Different materials require different flammability tests. Because a single product can be made of many distinct materials, the whole item is usually subjected to flammability testing only when conducting a failure analysis — determining why a product did not perform to expectations when exposed to fire. If the flammability test is instead being performed to ensure materials conform to regulations and standards before production, an ATS technician will apply an appropriate flammability test considering which material she or he is examining and the application. Most tests typically entail introducing the sample material to an open flame for a certain amount of time. This process will yield burn characteristics, including: