Just how important are clear instructions to product safety ? Here’s one indicator : inadequate instructions or warnings are the most common defect cited in product liability claims, and one of the most common reasons for product recalls. The effectiveness of instructions depends on how many users read and follow them.

Although market surveillance may appear to be the preserve of governments for ensuring compliance with technical regulations, many manufacturing and service organizations develop market surveillance systems for their own purposes. However, standards and product regulation play a key role in promoting good practice and can help extend the common ground between countries and regions when it comes to product quality and conformity.

Complying with a quality management standard can yield improvements for a company. But before a business can get certified, they have to get audited. And this is a word that tends to scare people. But auditors say that manufacturers can prepare for audits in a way that helps all involved parties. But what should companies do to prepare?

There is only one boss—the customer. And he can fire everyone in the company—from the chairman on down—simply by spending his money somewhere else.