Quality and Testing
Test Validation
Test Efficiency
QC protocols are often developed early in the design stage for new products and then added or modified as client requirements change. Oddly enough, tests are always added, they are never removed (abundance of caution). This results in a list of tests which includes many that are entirely unnecessary (and therefore, occasional rejection of perfectly good product for trivial ‘failures’. Test protocols and requirements should be regularly examined to assure that they are still relevant and useful.
Do you know the accuracy and precision of every test you perform? Or do you rely on standard test procedures and calibration certificates to justify you test results? Tests, as designed and intended by equipment suppliers and international standards (ISO, ASTM etc.) may be far more sophisticated (or far less sophisticated than what you need. Consider a critical assessment of whether your using the right tools for YOUR job.
Standards and Specifications
Standards define how tests are to be performed. Specification typically dictate the results that are required to assure adequate performance in the application. Many international standards contain both, but don’t guarantee that performing the test as specified in the standard yields results that are sufficiently accurate to assure compliance to standards that cite them. Insight and experience are required to determine whether or not a test result represents either proof of performance or not. In most cases, variances can be negotiated. This is much cheaper and faster than rebuilding an entire product line.