The checklist topics in this guide are compiled from AYD Prefabrik production facility field practice, ISO 9001 quality management system and TS EN 1090 steel structure conformity standards.
Details observable during a factory visit can vary by the manufacturer's production model. Sharing questions in writing before the visit accelerates the process.
Production capacity: monthly m² figure is the contract foundation
A prefab factory's monthly production capacity (m²/month) directly determines the delivery timeline. During the visit, asking the manufacturer's annual average m² output, number of lines and how many projects run in parallel is the most reliable starting point.
Low-capacity workshops may offer lower prices, but the risk of delivery deviation is higher. Before the contract, where your monthly target falls within the factory's capacity should be made explicit.
- The monthly m² production capacity should be requested as a number.
- The number of parallel projects should be asked.
- Annual average output is the basis for contract planning.
- Low capacity creates a risk of delivery delay.
Machinery park and automation level: the measure of production quality
The automation level of the panel manufacturing line, profile cutting line and welding stations directly affects product quality. Facilities with CNC cutting machines, automatic panel press lines and robotic welding units keep tolerance deviations minimal.
The age of the machinery and maintenance records also matter. In facilities with old equipment, panel corner accuracy and profile cutting precision may drop, creating rework cost on the installation site.
- CNC cutting accuracy should be at the ±1 mm level.
- The automation level of the panel press line should be asked.
- Whether the welding station is robotic or manual should be clarified.
- Machinery maintenance records should be requested during the visit.
- Old equipment creates quality tolerance deviations.
Quality control checkpoints and test laboratory
A professional prefab factory should have at least three quality control checkpoints: incoming, in-process and final inspection. For each checkpoint, the written procedure, responsible personnel and record forms can be requested during the visit.
The test laboratory is where profile tensile tests, panel adhesion tests and weld penetration tests are performed. Facilities without an in-house lab or relying on external labs have higher delay and tolerance risk.
- Incoming, in-process and final inspection points should be observed on site.
- Written quality procedures and record forms should be requested.
- The presence of a test lab and equipment inventory should be asked.
- External lab use lengthens the timeline.
- Quality control records should be retained for at least 5 years.
Storage area and panel manufacturing line layout
Storage capacity is as decisive for delivery discipline as production speed. Raw material storage, intermediate stock and shipping areas must be separated, and produced panels should be protected from weather in a covered shipping area before being sent to site.
The layout of the panel manufacturing line is also important. Facilities working with a linear (line) flow can shorten production times by 20-30% compared to cellular workshops.
- Raw material, intermediate and shipping areas should be separated.
- A covered shipping area protects panels from weather.
- A linear flow line shortens production time.
- Storage area in m² should be asked before the contract.
- Pre-shipment labeling and packaging method should be explained.
ISO certificates, contract scope and visit policy
ISO 9001 quality management certificate indicates that the manufacturer operates with a standardized process. For light steel facilities, TS EN 1090 and TS EN ISO 3834 for welding qualification should also be checked.
The scope of the contract (production, transport, installation, after-sales warranty) should be received in writing during the visit. Facilities that operate an open factory policy and walk customers through the production line are a sign of transparency.
- ISO 9001 certificate should be seen during the visit.
- TS EN 1090 and TS EN ISO 3834 are mandatory for light steel.
- The contract scope should be requested in writing.
- An open factory policy is an indicator of transparency.
- The warranty period and scope should be asked document-based.
Related pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a factory visit mandatory?
Yes. The manufacturer's real capacity, machinery park and quality control procedures can only be observed through a facility visit. At least one site inspection before the contract is strongly recommended.
Which documents should be requested during the visit?
ISO 9001 quality management certificate, TS EN 1090 and TS EN ISO 3834 for light steel, quality control procedures, recent test reports and reference project files can be requested.
Why is monthly production capacity important?
Monthly m² production capacity directly determines your delivery timeline. In low-capacity facilities running multiple parallel projects, delivery delays may occur. Capacity-to-order alignment is critical.
How does automation level affect quality?
CNC cutting, automatic panel press and robotic welding keep tolerance deviations minimal. Manual-heavy facilities show more dimensional deviation in panels and profiles, which becomes additional installation labor cost.
Can we work with a manufacturer without ISO 9001?
It is technically possible but not recommended. ISO 9001 is the formal indicator that the manufacturer works with written processes and retains quality records. Without it, the chain of evidence weakens when an issue arises.
See our factory in person
Visit the AYD Prefabrik production facility, inspect the panel and profile lines on site. Our technical team will answer all your questions.
