Inline inspection takes place during production, usually when the first garments come off the line and again partway through, so that faults can be corrected while there is still time. Final inspection takes place when production is finished and typically 80 to 100 percent of the order is packed, using a random sample drawn across the cartons to decide whether the lot ships. The two are not alternatives. Inline inspection prevents problems and final inspection proves the result, and most buyers of any volume use both.
What inline inspection covers
The first inline visit usually happens when the first few dozen garments are complete, sometimes called a pilot run or first output check. The inspector compares them with the sealed sample and the spec sheet, checks measurements, stitching, print placement and trims, and walks the cutting and sewing floor to look at fabric, markers and work in progress.
A second visit is common at around a third to a half of production. By then the line has settled into its rhythm and any repeated fault, such as a twisted side seam or a wrong needle size, has appeared. Catching it here means a few hundred garments to rework rather than the whole order.
Inline visits also let the inspector confirm that production is actually at the stage the factory claims, which is often the most useful thing a buyer learns from them.
What final inspection covers
- A random sample drawn from the packed cartons according to the ISO 2859-1 tables at the agreed AQL.
- A visual check of each sampled garment for critical, major and minor defects.
- Measurement of a smaller sample per size against the spec sheet tolerances.
- Checks on labels, hang tags, polybags, barcodes and carton markings against the packing instructions.
- A carton count, a check of carton quality and a comparison of packed quantities with the order.
- Simple function tests such as zips, buttons, snaps and seam strength by hand.
Why both matter
A final inspection on its own has a weakness. If the lot fails, the goods are already packed and the ship date is close, so the choice is between delay, rework under pressure or accepting goods you are not happy with. Inline inspection shifts the discovery earlier, when the factory still has time and the fabric is still on the roll.
Inline inspection on its own also has a weakness. It samples a moment in production, and a line can drift after the inspector leaves. The final inspection is the record you can rely on if a dispute arises later, because it was done on the goods that actually shipped.
For a first order with a new factory, two inline visits and a final inspection is a sensible pattern. For repeat orders with a known factory, one inline visit and a final inspection is often enough.
How Creston & Co helps
We carry out inline and final inspection ourselves, with reports and photographs the same day, and we supervise loading so that the inspected cartons are the ones that go into the container. Between visits you receive a weekly update on where production stands. A free 20-minute sourcing review will help you decide how many visits a particular order needs.