🐬 Dewin Dolphin Audit Framework
Inside a 50-Point Factory Audit
Every Criterion. Every Pillar.
This is the exact audit framework our on-ground team runs on every factory before it enters our 179+ verified network. No shortcuts. No checklists skipped.
✓ 5 audit pillars ✓ 50 scored criteria ✓ Pass threshold: 70/100 ✓ Real on-site inspection
179+
Audited Factories
50
Audit Criteria
1,700+
Real Factory Photos
70/100
Minimum Pass Score
Why a 50-Point Audit — Not Just an ISO Certificate?
ISO certification tells you a factory has a quality management system on paper. Our Dolphin Audit tells you what the factory actually looks like on the production floor — right now, during our visit.
A factory can hold an ISO 9001 certificate and still have broken equipment, inconsistent operator training, and no actual QC process. We find that out. We document it. And we don't list factories that don't pass.
✓ Physical inspection — not document review
✓ Real photos of every production zone
✓ Equipment condition, age, and calibration status
✓ Workforce size, training, and turnover indicators
✓ Export documentation readiness verified
Dewin Dolphin Audit vs. Other Verification Methods
| Verification Method | Dewin Dolphin | ISO Cert Only | Alibaba Profile | Trade Fair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical on-site visit | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Equipment condition scored | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Real production photos | ✅ | ❌ | Self-reported | ❌ |
| QC process verification | ✅ | Partial | ❌ | ❌ |
| Workforce assessment | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Export docs verified | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Numeric score + pass/fail | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Periodic re-audit | ✅ | Annual cert review | ❌ | ❌ |
The 5 Audit Pillars
Each pillar covers 10 scored criteria. Maximum score: 100 points. Minimum pass: 70 points.
🏭
P1
Facility & Safety
10 pts
⚙️
P2
Equipment & Capacity
10 pts
🔬
P3
Quality Systems
10 pts
👥
P4
Workforce & Management
10 pts
📋
P5
Export Compliance
10 pts
QCLDM Score Interpretation
90–100
Tier 1 — Preferred Supplier
Strong across all 5 pillars. Suitable for high-spec, tight-tolerance, or certification-required orders.
80–89
Tier 2 — Approved Supplier
Solid factory with minor gaps. Suitable for most commercial manufacturing applications.
70–79
Tier 3 — Conditional Approval
Meets minimum threshold. May have corrective actions in progress. Suitable for standard-complexity parts.
60–69
Probationary — Corrective Action Required
Does not meet Dewin threshold. Factory placed on corrective action plan. 90-day re-audit scheduled.
Below 60
Not Listed
Factory does not meet Dewin minimum standards. Not added to supplier network.
All 50 Audit Criteria — Explained
Every criterion our auditor assesses during the physical factory visit. Each is scored 0, 0.5, or 1 point (partial credit allowed).
🏭
Pillar 1 · 10 Points
Facility & Safety
1.1
Factory Registration & Legal Status
Verified business registration certificate, tax ID, and export/import licence (if applicable). Factory operating legally under Vietnamese law.
Why it matters: Prevents dealing with shell companies or unregistered operations that could disappear mid-order.
1 pt
1.2
Physical Security & Access Control
Perimeter fencing, gate security, visitor sign-in log, controlled access to production floor and finished goods storage.
Why it matters: IP protection and product security during storage and shipping.
1 pt
1.3
Fire Safety Systems
Fire extinguishers present, inspected, and accessible. Smoke detectors or suppression systems in production areas. Clear evacuation routes posted.
Why it matters: Production continuity — a factory fire means your order doesn't ship.
1 pt
1.4
Electrical Safety & Wiring
Wiring is properly rated, insulated, and labelled. No exposed live wires, overloaded circuits, or improvised electrical connections observed.
Why it matters: Electrical hazards are the leading cause of factory fires and equipment damage in Vietnam.
1 pt
1.5
Workshop Cleanliness & 5S Practice
Work areas free from excessive scrap, oil spills, and clutter. Tools returned to designated locations. Evidence of regular cleaning routine.
Why it matters: 5S culture correlates strongly with consistent quality — a clean shop is a controlled shop.
1 pt
1.6
Raw Material Storage & Segregation
Incoming materials labelled, lot-tagged, and stored separately from in-process and finished goods. No mixing of approved and unapproved material.
Why it matters: Prevents material substitution and ensures traceability if a quality issue occurs.
1 pt
1.7
Finished Goods Storage Condition
Finished parts stored off the floor, in appropriate containers or racks, protected from humidity, corrosion, and mechanical damage.
Why it matters: Goods damaged in storage mean rework, delays, and customer complaints.
1 pt
1.8
Workers' Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Operators using grinding, cutting, welding, or chemical processes wear appropriate PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, respirators) as required by the process.
Why it matters: PPE compliance reflects factory management culture and regulatory compliance posture.
1 pt
1.9
Waste & Chemical Handling
Chemical waste (cutting fluids, oils, solvents) stored in labelled containers, segregated, disposed of per Vietnamese environmental regulations.
Why it matters: Environmental violations can trigger factory shutdown, disrupting your supply chain.
1 pt
1.10
General Production Flow Efficiency
Production floor layout enables logical flow from raw material intake → machining/forming → inspection → packaging. Minimal backtracking observed.
Why it matters: Inefficient layout increases handling time, defect risk, and lead times.
1 pt
⚙️
Pillar 2 · 10 Points
Equipment & Production Capacity
2.1
Core Equipment Inventory & Quantity
Count and type of primary production machines documented. Sufficient machine count to fulfill estimated order volumes without subcontracting the core process.
Why it matters: Factories that claim capacity they don't own will subcontract your order to unaudited third parties.
1 pt
2.2
Equipment Age & Condition
Major machines inspected for wear, oil leaks, vibration, and maintenance history. Brand, model, and approximate age recorded. Key machines: ≤15 years preferred.
Why it matters: Worn equipment produces inconsistent dimensions and surface finishes — the leading cause of quality escapes.
1 pt
2.3
Machine Maintenance Records
Scheduled maintenance logbook or service records present for critical equipment. Evidence that oil changes, calibration, and tooling replacement are tracked.
Why it matters: Unserviced machines break down mid-order. Good maintenance records = reliable delivery.
1 pt
2.4
CNC/Automation Capability (if applicable)
For machining factories: CNC vs manual ratio assessed. Multi-axis capability (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis) documented. For forming factories: automation level and repeatability assessed.
Why it matters: Higher CNC ratio = tighter tolerances, better repeatability, lower scrap rate.
1 pt
2.5
Tooling Availability & Toolroom Management
Dedicated toolroom or tool storage area with organised tooling inventory. Evidence that worn tooling is replaced on schedule, not run to failure.
Why it matters: Dull or worn tooling is the single most common cause of dimensional non-conformance on machined parts.
1 pt
2.6
Production Capacity vs. Current Load
Auditor assesses current utilisation rate vs. available machine hours. Factory should have capacity headroom (≤80% utilised) to absorb new orders without compromising delivery.
Why it matters: An overloaded factory will delay your order to keep its existing customers.
1 pt
2.7
Surface Treatment Capability (in-house or controlled subcontract)
If anodizing, plating, painting, powder coating, or heat treatment is part of the scope: is it in-house? If subcontracted, is the sub-supplier documented and consistent?
Why it matters: Uncontrolled finishing subcontracts are a leading source of coating defects and COO documentation gaps.
1 pt
2.8
Material Cutting & Pre-Processing Equipment
Appropriate raw material preparation equipment for the process (saws, shears, lasers, presses, furnaces) in good working condition and calibrated.
Why it matters: Undersized or poorly maintained prep equipment creates dimensional variation before the main process even starts.
1 pt
2.9
Backup & Redundant Equipment
For critical processes: does the factory have backup machines if the primary goes down? What is the contingency plan for equipment failure mid-order?
Why it matters: Single-machine factories have zero buffer — one breakdown = your order is late.
1 pt
2.10
Production Planning & Scheduling System
Evidence of a production planning process: order book, machine scheduling, WIP tracking. Could be paper-based or digital — consistency matters more than sophistication.
Why it matters: Factories without scheduling systems frequently mis-sequence orders, causing avoidable delays.
1 pt
🔬
Pillar 3 · 10 Points
Quality Systems & Inspection
3.1
Quality Control Inspection Area
Dedicated inspection station(s) separate from production. Not just a bench next to the machine. Lighting, surface plate, and measurement tools present at the inspection station.
Why it matters: Factories without a dedicated inspection area rely on operators self-checking — the weakest form of quality control.
1 pt
3.2
Measurement & Inspection Equipment
Type, quantity, and calibration status of inspection tools documented: digital calipers, micrometers, height gauges, CMM (coordinate measuring machine), 2D VMM (video measuring machine), hardness testers, roughness gauges, go/no-go gauges.
Why it matters: You can't confirm a dimension if you can't measure it accurately. Equipment type determines what tolerances can be verified.
1 pt
3.3
Calibration Records & Traceability
Calibration certificates for measurement equipment traceable to national standards (VN STAMEQ or equivalent). Calibration frequency records maintained. Out-of-calibration equipment tagged and removed from service.
Why it matters: Uncalibrated measurement tools can produce false-pass results — parts appear OK when they are not.
1 pt
3.4
Incoming Material Inspection (IQC)
Documented incoming inspection process for raw materials. Material certifications (mill certs, chemical composition) requested and reviewed. Non-conforming incoming material quarantined.
Why it matters: Defective raw material flowing into production is the root cause of the majority of finished-part non-conformances.
1 pt
3.5
In-Process Quality Checks (IPQC)
Operators or QC personnel check dimensions and surface condition at defined intervals during production — not just at the end. First-off inspection conducted when process restarts.
Why it matters: Catching a defect after 500 pieces are made vs. after 5 pieces are made is the difference between a rework and a scrap event.
1 pt
3.6
Final Outgoing Inspection (OQC)
100% or AQL-based final inspection before shipment. Inspection records retained. Part-specific check list against drawing or specification.
Why it matters: OQC is the last line of defence before your customer receives parts. Factories skipping this rely on customers to find their defects.
1 pt
3.7
Non-Conforming Material Control
Dedicated quarantine area for rejected parts. Red/yellow tag system or equivalent. Non-conforming parts cannot be confused with approved stock.
Why it matters: Mixed approved/rejected stock causes field failures and chargebacks.
1 pt
3.8
Customer Drawing & Specification Control
Current revision of customer drawings available on the production floor and at inspection stations. Obsolete revisions removed or clearly marked. Change control procedure in place.
Why it matters: Factories making parts to an outdated drawing produce non-conforming parts every time.
1 pt
3.9
Corrective Action Process (CAPA)
When a quality issue is identified: does the factory have a structured process to identify root cause, implement corrective action, and verify effectiveness? Even a basic written CAPA format scores here.
Why it matters: Factories without CAPA processes repeat the same defects across multiple orders.
1 pt
3.10
Lot Traceability & Record Retention
Each batch of parts linked to a production record: operator, machine, date, material heat number, inspection data. Records retained for a defined period (typically ≥2 years).
Why it matters: Without lot traceability, a field failure cannot be investigated, and a recall cannot be managed.
1 pt
👥
Pillar 4 · 10 Points
Workforce & Management
4.1
Workforce Size & Stability
Total headcount documented, separated by production / QC / management roles. Approximate tenure distribution (% of workers with >2 years) indicates stability.
Why it matters: High turnover factories have inconsistent operator skill — quality varies order to order.
1 pt
4.2
Operator Training & Skill Level
Evidence of operator training records — especially for CNC programming, welding, inspection, and other skilled tasks. Apprentice/senior ratios noted.
Why it matters: Untrained operators produce variable quality regardless of how good the machines are.
1 pt
4.3
Management Communication — English Capability
At least one management-level contact with functional English for technical drawing review, specification clarification, and quality communication.
Why it matters: Drawing misinterpretation due to language barrier is a leading cause of non-conformance in Vietnam sourcing.
1 pt
4.4
Management Experience & Industry Background
Factory management has relevant industry experience (machining, casting, injection molding, etc.). Auditor notes any recent management changes or instability indicators.
Why it matters: Management quality is the single strongest predictor of factory reliability. Technical knowledge matters.
1 pt
4.5
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Written process instructions or work instructions posted at workstations for critical operations. Does not need to be ISO-formatted — clarity and accessibility matter.
Why it matters: Without SOPs, operator output depends entirely on individual knowledge — which leaves when the operator does.
1 pt
4.6
Performance Metrics & Visual Management
Production KPI boards, quality defect rate tracking, or delivery performance boards visible on the production floor. Evidence of active management monitoring.
Why it matters: Factories that track their own performance are better at detecting problems early — before your parts are affected.
1 pt
4.7
Sub-supplier Management & Disclosure
Factory discloses which processes are subcontracted (e.g., heat treatment, plating, testing). Sub-supplier names provided and recurring sub-suppliers audited or inspected.
Why it matters: Hidden subcontracting is a major source of quality failures and COO documentation risk.
1 pt
4.8
Customer Communication Responsiveness
During the audit visit, auditor assesses: how quickly does the factory respond to RFQ queries? Are technical questions answered with knowledge or deflected? Is pricing turnaround timely?
Why it matters: Slow, evasive communication during the sales process predicts slow, evasive communication during a quality crisis.
1 pt
4.9
Intellectual Property & Confidentiality Posture
Factory willing to sign NDA. Customer drawings not shared with competitors. Design files stored securely (not on shared USB drives or open network folders).
Why it matters: IP theft is a real risk in Vietnam manufacturing. Factories that take confidentiality seriously reduce your risk exposure.
1 pt
4.10
Continuous Improvement Culture Indicators
Any evidence of kaizen activities, quality improvement initiatives, investment in new equipment, or certification pursuit (ISO 9001, IATF 16949). Reflects forward-thinking management.
Why it matters: Factories that invest in improvement today will be more capable and reliable next year. Static factories fall behind.
1 pt
📋
Pillar 5 · 10 Points
Export Compliance & Documentation
5.1
Export Licence & VCCI Registration
Factory has a valid export licence (or exemption) and is registered with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) for Certificate of Origin (CO) issuance.
Why it matters: Without VCCI registration, the factory cannot issue Form B (C/O for non-preferential exports). COO documentation gaps create CBP anti-circumvention exposure for your US import.
1 pt
5.2
Substantial Transformation Capability
The manufacturing process at this factory genuinely changes the form, character, or use of the input materials — meeting the CBP substantial transformation test for Vietnamese origin.
Why it matters: Factories that only assemble or finish Chinese-origin components do not qualify for Vietnamese origin status. This is the anti-circumvention test that CBP enforces.
1 pt
5.3
Bill of Materials (BOM) Origin Tracking
Factory can document the origin of key raw materials and sub-components: where purchased, country of origin, supplier name. Not required to be full RCEP or CPTPP product-specific rule level — directional traceability is the minimum.
Why it matters: US CBP anti-circumvention investigations focus on raw material sourcing. Factories with no BOM origin records cannot defend an origin claim.
1 pt
5.4
CO Form B Issuance Experience
Factory has previously issued VCCI Form B (standard non-preferential CO for US exports) or CPTPP/EVFTA/RCEP preferential COs. Understands the documentation requirements.
Why it matters: A factory that has never issued a CO will need guidance. Dewin verifies CO issuance capability before assigning high-value export orders.
1 pt
5.5
Shipping & Customs Documentation Capability
Factory can produce standard export documents: commercial invoice (with HS code), packing list, bill of lading coordination. Experienced working with freight forwarders.
Why it matters: Documentation errors cause customs delays, additional duties, or cargo holds. Experienced factories clear customs reliably.
1 pt
5.6
HS Code Awareness
Factory management understands the HS/HTS code classification for their primary products. Aware of any dual-use or restricted item classifications relevant to their products.
Why it matters: Incorrect HS code filing can result in customs clearance delays, mis-applied duty rates, and US CBP query.
1 pt
5.7
Anti-Circumvention Awareness
Factory management understands CBP anti-circumvention enforcement (they've heard of it, understand what it means). No history of origin fraud or circumvention complaints.
Why it matters: Knowingly or unknowingly participating in origin circumvention schemes exposes buyers to civil penalties, seizures, and loss of import privileges.
1 pt
5.8
ISO or International Certification Status
Current ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO 13485, or other relevant certification. Certificates verified for validity, scope, and issuing body.
Why it matters: Certified factories have documented QMS processes and have passed third-party audits. Valid certs reduce buyer audit burden.
1 pt
5.9
Customer Reference & Transaction History
Factory has supplied international buyers (US, EU, Japan, etc.) in the past 24 months. Willing to provide reference customers for verification.
Why it matters: Export experience correlates with documentation competence, reliability, and understanding of international buyer expectations.
1 pt
5.10
Communication of Scope Limitations
Factory is transparent about what processes they do in-house vs. subcontract, what volumes they can reliably handle, and what certifications they genuinely hold (vs. claim).
Why it matters: Factories that accurately represent their capabilities are far easier to work with than those who promise everything. Honesty here is scored positively.
1 pt
Sample Dolphin Audit Scorecard
Example scorecard output for a Tier 2 approved CNC machining factory (anonymised).
Factory Profile — Anonymised Sample
CNC Machining Factory · Binh Duong Province
Audit Date: Feb 2026 · Auditor: Dewin On-Ground Team
82
out of 100
Tier 2 — Approved
P1 Facility
8/10
P2 Equipment
9/10
P3 Quality
8/10
P4 Workforce
7/10
P5 Compliance
8/10
✅ Strengths Noted
- • In-house CMM (Mitutoyo) — verified calibration certificate current
- • IATF 16949 certified, scope covers precision turning and milling
- • Production KPI board updated daily — machine utilization + scrap rate tracked
- • Full lot traceability — operator, machine, material heat number per batch
- • 5S condition excellent — dedicated tool room, floor lanes marked
⚠️ Corrective Actions Noted
- • P4.3 (English capability): Production manager English adequate; QC lead limited. Recommend adding bilingual QC rep for international orders.
- • P4.7 (Sub-supplier disclosure): Heat treatment subcontracted to one supplier — no formal qualification record on file. Requested in 30 days.
- • P5.3 (BOM origin tracking): Material purchase records present but no formal origin tracking per line item. Recommended improvement.
This sample scorecard is illustrative and anonymised. Real Dolphin Audit reports are provided to buyers during the factory match process for actively quoting factories.
Why Export Compliance Is Pillar 5
A factory can score 40/40 on pillars 1–4 and still be the wrong choice if its export documentation can't support your import claims. Vietnam's FTA advantage is only real when the paperwork is real.
CPTPP
Comprehensive & Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Covers US, Canada, Japan, Australia, NZ, Vietnam, Malaysia + more.
Preferential duty rates to 11 member nations
EVFTA
EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. Eliminating 99% of tariffs on EU-Vietnam trade over 10 years.
0% duty on most goods for EU buyers
RCEP
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. World's largest FTA: ASEAN + China + Japan + Korea + Australia + NZ.
Preferential rates to 15 Asia-Pacific nations
UKVFTA
UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. Post-Brexit bilateral FTA, effective 2021.
Preferential access for UK buyers
Vietnam has 16+ active FTAs. Our Pillar 5 audit verifies that each factory can actually produce the CO documentation to claim these benefits — not just theoretically qualify.
See the Audit Report for Your Factory Match
Tell us what you need to make. We'll match you to audited Vietnam factories from our 179+ network — and share the Dolphin Audit scorecard for each match.
179+ audited factories · 1,700+ real photos · 50-point audit on every supplier
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dolphin Audit and who designed it?
The Dolphin Audit is Dewin's proprietary 50-point factory inspection framework, developed from hundreds of factory visits across Vietnam's industrial zones. It covers 5 pillars: Facility & Safety, Equipment & Capacity, Quality Systems, Workforce & Management, and Export Compliance — 10 scored criteria each.
What score does a factory need to pass the Dolphin Audit?
Only factories scoring 70/100 or above are accepted into the Dewin supplier network. Factories scoring 60–69 are placed on a conditional list with required corrective actions within 90 days. Factories below 60 are not listed.
How often are Dewin factories re-audited?
New factories receive a full 50-point audit before listing. Active factories supplying Dewin orders receive periodic re-audit visits — typically every 12–18 months, or immediately following any quality incident, management change, or production relocation.
Can buyers view the full Dolphin Audit report for a factory?
Yes. For factories actively quoting for your project, Dewin provides the full Dolphin Audit scorecard, inspection photos, and any corrective action history. Request a factory match and audit report via our instant quote form.