2. Characterizing samples

2.1 Identify your data

Keep as accurate a record as possible of how you obtained your samples and the measurements taken on them.

For physical samples, this may be a batch or pallet number, a manufacturing date, the machines, production line or production site from which they originate, the serial number, model, product version, sample selection method, and so on.

For measurements, this may be the measurement method, the name of the operator(s) who took the measurements, the identifiers of the equipment used, the ambient temperature, the hygrometry, the date and time of the measurement, and so on.

This information will be very useful in identifying possible influencing factors (either on the product or on the...