7. Mistakes to avoid

Sample everything, or almost everything, in the wrong way. Even if this simple phrase seems provocative, how often do we still find a disqualified part in a garbage can and send it on its way, without even knowing why it was discarded?

Not anticipating the need for sampling. At some point, you may find yourself unable to respond to a request, either because it has arrived in the midst of a production crisis, or because you're starting up a new product line, or because your production lines are barely able to cope with the demands of your orders. In either case, it's out of the question to take a sample of a part or product.

In the case of products packaged in standardized containers, plan to de-skill these standards so as to take a small part of the shipment. For example, if you manufacture a liquid product sold in 200-liter standard packaging,...