Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management

For devices beyond our in-house production scope, MECANMED leverages a meticulously vetted network of global manufacturers. We align with partners who meet our aerospace-grade quality benchmarks and international certifications, ensuring seamless integration with our one-stop procurement ecosystem.

1. Supplier Screening

1.1 Supplier Screening

(1) Online sourcing

① SE (search engine)

② Social media

③ B2B platform

④ Internet trade show

(2) Exhibition

Participate in exhibitions like the Canton Fair, CMEF (China International Medical Equipment Fair), etc.

(3) Collaborative supplier referrals

Suppliers we are collaborating recommend other suppliers in relative industry to us.

(4) Proactive supplier sales visits

Suppliers visit our company and promote their own product.

1.2 Background Investigation

(1) Define our own supplier selection criteria, including:

① Employment verifications (identity, education, previous employment, address, etc.)

② Compliance and certifications (enterprise registration, business certificate, legal dispute, patent, trademark, ISO, CE, etc.)

③ Regional preferences (China, Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, North America, South America, etc.)

④ Cost range [range of target unit price, payment term (T/T, L/C), proportion logistics costs, etc.]

⑤ Supply capability (annual production capacity, delivery cycle, customization capability, etc.)

 Innovation and sustainability

(2) Verify supplier credentials and certifications

Verify different types of credentials and certifications such as business licenses, insurance policies, professional accreditations, industry-specific standards, and security clearances.

(3) Check supplier references and reviews

Aim: Evaluate the supplier’s reputation, performance, and customer satisfaction, as well as identify any potential issues or risks.

Method: Feedback and testimonials from their previous or current customers, partners, or peers.

1.3 Formalities and Qualifications

(1) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

(2) Safety Assessment

1.4 Factory Visit

(1) Production equipment and production line evaluation

(2) Quality control and management system review

(3) Warehousing and logistics management evaluation

① Material management

② Finished product storage

(4) Production safety

(5) Corporate culture and working atmosphere

1.5 Sample

(1) Set the sample range

Main product stratification: Classify based on main products (e.g., ventilator, patient information, syringe pump, etc.); select 2 to 3 suppliers for each product type.

Firm size stratification: Large (annual revenue: >100 million), medium (annual revenue: 50-100 million), small (annual revenue: <50 million)

Price stratification: High-end, middle-end, low-end

(2) Select samples according to distinct stratifications

(3) Sample comparison

① Appearance comparison

② Functional comparison

③ Parameter comparison

(4) Derive the conclusion and filter out recommended models according to distinct stratifications

1.6 Trial Order

(1) Pre-production preparation

① Specify detailed technical parameters and avoid ambiguity.

② Implement a reduced lead time compared to the standard (e.g., 25 days for trial orders versus the regular 30-day delivery window) to assess supply chain resilience.

③ Specify internal and external packaging details (e.g., shockproof and moisture-proof requirements) to prevent transportation damage.

④ Sign a contract with punitive terms, clearly defining acceptance criteria, non-conforming goods handling terms (retuen/replacement/discount), intellectual property ownership, etc.

(2) Producing process monitor and control

Require suppliers to provide photo/video documentation at the following four stages: raw material procurement, first article production, semi-finished product inspection, and pre-packaging.

(3) Logistics and delivery verification

① Require suppliers to submit complete logistics documentation (e.g., packing list, bill of lading, customs clearance documents) to evaluate their document management capability.

② Track deviations between actual vs. agreed delivery timelines; conduct root cause analysis (e.g., production delays or logistics failures) for delays exceeding 3 days.

(4) Initial arrival inspection

External packaging and label verification:

① Integrity: Check for damage, moisture, deformation on outer cartons, and signs of resealing (e.g., tampered tape).

② Label information: Verify markings (product name, model, quantity, order number) against order requirements.

③ Special Symbols: Confirm fragile/moisture-sensitive items are marked (e.g.,”↑arrow, umbrella symbol).

Quantity and specification verification:

① Full Counting: Conduct 100% quantity verification.

② Specification Sampling: Randomly inspect 5–10 items for model, color, and size consistency to prevent mixed materials.

(5) Detailed unpacking inspection

Appearance inspection:

① Surface scratches, color deviations, stains

② Assembly gap uniformity (e.g., ≤0.5mm tolerance measured with calipers)

Functional inspection:

① Electronic product: Power-on test, button responsiveness, interface compatibility, etc.

② Mechanical product: Transmission system (e.g., fluency of gears, drive belts, drive chains, etc.), power system (e.g., stability of electric motors, generators, etc.), control system (e.g., validate responsiveness of switches, buttons, indicator lamps, etc.), etc.

(6) Unqualified product handling

Evidence Retention: Photograph/video defects, mark issue locations, and retain samples.

Supplier Communication: Send quality report within 24 hours, demand resolution timeline and propose rework/replacement plans.

(7) Evaluation after trial order

Assign different weights to factors such as quality compliance rate, on-time delivery accuracy, and communication responsiveness. Evaluate suppliers based on their weighted scores and screen out qualified candidates for collaboration.

1.7 MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

(1) Verify the MSDS authenticity and validity

Authenticity: Require suppliers to provide third-party testing reports (e.g., SGS, TÜV, etc.).

Validity:

① Verify if the MSDS complies with regulations of the export region. For example, when exporting products to European Union, the MSDS shall comply with the REACH Regulation. When exporting products to America, the MSDS shall comply with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.

② Verify if the MSDS is constantly updated as time. and regulations change.

(2) Verify the MSDS completeness and localization

Completeness: Verify that the MSDS includes essential items, such as product storage prohibitions (e.g., whether labeling and stacking instructions are provided), emergency response measures (e.g., handling methods for inhalation, leakage, etc.), instructions on shipping marks (e.g., prohibitions, storage requirements, etc.), etc..

Localization: Verify if the MSDS is available in the local language.

1.8 After-sales Service

(1) Rapid and effective response

① Multi-language support: After-sales service is available in English, Spanish, French, and other languages.

② 3-hour emergency response: Provide solutions within 3 hours after receiving problem feedback.

(2) Perfect technical support

① Installation manual and video

② Service manual and maintenance video

③ Operation video

④ Remote instruction (through Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)

(3) Flexible warranty system

Warranty: at least 12 months for machine (parts and shipping are included)—–extended warranty available for purchase

1.9 VAS (Value-added Service)

(1) Customized logo

Customized logo can be printed on the product body, label and accessories (e.g., laser printing, silk-screen printing, sticker, etc.). In addition, customized logos can be integrated into both the machine’s startup screen and operating interface.

(2) Customized packaging

① Multi-language label customization: Information in multiple languages (e.g., English, French, Spanish, etc.) can be printed on the packaging label.

② Transportation protection customization: Customized shock-resistant packaging structure engineered to withstand significant impact, pressure variations, and temperature variations (e.g., EPE foam partition layer for medical test kits).

③ Compliance customization: Customized packaging engineered for compliance with target export market regulations and standards (e.g., packaging materials shall meet the EN 868 standard when exporting medical equipment to Europe).

(3) Technical product training (online/offline)

① Operation training: Equipment installation and debugging, parameter settingt (e.g., electrosurgical units, hemodialysis machines, anesthesia machines, etc.), software operation, etc..

② Maintenance training: Preventive maintenance (e.g., dental chair disinfection cycle, ultrasonic probe cleaning cycle, etc.), error code interpretation, etc..

2. Order Production

2.1 Production Cycle Confirmation

(1) Requirement specifying

① Provide complete product specifications

② Specify order quantity and types of packing

(2) Breakdown of the production stage

Require suppliers to break down the production cycle:

① Raw material procurement time

② Production processing time

③ Quality inspection & testing time

④ Packaging & labeling time

(3) Continuous follow-up and risk control

① Regular progress updates

Require suppliers to provide production progress reports every several days (with photos or videos).

② Contingency plans

Confirm in advance the supplier’s measures to address delays (e.g., overtime work, subcontracting parts of processes) and identify alternative supplier resources.

2.2 Procurement Contract Signing

(1) Core contract term specifying

① Product description & specifications

Product name, model, material, color, dimensions, etc.

② Price & payment terms

Currency (RMB/USD), advance payment ratio, final payment timing, etc.

③ Delivery timeline & responsibilities

Production cycle (specific start date), delay liability (penalty clauses), etc.

④ Quality & inspection clauses

Inspection standards (e.g., sampling methods, inspection bodies, etc.), unqualified product handling (specific rework deadlines, cost responsibilities, return/compensation, etc.), etc.

(2) Legal risk prevention and control

① Intellectual property (IP) Clause

② Force majeure (limited to war, earthquakes, strikes, etc.)

③ Breach of contract (mutual obligations, termination conditions, etc.)

(3) Logistics & documentation requirements

① Specify freight bearer.

② Require suppliers to provide needed documentation (e.g., CO, CE, FCC, FDA, MSDS, bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, etc.).

2.3 Payment

(1) Advance payment

Triggering condition: Validation of contracts and proforma invoice (PI) receiving

(2) Final payment

Triggering condition: Forthcoming shipment

3. Quality Control of Goods

3.1 Pictures of Shipment

3.2 Shipment Details

(1) Product Verification

Verify if the actual model, color, specification, power cord, customization (e.g., logo, language, etc.) and other items conform to those specified on the contract.

(2) Packing List Verification

Verify if the container quantity, dimension and weight are in accordance with that specified on the bill of lading and invoice.

(3) Tag Verification

Verify if needed tags are printed on the packaging (e.g., “Fragile”)

(4) Container Stuffing Supervision

① Supervise that the container should be sealed or locked to prevent unauthorized access, theft, tampering, or smuggling. In addition, take photos/videos to record the locker No. and container No..

② Check the container for stability and balance (the clearance between goods and container wall should less than 10cm), preventing shifting during transportation.

4. Shipment

4.1 Update product images to customers

Update product images (refer to 2.3.1) to customers to confirm that the goods are normal before shipment.

4.2 Produce a packing list, invoice, booking, and marking

(1) Packing list

The packing list involves the following details: invoice number, name and contact information of the sales representative, product description, product quantity, net weight and gross weight per carton, package amount, package number, package dimension, and package type.

See image below, taking the patient monitor and its cart as an example.

(2) Invoice

The invoice involves consignee company name, consignee address, consignee name, consignee contact number, date, invoice number, name of sales representative, contact information of sales representative, product description, product quantity, unit price and total price.

See image below.

(3) Booking

① Inquiry: Provide product information (weight, dimension, and product name) for freight forwarding to gain freight quotation.

② Shipping space confirmation: Sign the “Booking Confirmation” and request “Shipping Order (SP).”

(4) Marking

The marking involves consignee name, item number, product description, product quantity, package dimension and gross weight.

See image below.

4.3 Follow-up Logistics

Find the logistics information on the corresponding website by inputting the bill of lading number or AWB number. Regularly track the logistics status (on board, departure, arrival and discharged).

4.4 Declare at Customs

(1) Previous preparation

① HS code confirmation

② Compliance audit: export control and intellectual property (IP)

(2) Documentation preparation

① Invoice

② Packing list

③ Sales contract

④ Certificate of origin (CO)

⑤ Customs declaration

⑥ Special document (e.g., CE, FDA, MSDS, IPPC, etc.)

(3) Customs declaration

Submit the prepared documentation to customs.

(4) Duty payment and customs release

After passing the customs inspection, pay the duty and then the customs will release.

4.5 Logistics Tracking to Customers

Regularly update the logistics status (on board, departure, arrival, and discharged) to customers.

See image below.

5. Customer Receiving

5.1 Remind Customers to Clear Customs and Take Delivery

When the logistics status turns to “Arrival”, kindly remind the customer to present the customs clearance documentation (mentioned at 2.4.4 Section 2) provided by our company to facilitate the customs clearance process. After the customs clearance, pay the duty and then take goods away.

5.2 Confirmation of Goods

(1) Inspect if the price, product name, HS code and etc. on the invoice is in accordance with that on the customs declaration.

(2) Inspect the packing list for total quantities, net weight, gross weight, continuity of CTN number, and etc..

(3) Inspect the packaging box for any damage, water stains, or deformation (photograph and retain as evidence).

(For a full container, inspect the locker for integrity and verify that the locker number corresponds with that on the bill of lading.)

(4) Goods inspection

Appearance inspection:

① Surface scratches, color deviations, stains

② Assembly gap uniformity (e.g., ≤0.5mm tolerance measured with calipers)

③ Label information corresponds with order requirements

Functional inspection:

① Electronic product: Power-on test, button responsiveness, interface compatibility, etc.

② Mechanical product: Transmission system (e.g., fluency of gears, drive belts, drive chains, etc.), power system (e.g., stability of electric motors, generators, etc.), control system (e.g., validate responsiveness of switches, buttons, indicator lamps, etc.), etc.

Quantity verification: 

Cross-check the quantities of goods against the purchase order or contract item by item to ensure alignment with the physically received quantities.

5.3 Certificate of Acceptance

After customers complete the goods inspection and certify that the quality, quantity, and functionality comply with the contractual requirements, sign the certificate of acceptance as evidence of order completion.

5.4 Customer Feedback

Upon completion of the transaction, customers may submit evaluations regarding the transaction process or the goods themselves.

Aim:

  • Functional optimization: Enhance design through customer pain point analysis.
  • New product development: Explore the demand that hasn’t been satisfied.
  • Delivery efficiency: Identify high-frequency delaying nodes.
  • Packaging enhancement: Upgrade packaging solutions based on damage rate data.
  • Personalized service: Customize services based on client preference.

6. Installation and Maintenance (Customer Service)

6.1 On-line

(1) Installation diagram and manual

(2) Installation and maintenance video

(3) Remote assistance (through Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)

6.2 On Site (limited to the Philippines and Nigeria)

Customers can schedule an appointment with the engineer for on-site service.

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