Toptester FAQ

Please find below a catalogue of question we frequently get asked

Why should testing be performed?

Answer: Testing the reliability of a product or component before the production stage is always recommended. This gives one an idea about the weak spots of the product endurance against occurring stresses. Re-designing the product before production stage has started is a much cheaper option than waiting for field returns and complaints thus start compensating customers.

What kind of testing should be performed? Standards or against customized stresses?

Answer: This totally depends on the need. If there is a demand, e.g. from the end-user, towards a certain standard, then this one should be used. However, it is sometimes more useful from a point of product reliability view to use customized testing procedures defined towards the expected life-time stresses of the product.

How can I know which tests to perform?

Answer: If you don’t have a clear demand for certain tests, and you need help choosing the right testing processes for your product our personnel can assist you. Is your need small, our engineers may assist you on the test planning once you ordered our test services. In case you have larger demands, it is possible to ask for a separate quotation from us for a product reliability service. Our engineers will then in co-operation with the customer, define the expected life-time stresses for the product. A list of critical tests is created based on this life-time stress analysis. After the project is finished, the customer will get a document including the procedure on testing their product on the base of predicted life-cycle analysis.

How much time does the test process require? What is the lead time of Toptester?

Answer: Again, there is no simple answer to this. Testing is itself might take a few hours up to several months depending on case scenario. Generally speaking, Toptester lead times are quite reasonable. Usually testing starts within a week upon arrival of products to our laboratory. Results are delivered immediately after the tests. Final test report is usually available within one week after tests have ended. Delivery times of tested items to Toptester laboratory and back to customer takes between 1-2 days within Finland and up to 3 days from other EU countries.

What is included in the testing process of Toptester Oy?

Answer: Unless separately agreed, Toptester tests always include both a written test plan and test report. Also, our test engineers keep the customers aware of the situation of the tests and are always available for questions during the test process.

What does 17025 accreditation or accredited tests mean?

Answer: Accreditation basically means proof of competence according to certain internationally accepted standards. In Finland, FINAS (Finnish Accreditation Services) is the official auditor for accreditation. Toptester has several test methods accredited and audited by FINAS according to SFS-EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard for test laboratories. Often accredited tests are used as the final proofing tests for the product before moving into production stage.

How should I contact Toptester? How does the testing process begin?

Answer: First, please contact Toptester either through our contact form on our webpages or directly contact Mr. Kari Välikangas (Business Development Manager) or Joni Huotari (CEO). Contact details are found from Toptester webpages. After our first contact, we will request your detailed technical requirements and will then include our test engineers at this early stage to evaluate of your needs. The outcome will form the base of an actual quotation which you then will receive from us. Once you have accepted the quotation and your order is placed, our test engineers will start to perform test planning for your product. On the arrival of your products to our laboratory and your acceptance of the written test plan, the actual testing begins within a few days.

Why should I choose Toptester?

Answer: Toptester has been working in the field of reliability testing for almost 20 years with a good track record. Our staff is experienced, skillful and flexible. Testing timetables are also highly flexible. Our goal is to meet our customers’ needs with the least amount of bureaucracy whilst still maintaining a high level of reliability and service. Our aim is for your product to pass the tests during the first trial and with the wish that you as a satisfied customer will return with tests for a some of your other products!