Why Product Testing Is Important
Product testing requires several rounds of intense review to ensure products are ready to be put on the shelf.
Visual Inspection
Every product being tested starts with a basic inspection of the product for quality and safety. It is important to check the overall appearance for any damages or tears in the packaging. Closures for bottles need to be carefully inspected to ensure safety seals are intact. Without a safety seal, the product may lose its freshness and may risk contamination. Any malfunctions during production must be noticed during the product inspection including any missing parts or misprinted labels. After visually inspecting the product for uniformity and consistency, it moves on to further testing.
Product Sampling
The product must be sampled and tested further for the efficacy and quality of the product itself. Flavor, colors, textures, consistency, are all important factors to verify to ensure the product is as it should be. If the product does not work as intended, it could point to an issue arising during production or it may need to be reformulated. A product tester may also inspect different parts of the manufacturing process to identify any issues that might arise during production.
Written Reports
While the product is being tested, it is crucial to take diligent notes throughout the review process. All reports should be dated and have detailed notes. Sometimes test reports will need to be referenced in the future so it’s important for product testers to keep reports accessible and be extremely organized.
Why Testing Is Important
Without proper product testing, customers can begin to doubt the quality and integrity behind a brand and its products. If there is a change in formulation or variations between batches of products, it’s a good idea to let customers know and provide product verification through third-party lab reports.
Every good manufacturer knows the importance of quality control and product testing. The process of product testing should be thorough, organized, and consistent.