Quick Answer
The four main factory audit types are: quality management system (QMS) audits, production capability audits, social compliance audits (BSCI, SMETA, SA8000), and environmental audits. Most buyers need a capability and QMS audit before ordering; social and environmental audits are added where buyers or markets require them.
The Four Audit Types
- QMS audit — evaluates quality processes, equipment, and team; assesses ability to produce to specification consistently.
- Capability audit — confirms the factory has the equipment, workforce, and capacity to make your product at volume (prevents the subcontracting problem).
- Social compliance audit — assesses labour, hours, wages, and safety against standards like BSCI, SMETA, and SA8000.
- Environmental audit — evaluates waste, emissions, and regulatory compliance.
Which Audit Do You Need?
For most product procurement, a combined capability and QMS audit is the priority — it confirms the factory can actually make your product well. Add a social compliance audit when a buyer, retailer, or tender requires it, and an environmental audit for regulated or ESG-sensitive supply chains.
Key Takeaways
- QMS and capability audits confirm production quality and capacity.
- Social audits cover labour and safety standards.
- Environmental audits cover waste and compliance.
- Match the audit to buyer and market requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a factory audit?
A factory audit is a structured assessment of a supplier's people, processes, equipment, and documentation, conducted on-site or remotely to confirm capability and compliance before you place an order.
What is the difference between a QMS and a capability audit?
A QMS audit focuses on quality processes and consistency; a capability audit confirms the factory has the equipment, workforce, and capacity to make your specific product at the required volume.
What is a social compliance audit?
It assesses labour conditions — working hours, wages, age, and safety — against recognised standards such as BSCI, SMETA, SA8000, and Sedex, and is often required by retailers and tenders.
Which audit type should I start with?
For most orders, a combined capability and QMS audit comes first because it confirms the factory can actually produce your product to standard. Social and environmental audits are added based on buyer and market requirements.
Can Plutonia perform these audits?
Yes. Plutonia conducts capability, QMS, social-compliance-style, and environmental factory checks in China and across Asia, with a written report. Submit the supplier details to start.