Yogaraj Balakrishnan

Inline Inspections Final Inspection / Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Quality Reporting & Feedback Training & Guidance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

Pre-Production (PP) Meeting Participation

• Attend PP meetings to align expectations between buyer and factory.
• Verify that all quality-related requirements (fabric, trims, construction) are understood.
• Approve PP samples and make sure standards are clearly communicated.
• Perform inline audits at key stages of production.
• Focus on critical checkpoints: stitch quality, measurements, trims, label placement, etc.
• Ensure production is following the approved sample and tech pack.
• Give immediate feedback and push for corrections if issues arise.
• Conduct or witness the final inspection based on AQL or buyer-specific standards.
• Check a statistically selected sample (often using AQL 2.5 or 4.0).
• Validate packaging, labeling, hangtags, and carton markings.
• Approve or reject shipments based on inspection outcome.
• Submit detailed inspection reports with photos and measurements. (Iassure & PLM)
• Flag high-risk issues to buying or sourcing team immediately.
• Recommend corrective action plans to factories.
• Train factory QA teams and production staff on buyer quality standards.
• Conduct sessions on defect classification, handling recurring issues, and best practices.
• Track factory performance over time: defect rates, pass/fail trends, audit scores.
• Support the development of underperforming vendors to meet standards.
• Suggest system or process improvements at the factory level.
• AQL inspection methods.
• Measurement specs and grading rules.
• Garment construction knowledge.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Familiarity with buyer manuals and compliance expectations.

Process Control & Monitoring Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis Quality Documentation & Reporting Buyer Communication & Audits

Pre-Production Responsibilities

• Attend PP (pre-production) meetings with production and merchandising teams.
• Review tech packs, samples, buyer manuals, and trim cards.
• Approve first pieces and help set the standard for the line.
• Oversee inline inspections, ensure QA team is monitoring each stage.
• Monitor defect trends and ensure preventive measures are in place.
• Ensure process compliance with AQL standards or buyer-specific protocols.
• Analyze frequent or critical quality issues.
• Work with production and technical teams to solve problems at the source.
• Lead corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Review and consolidate daily inspection reports from QA team.
• Submit weekly quality summary reports to management.
• Maintain buyer audit and inspection documentation.
• Act as the point of contact during buyer inspections or third-party audits.
• Present quality status and improvement actions.
• Ensure compliance with buyer requirements and update teams with any changes.

• Inspected incoming and outgoing materials for accuracy and quality.
• Communicated with production team members about quality issues.
• Inspected quality of products, taking note of functionality, appearance and other specifications.
• Improved product quality by conducting thorough inspections and identifying defects in a timely manner.

1. Pre-Production Checks Line Setup Inspection Inline Inspections Defect Tracking & Reporting Root Cause Analysis & Feedback Daily Reporting Support for Final Inspection

• Review tech packs, samples, and buyer requirements.
• Verify that the correct fabric, trims, and accessories are being used.
• Ensure machines are calibrated and operators are trained before production starts.
• Confirm first output from each operation meets quality standards.
• Work with line supervisors to set up quality checkpoints.
• Perform a “pilot run” check or approve the first few pieces.
• Monitor each stage of production: cutting, sewing, finishing.
• Conduct random checks (often 5-10 pcs per hour or per batch).
• Check for defects: stitching, measurements, labels, fabric issues, etc.
• Verify process compliance (SOPs, buyer standards, etc.)
• Identify, classify, and document defects (critical, major, minor).
• Maintain defect logs and quality reports.
• Inform production team about recurring issues for corrective action.
• Work with line supervisors and production managers to resolve defects.
• Suggest process improvements or retraining when needed.
• Track corrective actions taken and their effectiveness.
• Submit inline inspection reports to QA Manager or QC team.
• Escalate serious issues that may impact shipment timelines.
• Assist in ensuring that issues are resolved before final QC.
• Collaborate with final QA team to ensure continuity of quality control.