The podcast for Performance Auditors, that was hosted by Conor McGarrity and Yusuf Moolla. performanceaudit.substack.com
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Post Auditor Podcasts
Join Renaud Anjoran, Founder & CEO of Sofeast, in this podcast aimed at importers who develop their own products as he discusses the hottest topics and shares actionable tips for manufacturing in China & Asia today! WHO IS RENAUD? Renaud is a French ISO 9001 & 14001 certified lead auditor, ASQ certified Quality Engineer and Quality Manager who has been working in the Chinese manufacturing industry since 2005. He is the founder of the Sofeast group that has over 200 staff globally and offers ...
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Jon Evans of WECT/Fox Wilmington is in his 43rd year of television news. He's asked a lot of questions, and you've seen or heard the answers on his newscasts. Jon is now asking different questions, going in-depth with interviews and learning things that only a few people know. Politicians, business leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers - you'll know them better after hearing them go "1 on 1 with Jon Evans."
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Vietnam-US Trade Deal: Trump’s Tariff Tactics & Transshipment Troubles
24:52
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24:52A major shift just occurred in global trade. On July 2nd, the United States and Vietnam announced a new trade agreement that sets a 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports and 40% on goods deemed to be transshipped (often Chinese-origin products rerouted via Vietnam). In this episode, Adrian and Renaud break down what this means for importers using Vietna…
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Crimes of the Cape Fear: Digging Deeper into Five Unsolved Murders
24:28
24:28
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24:28The families of five murder victims have waited years, even decades, for justice. They lost mothers, fathers, sons and daughters to violent crimes in the Wilmington area, and the killers have never paid the price. In this special podcast episode, you’ll hear detectives talk about the investigations into these unsolved murders, while loved ones shar…
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China's Rare Earth Monopoly: A Looming Supply Chain Crisis?
27:28
27:28
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27:28Adrian and Renaud chat about a timely topic, the complex and critical issue of rare earth minerals, focusing particularly on how the US/China trade war has recently influenced their availability. As China controls over 90% of the refined production of rare earth elements, recent developments in trade policies have significant implications for globa…
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Tesla's Cybertruck Debacle: Reliability, Politics, & Plummeting Sales
34:38
34:38
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34:38In today’s episode, Adrian is joined by Andrew Amirnovin, our reliability expert, and we’re using Tesla’s Cybertruck problems as a case study in what happens when a product skips, or underinvests in, reliability testing. From panels that fall off to cracked windshields and sticky accelerator pedals, it’s clear the fundamentals weren’t locked down b…
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More Than Just A Box: Guide To Making Packaging
31:19
31:19
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31:19"Packaging is more than just a box," a phrase that becomes increasingly true the deeper you get into product development. In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian hosts Kate Oliynykova, Sofeast’s Head of Supply Chain Management, to dive into the often-overlooked yet critical world of packaging. From early-stage design to common pitfal…
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Protect Your IP: Strategies for Safely Sourcing Components
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39:55In episode 277 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian and Renaud explore how to avoid leaking your intellectual property (IP) when sourcing components during the product development process. While working with suppliers, especially overseas, is often necessary, it can also pose significant IP risks. This discussion breaks down the real-world scenar…
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Exploring the book: "Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company"
33:53
33:53
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33:53Join Renaud on a journey into the fascinating world of electronics manufacturing and how Apple's strategic moves in China transformed it. Our episode is inspired by the book "Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company," a book by journalist Patrick McGee, who offers a well-researched exploration of how Apple inadvertently establish…
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Post-Brexit Compliance: Selling in the UK vs the EU
26:10
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26:10If you're manufacturing products for the EU and wondering how to break into the UK post-Brexit, this episode is for you. Renaud Anjoran sits down with compliance expert Fredrik Grönkvist from ComplianceGate to demystify the increasingly divergent regulatory frameworks between the UK and the EU. Show Sections 01:01 – Guest Introduction – Fredrik fro…
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In this special bonus episode of 'China Manufacturing Decoded,' Adrian and Renaud look into the often misunderstood role of trading companies in the Chinese manufacturing landscape. Ultimately, this episode aims to equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions about engaging trading companies, weighing their potential benefits again…
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Breaking the Mold: How 3D-Printed Tooling Is Revolutionizing Plastic Prototyping
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35:47Welcome to episode 273 of the China Manufacturing Decoded podcast. Imagine validating your injection-molded parts using production-grade materials, without waiting weeks or spending tens of thousands. Adrian and Paul unpack the game-changing hybrid tooling process that combines 3D-printed soluble resin inserts with steel molds to accelerate develop…
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China Tariff Reductions (May 12) Breakdown: Temporary Relief for U.S. Companies [BONUS]
13:50
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13:50Recorded on the evening of May 12th, China time, as the news broke, Renaud breaks down the implications of the tariff adjustments announced by the U.S. administration. With tariffs previously skyrocketing to up to around 150%, recent talks in Switzerland between the USA and China have resulted in a significant reduction, providing a temporary windo…
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Tariffs, Trade Shifts & Tactics: A U.S. Importer's Guide (Feat. Owen Haacke of Supply Chain Shark)
34:03
34:03
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34:03Our guest for this episode is Owen Haacke, co-founder of Supply Chain Shark and a licensed customs broker. Owen is renowned for guiding businesses through the complex landscape of US Customs and tariffs. In this episode, we reconnect with Owen to discuss the evolving nature of import tariffs and the impact of recent regulatory changes on global tra…
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Getting It Right from the Start: Essential Guide to Working with Manufacturers
28:37
28:37
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28:37Are you gearing up to manufacture a new electronic / hard good product? In this episode, Renaud and Adrian break down exactly what you need to prepare before starting with a manufacturer. These insights could save you time, money, and major headaches. Show Sections 00:00: Welcome and Introduction 01:13: Sourcing Existing Products: Know What You're …
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India Rising: Can It Replace China as a Manufacturing Giant?
40:50
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40:50With tariffs rising and China becoming a trickier manufacturing partner, many American importers are looking to India. In this episode, we explore the manufacturing landscape in South India, especially when it comes to sourcing PCB assemblies. You’ll gain first-hand insights from a recent trip and learn what makes India both promising and challengi…
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Toy Safety, Trade Wars, and Tariffs: Why Compliance Matters More Than Ever (Feat. Thierry Bourret)
28:46
28:46
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28:46Ever wondered how non-compliant products sneak into your Amazon cart? In this episode, Renaud and Thierry Bourret, director of Konomocha an Asian business development firm, dive into the loopholes that let toys and other goods bypass EU safety standards—and what new regulations might change the game. From Amazon's drop shipping to digital product p…
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Larry the Cable Guy: Ready to Git-R-Done in Wilmington
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38:35Larry the Cable Guy grew out of Dan Whitney's stand-up comedy routines. The character known for his Southern drawl and rapid-fire one-liners has become an American success story, selling millions of tickets, CDs and DVDs, winning several awards, and starring in the Blue Collar Comedy Tour shows. But the native of Nebraska says his biggest break cam…
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Top 10 FAQs about Chinese Contract Manufacturing: Part 2
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35:47
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35:47We've been asked a lot of questions about manufacturing in China over the years, so Paul Adams, the Sofeast Group's New Product Development head, returns to walk us through the second 5 of his Top 10 FAQs about working with Chinese contract manufacturers (and others). Show Sections [00:00] Introduction & Overview [01:57] FAQ 6: What are the differe…
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Tariffs, Tactics, and Trade Shocks: Breaking Down Trump's ‘Liberation Day’ Policy Blitz (BONUS)
30:42
30:42
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30:42Donald Trump just dropped a major bombshell on global trade—again. In this emergency bonus episode, Renaud breaks down the April 2nd "Liberation Day" announcement and how his new sweeping tariff strategy could shake up global sourcing, hit key allies, and complicate the China manufacturing equation even further. Show Sections [00:00] Introduction &…
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Bethany Joy Lenz: One Tree Hill alum and bestselling author becomes a Queen
43:15
43:15
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43:15Bethany Joy Lenz’s acting career took off in 2003, when she got the role of Haley James Scott on the hit show One Tree Hill. Fans of the Wilmington-based show didn’t know that while Lenz enjoyed success on-screen, her personal life was being manipulated by leaders of a religious cult. Lenz’s bestselling 2024 memoir, Dinner for Vampires, details how…
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Top 10 FAQs about Chinese Contract Manufacturing: Part 1
39:20
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39:20Thinking about manufacturing your product in China? In this episode, Paul Adams, the Sofeast Group's New Product Development head, joins us to uncover the secrets to successfully working with Chinese contract manufacturers—how to communicate effectively, manage quality issues, leverage regional strengths for better production, and more. These are P…
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Manufacturing Process Controls = Better Product Quality
33:04
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33:04Are YOU confident that your manufacturing process delivers consistent quality every time? In this episode, we explore the essential concept of manufacturing process controls—why they matter, how to implement them, and how they can prevent costly quality issues. Join us as we explore practical examples that will help you take control of your product…
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Mike Krzyzewski: The Discoveries He’s Made in Retirement
19:53
19:53
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19:53Mike Krzyzewski would be at or near the top of any short list ranking history’s best college basketball coaches. He won more games than any other coach in his 46-year career, leading Duke University to five men’s national championships. He also won Olympic Gold Medals coaching Team USA, and prepared countless young men for their post-college career…
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Quality Inspections Guide: Minimize Risk, Maximize Quality
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30:30Welcome to the 263rd episode of China Manufacturing Decoded! This episode marks a special milestone - four full years of insightful discussions aimed at taking the uncertainty out of manufacturing, quality control, and more in China and Asia. In this episode, we dive into the world of quality inspections. It doesn't matter if you're manufacturing p…
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How Life Cycle Assessments Drive Product Sustainability Changes
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30:17In today’s episode 262, we’re looking into Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) — a critical tool for manufacturers and product developers aiming to improve sustainability and meet growing regulatory demands. You’ll learn why understanding a product’s entire life cycle — from raw material extraction to disposal — is essential for reducing environmental im…
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1
The Righteous Brothers: Keeping the Hit Songs Alive in ‘25
40:18
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40:18Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield formed the Righteous Brothers in 1962, after leaving the singing group they were in called The Paramours. The soulful duo topped the music charts with You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin' and (You’re My) Soul and Inspiration, and hit the top-ten with others including Unchained Melody and Rock and Roll Heaven. After Hatfiel…
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Production-Ready? Critical Deliverables & Validations You Can’t Skip
32:51
32:51
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32:51Are YOU ready for production? Rushing into production without proper checks can lead to costly mistakes. In this episode, we break down the critical buyer-side deliverables and validations that ensure your product is genuinely ready for mass production (especially for new electrical, electronic, and mechanical products). From quality control to rel…
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BONUS EPISODE: Trump Adds ANOTHER 10% Tariff To Chinese Products.
14:13
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14:13In this bonus episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud talks about the additional 10% tariff to be placed on Chinese products announced by Donald Trump on February 27th. Earlier in February he placed a blanket 10% tariff on all Chinese imports (in addition to any already in place), so this new round coming into effect in the first week of Mar…
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Using Early Field Failure Analysis (EFFA) to Prevent Product Disasters
42:56
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42:56In episode 259 of the podcast, host Adrian welcomes back special guest Andrew Amirnovin, a reliability expert, to explore Early Field Failure Analysis (EFFA) and why it's essential for manufacturers aiming to avoid costly recalls and reputation damage. They share real-world examples of what happens when EFFA is neglected—including major recalls fro…
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2D Drawings in Manufacturing: A Timeless Tool
27:39
27:39
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27:39In an era dominated by 3D modeling and digital simulations, are 2D drawings still relevant in manufacturing? In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, we discuss why 2D technical drawings remain an essential tool. From preventing miscommunication to ensuring precision in production, we’ll explore their role, common challenges, and best practi…
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Risk Assessments: Taming Project and Product/Process Level Risks
38:27
38:27
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38:27In Episode 257, hosts Adrian and Renaud explore risk assessments and the importance of understanding risks at both macro (project) and micro (product) levels. With practical insights, they explore how businesses can identify potential risks in new product development, supply chain setups, and manufacturing processes. Assessing risks is a fundamenta…
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel: Talking TV with Wilmington’s Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic
40:23
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40:23As Editor-in-Chief of her Tell-Tale TV website, Ashley Bissette Sumerel has reviewed some of the top shows on television and interviewed some of its’ biggest stars. Sumerel is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and a member of the Critics Choice Association, where her vote counts in deciding the year’s best performances. Her “Talking TV” career all …
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Fame to Bankruptcy: France's Angell E-Bike Startup's Story
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39:04Adrian and Renaud look into Angell Bikes today. This once-promising French e-bike startup soared in popularity and even had a partnership with the MINI car brand, but is now facing bankruptcy. What went wrong? Was it poor manufacturing choices, a flawed design, or something else? We unravel the complexities of this case, exploring the partnerships,…
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BONUS EPISODE: Trump Hits Canada, Mexico, and China with Tariffs
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14:12In this bonus episode, we examine the recent escalation of tariffs imposed by the US on international trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, and notably China. We explore the implications of the increased tariffs, with specific focus on the extra 10% levy placed on various product categories from China. The discussion addresses the complexities …
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Tooling BEFORE Final Prototypes: A Necessary Leap of Faith?
42:03
42:03
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42:03Adrian and Renaud explore a critical stage in the new product introduction (NPI) process: Getting tooling for plastic injection molding made before your final prototypes are finished. They discuss the risks and considerations of commissioning tooling before a final prototype is completed, the financial implications, and best practices to mitigate r…
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Factory Audits on New VS Current Suppliers: Safeguarding Quality & Minimizing Risks
40:07
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40:07Hosts Adrian and Renaud delve into the critical topic of supplier audits. Whether you're sourcing new suppliers or evaluating existing ones, conducting thorough audits is essential to minimizing risks, ensuring product quality, and maintaining a reliable supply chain. With practical insights, examples, and actionable advice, this episode equips imp…
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Building Quality at the Source: Lessons from Industry Leaders
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42:44Welcome back to the podcast, Episode 252, as we kick off 2025 with fresh insights and learnings. This episode is a deep dive into the heart of quality assurance, exploring why achieving excellence in the manufacturing industry goes beyond simple end-line inspections. Join your hosts, Adrian and Renaud, as they break down the crucial concept that 'q…
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Who To Bring YOUR Product Idea To Life? CM with vertical integration VS Separate Suppliers.
39:53
39:53
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39:53Welcome to episode 251 of China Manufacturing Decoded. In this episode, Paul Adams, head of new product development and a senior engineer, delves into a pivotal question that product creators face: whether to partner with a single full-service contract manufacturer or collaborate with multiple specialized suppliers to bring a product idea to life. …
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Importing to the USA, HTS Code Tips, and Handling Tariffs (Feat. Owen Haacke of Supply Chain Shark)
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34:17Happy New Year, and welcome to a special episode of China Manufacturing Decoded. Our guest, Owen Haacke, co-founder of Supply Chain Shark, dives deep into how importing into the U.S. may shift in 2025 under President Trump's second term. Topics include HTS codes, effective tariff strategies, and much more. Whether you’re an American importer or an …
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2024 Review: A Year-End Reflection and a Look Ahead
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27:17Welcome to episode 249 of our podcast—a special holiday season bonus episode, hosted by Adrian and joined by Renaud, as they wrap up the year just before Christmas. In this festive episode, they extend their season's greetings and talk about various topics that highlight the year's end activities and the bustling nature of the holiday period, parti…
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Kathleen Baker: The Battles She Faced Before and After Winning Olympic Gold
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48:02Kathleen Baker overcame being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease to become one of the best swimmers in the world, winning gold and silver medals in Rio de Janeiro with the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team. Baker set her sights on returning to the games in 2020, but she never got that second chance at Olympic gold. Now the North Carolina native is supporting a pr…
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Metal Injection Molding: The Best Process You AREN'T Using
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43:02In episode 248 of China Manufacturing Decoded, we explore an innovative, yet perhaps lesser-utilized metal-forming technique called Metal Injection Molding (MIM). Sofeast CEO Renaud hosts and is joined by Paul Adams, New Product Development head, to look into how MIM works, its unique advantages, and why it's gaining traction as a reliable alternat…
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Exploring MVP vs SLC: Which is Right for Your Product Launch?
59:27
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59:27In this engaging podcast episode, Adrian, your host, is joined by Paul Adams, the Head of New Product Development and a Senior Engineer at the Sofeast Group, to explore the concept of MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) versus SLCs (Simple, Lovable, Complete products). Paul expertly clarifies these concepts, tracing the origins of MVPs to Eric Riese's l…
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Trump's Second Term: Tariff Talks Ignite Global Tensions
42:22
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42:22In this episode of our podcast, Episode 246, hosts Adrian and Renaud delve into the complex topic of international trade policies as they discuss the anticipated trade moves of President Trump in his upcoming second term. Recorded on December 4th, the conversation centers around the potential tariffs Trump plans to impose, not only affecting Americ…
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Revolutionizing Manufacturing with AI: Insights from Bryan DeBois
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34:35Welcome to the latest episode of the China Manufacturing Decoded Show, where we explore the transformative world of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing. Our special guest today is Bryan DeBois, Director of Industrial AI at Rovisys, a leading system integrator. Bryan brings years of experience in digital transformation, industrial AI, indu…
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DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly): Deep Dive
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41:05Hosts Adrian and Renaud dive into the principles and practices of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA). Whether you're developing your first product or refining an existing design, DFMA provides a roadmap to streamline production, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. Listeners will gain insights into key DFMA principles, real-world ex…
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Unpacking the Product Requirements Document
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37:17Adrian and Renaud discuss the Hardware Product Requirements Document (PRD) and the practicalities of developing successful hardware products. They explore the fundamental questions surrounding a PRD: what it is, why it's used, and the benefits it provides. They discuss how a PRD serves as a critical roadmap for project management, ensuring that all…
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Analyzing Different types of Testing Labs and their Activities
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49:07In this episode, Adrian and Renaud dive deep into the world of product testing, sharing information about the best types of testing labs for different needs. They explore the three main types of testing labs—calibration, compliance, and reliability—and discuss when each is applicable, why they're important, and how they support different stages of …
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When and How to Switch Suppliers? Detailed Advice.
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45:03
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45:03In episode 241 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Paul Adams, head of new product development, is joined by Fabien Gaussorgues, CEO of Agilian Technology, to explore the critical decision to switch suppliers (manufacturers) in Asia, especially China. They discuss common warning signs that it's time to change, such as quality inconsistencies and commun…
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Ben Folds: Acclaimed singer/songwriter helps Western NC Hurricane relief
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29:55Ben Folds, the acclaimed singer/songwriter and founder of the 90’s indie rock band Ben Folds Five, is returning to his home state of North Carolina to headline From Wilmington With Love, a benefit concert supporting Hurricane Helene relief. But there’s more on the platinum-record selling performer’s plate. Folds is preparing to record a live perfor…
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IF Trump is re-elected, what about US-China Relations?
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42:03In episode 240 of our podcast, hosts Adrian and Renaud dive into a critical discussion just 12 days before the U.S. presidential election. With the possibility of Donald Trump being re-elected, they explore the implications for U.S.-China relations, focusing on trade dynamics and manufacturing. The episode delves into Trump's provocative strategies…
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