Difference Between QA and QC: Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in A Bit Different Way. Also
Difference Between QA and QC: Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in A Bit Different Way. Also
Difference Between QA and QC: Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in A Bit Different Way. Also
As we've talked in a previous post about the Definition of Quality, with these 2
terms exist the same issue where every single person/organization defines
Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in a bit different way. Also,
many people including HHRR (Human Resources) and quality professionals do not
know what QA and QC really means, and what the difference is between both
terms. For those reasons, these concepts are often used interchangeably, and in
some organizations one department performs the activities of both.
The truth is that both terms have strong interdependence; QA relies mostly on
the QC feedback and both work to deliver good quality products/services; but they
are different processes.
Next table shows the differences between them.
QA
vs.
QC
Definition from ASQ.org
Control: An evaluation to indicate
needed corrective responses; the act
of guiding a process in which
variability is attributable to a constant
system of chance causes.
QC: The observation techniques and
activities used to fulfill requirements
for quality.
Other definition
Other definition
QA is a failure prevention system that
predicts almost everything about
product safety, quality standards and
legality that could possibly go wrong,
and then takes steps to control and
prevent flawed products or services
from reaching the advanced stages of
the supply chain.
* This is done by conducting various tests and checks. Based on them, the QC
prepares regular reports that act as an input to the QA department which then
reviews the same and decides on the corrective and preventive actions
required in the processes.
QA is process oriented.
QC is product oriented.
* For this reason, one person cannot perform both activities (QA and QC)
because will result in a conflict of interest.
Examples
- A QA audit would focus on the
process elements of a project. e.g.: Are
requirements being defined at the
proper level of detail?
- Process documentation
Examples
- A QC review will focus on product
elements. e.g.: Are the defined
requirements the right requirements?
- Performing inspections
- Preforming testing
- Establishing standards
- Developing checklists
- Conducting internal audits
Example
- QC detected a recurrent problem with the quality of the products. QC provides
feedback to QA personnel that there is a problem in the process or system that
is causing product quality problems. QA determines the root cause of the
problem and then brings changes to the process to ensure that there are no
quality issues in future.