Sofeast Knowledgebase Blog

More companies are taking a serious look at setting up a new factory, relocating production, or bringing manufacturing back under their own control. The reasons are understandable. COVID exposed supply chain risks. Tariffs and trade policies have made some China-based … Continue reading →

When shipments are delayed, production is inconsistent, or communication breaks down, it’s often not a single issue; sometimes the problem is the supplier itself. This was exactly the case for a US-based medical supply and equipment distributor we worked with. … Continue reading →

Tooling delays do not usually start when steel is being cut. By that point, the design may already have been released, the tooling order placed, the deposit paid, the launch timeline shared internally, and the first sample date built into … Continue reading →

Sofeast’s team continues to monitor the cost evolution of key raw materials in China, helping importers and manufacturers stay informed. This latest update from the market analysts we work with reflects changes (RMB costs and %) over the past year … Continue reading →

Quality control should not start when finished products come off the line. By that point, the design may already be frozen, suppliers selected, components approved, tooling made, work instructions written, and the production process set up. A final inspection can … Continue reading →

A working prototype can make a product feel almost ready for production. The design works. The team has seen it function. The customer may already be thinking about launch dates, tooling, production quantities, and delivery schedules. But a working prototype … Continue reading →

A working prototype can give a product team a lot of confidence. The device functions. The team signs it off. The design looks ready. Everyone starts thinking about tooling, production schedules, and launch dates. But then production starts, and unexpected … Continue reading →

For decades, global supply chains have been built around one priority: efficiency. If you could reduce costs, increase speed, and, when needed, scale production, you’d win. And for many companies, especially in electronics, there was one clear answer to that … Continue reading →

In episode 327 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian and Renaud revisit a topic that still catches many product developers and importers by surprise: What are non-recurring engineering costs, and why do they matter so much before production starts? NRE costs … Continue reading →

You paid for the tooling. You have the invoices. You were told the molds are yours. But now your Chinese supplier won’t release them… If you’re dealing with a mold ownership dispute in China, you’re not alone. It may not … Continue reading →