Overview
A pre-dispatch inspection (PDI) is the last quality gate before goods leave the supplier. An independent inspector visits the works, draws samples from the finished lot, witnesses the agreed tests and checks marking, packing and documents. If the lot conforms, it ships with an inspection report the buyer can rely on. If it does not, the problem is dealt with at the factory, where fixing it is quickest and cheapest.
For buyers, PDI reduces the risk of receiving goods that are short, mislabelled or below specification. For manufacturers, an independent clearance before dispatch avoids disputes later and is often a contractual requirement for utility and public sector orders.
Aaditech carries out PDI as an NABCB-accredited Type A inspection body under ISO/IEC 17020:2012 (certificate IB 024).
Note: Our NABCB accreditation covers electrical equipment only. PDI for products outside that scope, such as steel, building materials or mechanical items, can be arranged on request, and our reports state that it is outside the accredited scope.
What we inspect
| Check | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Quantity and identification | Lot size, serial numbers, type and rating against the purchase order |
| Sampling | Samples drawn by our inspector, following the sampling plan in the standard or contract |
| Visual and dimensional | Workmanship, finish, critical dimensions and construction details |
| Witnessed testing | Acceptance and routine tests carried out in the supplier’s test bay, witnessed by us |
| Test equipment | Calibration status of the instruments used for the tests |
| Marking and labelling | Rating plates, standard marks, licence numbers and other mandatory markings |
| Packing | Packing method, protection for transit and shipping marks |
| Documents | Test certificates, quality plan records and any type test reports referred to in the order |
Typical products include cables and conductors, energy meters, transformers, switchgear, LED lamps and luminaires, capacitors, motors, insulators and wiring accessories.
Who it’s for
- Utilities, PSUs and EPC contractors whose contracts require inspection before material is despatched to site.
- Buyers sourcing from new or distant suppliers, where a site visit by their own staff is impractical.
- Manufacturers who need an independent inspection certificate to release goods against an order.
- Importers and exporters who want independent evidence of conformity before shipment.
Our process
- Order review. We review the purchase order, specification, approved drawings, quality plan and applicable standards, and agree the scope of inspection with you.
- Scheduling. The supplier confirms when the lot is ready and the tests can be offered. We confirm the visit date and the inspector.
- On-site inspection. Our inspector verifies quantity, draws samples, carries out visual and dimensional checks, and witnesses the agreed tests.
- Findings on the spot. Any non-conformity is discussed with the supplier during the visit, so corrective action can start immediately.
- Report. We issue an inspection report recording samples, tests, results and observations, with a clear recommendation to accept, hold or reject.
- Re-inspection. If required, we return to inspect the corrected or replaced items.
Standards & references
- ISO/IEC 17020:2012 for the conduct of inspection, impartiality and reporting.
- The Indian Standard or IEC standard for the product, including its sampling plan and acceptance tests.
- The buyer’s technical specification, approved drawings and quality assurance plan, which usually set the hold and witness points.
Why Aaditech
- Accredited independence. As a Type A inspection body we do not make, sell or install the products we inspect.
- Standards expertise at the top. Aaditech was promoted by former Directors of the Bureau of Indian Standards. Our CEO, Mr B.K. Jain, headed the BIS electrical laboratory.
- Practical reporting. Our reports are written so that a stores officer, a project manager or a purchase committee can act on them without further interpretation.
- One partner from vendor to dispatch. We can also assess the supplier before the order is placed and carry out stage-wise inspection during manufacture, so PDI is not the first time anyone has looked at the product.
