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Glossary · Quality
What is PPI (Pre-production inspection)?
A check before mass production starts that the factory's raw materials, components and setup match the approved sample and the specification.
A pre-production inspection (PPI) looks at what will go into your order before the factory commits to it: raw materials, components, accessories, colors, packaging materials and sometimes the first units off the line. Inspectors compare them with the golden sample and the specification.
Problems found at this stage cost the least to fix. A wrong fabric, a substitute material or a misprinted carton can be corrected before thousands of units are made with it.
PPI is especially useful for a first order with a new factory, for custom products and wherever materials drive compliance, such as composite wood under TSCA Title VI or foam in upholstered seating.
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