In the context of quality, what is meant by 'fitness for use'?

'Fitness for use' is a concept in quality management that emphasizes the importance of a product or service meeting the specific needs, expectations, and requirements of the customer. It implies that the quality of an offering is not solely determined by its technical specifications or performance metrics but rather by how well it serves the intended purpose for its users.

When a product is deemed 'fit for use,' it means that it satisfies the real-world needs of the customer in practical situations. This perspective shifts the focus from merely achieving high standards of quality in production processes to ensuring customer satisfaction and usability. Therefore, when a company prioritizes fitness for use, it aligns its quality efforts with the expectations and experiences of customers, ultimately driving loyalty and repeat business.

In contrast, while factors like defects in production, high market share, and cost-effectiveness are important to consider within a business's overall strategy, they do not encapsulate the essence of 'fitness for use.' Defects might affect product quality negatively, high market share reflects success but does not guarantee that products meet customer needs, and cost-effectiveness pertains more to operational efficiencies rather than directly addressing how well a product fulfills its intended function from the customer's perspective.