Quality Assurance, abbreviated as QA implies a systematic and planned process of production whose major thrust is to proffer added confidence to the suitability of a finished product. This process mainly aims at checking the product on various measures to ensure it befits the intended purpose. Quality assurance cannot guarantee total quality in the finished products; however, it can enhance the likeliness of the same.

According To Merriam-Webster’s Definition ““

“It is a set of activities intended to ensure that products (goods and/or services) satisfy customer requirements in a systematic, reliable fashion.“

Key Principles Of Quality Assurance

The quality assurance process generally involves two major principles ““

1. Fit for Purpose ““ The product must be suitable for the purpose intended by the manufacturer. After the quality of the product has been assured, the QA process can take care of any leftover rectifications.
2. Right First Time ““ The QA process must ensure that the end product is free of any errors. It should yield such products that get accepted in the very first submission of the order itself.

Some people wrongly associate quality of a product with its price. Whereas, the products having low prices can also be categorized as high quality ones if they meet the market demand well. It is because; ultimately the users or the customers are the major quality determinants. Every product has its own target audience and if it befits their expectations, it is deemed to possess high quality.

QA includes regulation of the quality of raw materials, assemblies, products and components; services related to production; and management, production and inspection processes.

Quality Control is another phrase that goes hand in hand with QA. This method of QC implies such an arrangement of control that ascertains a pre-decided measure of quality in all the products. This guarantee is actually brought in by the regular inspections taking place at periodic intervals. The high standard of manufactured goods is definitely a prerequisite for any good product. Quality Control hence acts as a buffer between that standard and its maintenance. The entire paraphernalia of production right from the raw material, machines, procedures implemented, to the finished goods - all undergo the quality control process.

Now, you must be wondering as to what is the difference between QA and QC? Let us understand the difference between the two here. Quality control implies testing of the product for finding any defects in it. These defects are then reported to the management who approves or denies the release. Quality assurance on the other hand strives to stabilize improved production by minimizing the very causes of the defects. But neither of the two can act as a substitute for the other as the importance of each varies from one industry to the other.

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