Produktkontroller

Produktkontroller is a term used in Danish and Norwegian contexts to describe persons, teams, or systems responsible for ensuring that products meet defined specifications and comply with applicable standards throughout the product lifecycle. The concept encompasses quality control activities during design, production, handling, storage, and distribution, as well as conformity assessment for regulatory or market requirements. The exact scope and titles vary by country and industry.

Typical duties include defining acceptance criteria, planning inspections, selecting samples, performing tests (mechanical, chemical, electrical, usability), and documenting results. They also manage nonconformities, initiate corrective actions, maintain traceability, and coordinate supplier audits or certifications.

Contexts: manufacturing plants, importers, wholesalers, and retailers use product controllers to ensure safety, labeling, packaging, and product performance. In consumer electronics, toys, pharmaceuticals, and food, regulatory compliance is a primary driver. Product controllers may work within a dedicated quality department or as part of the supply chain or regulatory compliance teams.

Methods and standards: statistical quality control, sampling plans, quality management systems (ISO 9001), product-specific standards (CE, UL), and lab testing under ISO/IEC 17025. Documentation and traceability are key outputs, enabling root cause analysis and continuous improvement.

Relation to other roles: product controllers collaborate with product design, manufacturing, procurement, legal/compliance, and external certification bodies. The term overlaps with quality assurance and quality control; in some organizations, produktkontrol is the umbrella for both inspection activities and compliance management.