Without a Doubt!

Product testing is a necessary part of product development. However, it is only really meaningful if it takes place within a methodology of 'Planning - Specifying - Testing - Comparing - Correcting'. Testing against nothing is not meaningful and it leaves a company open to liability and general product problems.

A great deal of thinking and planning must go into the development and validation of a product… and much of it must be done up front so that the project can be budgeted and managed properly.

Product Development is not a knee-jerk effort³, especially if you want to compete with experienced businesses. The importance of Validating that the product performs as defined and has the Quality and Reliability that are defined can not be given short shrift these days. Customers, be they individuals or corporations, demand quality and performance - and they, many times, loudly complain or sue for advertised or claimed quality and Performance that are not met.

You had better be prepared to prove your product claims. Testing to defined requirements is the only way to do this.

Further thoughts by the author...January 2002

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only and do not represent the views of the Techman/Kanata or of any of its directors, officers or employees. The author, Mr. Richard (Dick) Haney, can be reached at RichardMHaney@cs.com