A Day in the Life of a Products, Installations & Distribution Inspector

The day begins at 9 a.m. with a safety briefing provided by the client. Jürgen and the team are equipped with protective goggles and safety vests, ensuring their safety while moving through the factory. 

The audit starts with a discussion of outstanding projects, previous findings, and areas of focus from past visits. Upcoming regulatory changes, like the European Drinking Water Directive, are reviewed, along with compliance updates that could affect production. 

Jürgen draws on his experience in quality assurance to contribute to problem-solving discussions, offering insights from both sides of the process, what it takes to produce high-quality components and what auditors need to check to verify safety and compliance. 

By 11 a.m., Jürgen heads to the foundry, the heart of production, where raw materials like brass arrive to be transformed into essential components. The heat from the freshly cast molds radiates upward, a clear sign of the energy and precision that goes into every component. 

Jürgen’s first task is verifying raw materials. Supplier documentation is meticulously checked to ensure every batch of metal is authentic and uncontaminated. Traceability is critical as any mix-up could compromise product safety, particularly for components used in drinking water systems. 

Next comes the plastic molding section. Plastics used in drinking water components are carefully tested for quality and safety. Tolerance tests simulate long-term pressure and stress, pushing components beyond normal operating conditions to ensure they withstand years of use. 

Jürgen audits machine parts and automated testing. Some items are automatically tested, while others require human judgment. Jürgen’s role is to ensure that every process is properly monitored, and that automation and human oversight are balanced effectively. 

“The more we automate, the faster and more cost-effective production becomes,” says the client. But even with advanced automation, meticulous auditing is essential. 

The final stop is the assembly line, where workers put together components at individual stations. Stickers and labels are added to both products and boxes to show that they’ve passed rigorous testing, including the Kiwa quality mark. 

Jürgen also reviews procedures for products that deviate from specifications. Mistakes can happen, especially in temperature-sensitive or high-pressure processes. Clear protocols ensure deviations are detected, documented, and managed before products leave the factory. 

Back at the office, Jurgen compiles the audit report, detailing findings, improvement potentials, and non-conformities. The client then receives a clear, actionable roadmap to ensure ongoing compliance and product quality. 

From ensuring the safety of drinking water components to supporting efficient production and sustainable practices, Jürgen’s work helps deliver reliable, high-quality products to wholesalers, and ultimately, to homes around the world.  

It’s a role that combines expertise, curiosity, and precision. As Jurgen explains, it ‘grows not only my knowledge but also the way I work and interact with people on a personal level.’ He adds that Kiwa has given him the opportunity to move across business industries, gaining insight into a wide range of industries and production methods. Most importantly, his work helps safeguard quality and reliability—ensuring that potential problems are prevented before they arise.