the potential disruptions caused by the 2024 Chinese New Year is crucial for maintaining the quality and efficiency of your supply chain. In this blog, we'll explore the impact of the Chinese New Year on businesses and provide tips to help you navigate these challenges effectively.

How To Prepare Your Supply Chain For Chinese New Year 2024

by Polly Chen on 20 Nov 2023 | 0 Comments

If you are a business owner who sources from China, you must have heard about the Chinese New Year (CNY), also called Spring Festival and Luanr New Year, and the factory shutdowns related to this festival. Click on our post to find out the details of Chinese New Year 2024, and tips to prepare your supply chain for it.

Topics: Manufacturing Tips & Advice

Prepare Your Supply Chain for Lunar New Year 2024

by AQF Team on 9 Nov 2023 | 0 Comments

Sourcing from China? Prepare Your Supply Chain for Lunar New Year 2024

If you source your brand’s products from Chinese manufacturers, it's important to be aware of the Lunar New Year (also called Chinese New Year) and how it will affect your supply chain. During the 2024 Lunar New Year, which falls on February 9-15, 2024, factories will shut down, shipping will slow, and product defects may increase. Not only does that create difficulty around the Lunar New Year, but it can also make it more difficult for you to get the inventory you need in the period immediately before the holiday, when some facilities may limit production, and after the holiday, when it takes time for many factories to ramp back up to full production.

4 Critical Quality Controls For Cosmetics Packaging