Testing helps companies understand the behaviour of their materials, components and products, verify their performance and gather evidence to meet technical, regulatory or customer requirements.
However, its value goes beyond verifying a product at the end of the process. When planned from the earliest stages, testing can also provide valuable insights to guide development decisions and identify potential issues before moving forward.
Why is it important to plan testing in advance?
In some cases, testing requirements are only identified once a product has been developed or when a specific customer, regulatory or target market requirement arises.
Addressing these needs at that stage can make project coordination more challenging. For example, new samples may need to be prepared, tests may have to be repeated because requirements were not defined in advance, or design decisions may need to be reviewed when development is already at an advanced stage.
Early planning helps identify what information is needed, when it is required and which tests can provide the relevant insights.
Key considerations when defining a testing plan
Every product and project has different requirements, but a number of questions can help structure the process:
- What decision should each test help inform? For example, selecting a material, validating a performance characteristic or verifying compliance with a specific requirement.
- Which requirements apply? It is important to identify technical, regulatory and customer requirements, as well as those of the target markets.
- At what stage should each test be carried out? Some tests provide greater value during development, while others are necessary for final validation or ongoing product monitoring.
- What samples are required? Defining the number, characteristics and preparation conditions of samples in advance can help prevent potential issues.
- How will the results be interpreted? Establishing acceptance criteria makes it easier to assess whether a product is ready to move forward or requires adjustments.
- Will testing need to be repeated? When periodic checks, product families or new versions are involved, these should also be considered during the planning process.
Coordinating tests for a more comprehensive overview
When a company needs to carry out different tests, having an integrated overview makes it easier to coordinate samples, timelines and requirements. It can also help identify potential overlaps and interpret results in relation to the project’s objectives.
In cases involving recurring testing or high volumes, an overall testing strategy can also help identify opportunities to optimise resources and service arrangements.
Leitat’s support
Leitat supports companies in defining and implementing their testing plans, from identifying their needs to interpreting the results.
Through its multidisciplinary capabilities, Leitat can carry out testing on materials, products and components to assess performance, safety, durability and compliance with applicable requirements.
Does your company carry out testing on a regular basis or are you defining a new validation plan?
Contact Leitat to review your needs and identify opportunities to improve the planning of your testing activities.
