Those responsible for ensuring the outcome of a product development is compliant with prevailing standards, should seek out services that deliver certainty and proof.
And with an increasing number of electrical product solutions reliant on radio technology to increase connectivity, using thorough radio testing to assess a product’s readiness for market reduces commercial risk, as well as demonstrating conformity with applicable regulations.
Steve Hull, Laboratory Manager at Kiwa, explains how.
A test-first approach is critical for electrical products as radio technologies become more integral to how they interact with the world and, in particular, the impact on local radio frequencies.
Radio testing services – operated by experienced external testing service providers – can assess newly developed products to prove they do not interfere with devices and users of nearby radio frequency equipment.
The testing process demonstrates compliance with the standards of target markets across the globe, so manufacturers and suppliers have the assurance that new product development and manufacture meets the requirements of target markets.
Be market ready
When developing a new electrical product, testing ensures manufactured items meet regulatory requirements for radio, safety, and electromagnetic compatibility, allowing them to be legally sold in different markets. This involves testing for both a product’s radio frequency (RF) performance and its electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) with other devices.
There are a variety of compliance requirements for worldwide markets. These range from meeting CE marking in Europe under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), which is also now acceptable in the UK following a post-Brexit transition period, through to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the USA, the ISED in Canada and the MIC in Japan.
Each has its own certification processes that need to be followed to be able to lawfully sell electrical products into the respective market.
Radio testing will not only ensure such compliance is achieved, but it will also signpost adjustments that may be needed to the product’s design and performance, to meet the regulatory compliance thresholds set by individual markets.
Compliance assurance
Undertaking a radio testing programme as part of the product’s development phase, provides confidence that when launching to the market the product has been thoroughly reviewed and deemed fit for purpose. If required, the base line demand that it does not interfere with other products on the radio spectrum can be supported with testing evidence.
Reducing future compliance risk
Having the operational proof on hand through the availability of a third-party test report, removes future concerns and challenges that can lead to potentially costly delays to launch plans or the need to undertake remedial actions.
Independently provided radio testing can come in a variety of forms depending on specific product need. For example, Kiwa provides an Initial Assessment Service, which highlights potential issues prior to a commitment to full product testing.
This can be a useful step to identify at an early stage where future compliance problems could arise and gives the manufacturer the opportunity to minimise such risks. With significant time, resources, and costs linked to product development and launch projects, the ability to spot concerns before embarking on full testing can deliver both financial and operational advantages.
Enhancing the product
Aside from securing compliance, radio testing can also support the product’s development programme and help iron out issues that could damage market success post-launch.
Testing teams could, for example, spot where a product is low in power thereby affecting its overall range ability. Subsequent improvements to circuitry may well be the answer in such cases with the company able to remedy the issue to improve the overall product performance ahead of market launch. The testing regime can support the ultimate delivery of a consistently performing product that is optimised for market readiness.
Committing to an externally driven radio testing programme offers a range of compliance-related benefits that can support successful market introductions.
From proving compliance with legal operating rules in various markets, to product improvements and ensuring performance risks are minimised, partnering with experts for radio testing makes good business sense.
See how Kiwa’s expertise in radio testing can benefit your business, learn more and contact the team at www.kiwa.co.uk
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