Basic Concept of Quality Assurance and Control

Study Notes

Quality Assurance (QA) refers to systematic processes designed to ensure that products or services meet specific requirements and standards prior to delivery.
QA focuses on preventing defects and improving processes within an organization.
Quality Control (QC) involves the operational techniques and activities used to fulfill requirements for quality, focusing on identification and correction of defects in finished products.
QC typically involves testing and inspection of products to ensure they adhere to defined standards.
Both QA and QC form a crucial part of a quality management system (QMS), contributing to overall quality improvement and customer satisfaction.
QA encompasses activities such as process audits, training, and documentation to maintain standards.
QC often includes statistical process control, inspection plans, and feedback loops to improve product quality.
Effectiveness of QA is measured through process metrics, while QC effectiveness is gauged by product metrics such as defect rates.
Implementing a robust QA/QC process can lead to reduced costs, enhanced productivity, and increased customer trust in the products or services offered.