Product Lifecycle and Market Management
Managing electronic products throughout their market lifecycle requires coordinated efforts across engineering, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and business functions. From initial market launch through end-of-life decisions, manufacturers must maintain compliance with evolving regulations, respond to field issues, manage safety-related withdrawals when necessary, and ensure that products continue to meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements throughout their service life.
This category addresses the critical activities that occur after products enter the market. While pre-market activities such as design and certification establish the foundation for safe, compliant products, post-market activities determine whether that foundation is maintained throughout the product's commercial life. Effective lifecycle management protects both consumers and the manufacturer's reputation while ensuring regulatory compliance across all markets where products are sold.
Articles
Food Contact Materials Standards
Ensure safety for food-touching electronics. This section addresses FDA food contact regulations, EU Framework Regulation 1935/2004, migration testing requirements, material positive lists, good manufacturing practices, declaration of compliance, functional barrier concepts, GRAS substances, dual-use additives, nanomaterials in food contact, microwave susceptor requirements, intelligent packaging, active packaging systems, recycled materials usage, and third-party certification.
Product Recall Management
Handle safety-related product withdrawals effectively. Coverage includes recall initiation procedures, hazard assessment criteria, notification requirements, CPSC coordination (US), RAPEX system (EU), recall effectiveness checks, remedy implementation, cost recovery processes, insurance claims, public communication strategies, retailer coordination, international recall coordination, recall completion tracking, lessons learned processes, and reputation management.
Right to Repair Regulations
Support device repairability through regulatory compliance. Topics include repair documentation requirements, diagnostic tool availability, spare parts obligations, warranty preservation, independent repair certification, manufacturer restrictions, repair score systems, legislative requirements (EU, US states), schematics availability, firmware access rights, serialization issues, parts pairing restrictions, lobbying and advocacy, economic impacts, and environmental benefits.
About This Category
Product Lifecycle and Market Management represents an essential discipline for electronics manufacturers operating in global markets. The regulatory landscape has become increasingly complex, with authorities in multiple jurisdictions monitoring product safety and requiring rapid response to identified hazards. Manufacturers must establish robust systems for tracking field performance, identifying emerging safety issues, and executing coordinated responses across their distribution networks. This category provides the knowledge needed to manage these responsibilities effectively while protecting both consumers and business interests.