Quality Assurance (QA)

• Quality Assurance (QA)


  Systems used to prevent defects from occurring
• Quality Assurance (QA) process


  1. Use of process checklists or documentation to create the best way to build a product

  2. Adhering to documentation during the production process to prevent defects
• QA is often used in tandem with QC

  QA systems aim to prevent defects, while QC helps identify defects at the end of the production process
• QC (Quality Control) is about the detection and rejection of defects in final goods before reaching the external customer
• Reasons for implementing QA and QC
• Advantages of Quality Assurance (QA)

  • Lower defects and waste
  • Improved reputation and long-term sales
  • Increased staff motivation and involvement in the quality process
• Disadvantages of Quality Assurance (QA)


  • Cost of designing processes and systems
  • Cost of training workers
  • Cost of maintaining quality standards
• QA process

  1. Designing documentation to prevent defects

  2. Training workers on how to use the documentation and follow checklists
• Training cost is a main cost involved in QA
• Following a QA process well can slow down the production process
• Slowing down the production process due to QA can lead to less productivity
• Trying to get employees more involved in the quality process may lead to resistance
• Resistance from workers towards being more involved in the quality process can be demotivating
• TQM (Total Quality Management) philosophy aims for zero defects
• TQM philosophy

  Strives for no defects
• TQM philosophy

  Includes internal customers in addition to external customers
• Teach um is a higher level philosophy within the business striving for zero defects
• Teach um philosophy includes internal customers in addition to external customers
• Teach um philosophy aims for a utopian world or business with zero defects