Inspection needs 2 man-days : 1 inspector over 2 days or 2 inspectors over 1 day?

In many cases, inspections cannot be done in one man-day, and will require two. But should you send two inspectors for one day or one inspector for 2 man-days ? Each situation has different advantages and drawbacks. See below our explanations:

Advantages of having the 2 inspectors the same day:

• They have more power in front of factory so it would be easier to supervise the whole inspection process without negative intervention from the factory.
• They have four eyes; the more fresh eyes, the better.
• The inspection report usually comes out faster
• Some electric products require several safety tests (e.g. hi-pot test, grounding continuity test, on-off function test, power consumption measurement, etc) besides cosmetic check, then two inspector can organize the inspection more smoothly.
• It is more difficult to bribe two inspectors than one.

Advantage of having 1 inspectors over 2 man-days:

• The inspector can take his time and start early the next day as there is no travel, as inspector normally will stay in a near by hotel or in the factory dorm.
• If some references are late, the inspector can be flexible and check them on the 2nd day.
• If it’s a mess in the factory, one inspector can keep track more easily of what has been presented and what has been checked.
• The factory is more likely to help unpack.

Please note that the choice will also depend on the QC company’s planning and inspectors’ availability for this particularly day, at a particular location.