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• Quality Control: Understanding Its Importance, Benefits, Approaches and Key Strategies

** Unlock Your Full Potential **

Maintaining high-quality products and services is crucial for success in today's competitive business environment. Quality control (QC) plays a critical role in ensuring that your company consistently meets customer expectations and regulatory requirements. This comprehensive guide will explore the importance of quality control, its benefits, and key strategies, with industry examples to illustrate its practical applications.

What is Quality Control?

Quality control refers to the systematic process of identifying, monitoring and correcting potential defects or deviations in products or services. This process ensures that the final output meets the established quality standards and customer requirements. QC is an essential part of the overall quality management system ( QMS ) and involves regular inspections, testing, and monitoring of various production stages.

ISO 9001:2015 defines Quality Control as “a part of quality management focused on fulfilling quality requirements.” It includes activities such as the inspection and testing of incoming raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.

History of Quality Control

Quality control has evolved over time to keep pace with the increasing complexity and scale of production processes. Let's take a brief look at the key milestones in the history of quality control:

Craftsmanship Era (Pre-Industrial Revolution): Before the Industrial Revolution, craftsmen were responsible for producing goods and often had a personal relationship with their customers. Quality was maintained by the craftsman's reputation, skill, and pride in their work.

Industrial Revolution (Late 18th Century to Mid-19th Century): With the advent of mass production, the responsibility for quality control shifted from individual craftsmen to factory managers. Inspectors were employed to identify and segregate defective products, but the focus was on finding and fixing defects rather than preventing them.

Scientific Management (Early 20th Century): The introduction of scientific management principles by Frederick Winslow Taylor marked a significant shift in quality control. Taylor's ideas laid the groundwork for more systematic and data-driven approaches to managing production processes, paving the way for modern quality control methods.

Statistical Quality Control (Mid-20th Century): Walter A. Shewhart introduced the concept of statistical process control ( SPC ) in the 1920s. SPC allowed manufacturers to monitor and control production processes using statistical methods, enabling them to detect and correct defects more efficiently. During World War II, the U.S. military adopted statistical quality control techniques to improve the production of munitions and other equipment.

Total Quality Management (Post-WWII): After World War II, quality management pioneers such as W. Edwards Deming and Joseph M. Juran helped spread the concept of Total Quality Management ( TQM ). TQM emphasized continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and employee involvement, transforming how companies approached quality control.

ISO 9001 and Modern Quality Control (Late 20th Century to Present): In 1987, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) introduced the ISO 9000 quality management standards, including ISO 9001 . These standards provided a global framework for implementing effective quality management systems. Today, quality has evolved to encompass a wide range of methodologies and tools, such as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, helping businesses achieve higher levels of quality and efficiency.

The history of quality control shows how the concept has evolved and adapted to the changing needs of production processes and market demands. Understanding this history can help businesses appreciate the value of quality control and implement more effective systems to ensure long-term success.

Benefits and Importance of Quality Control

• Customer Satisfaction: Consistently delivering high-quality products and services helps build customer trust and loyalty, increasing the likelihood of repeat business and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
• Regulatory Compliance: QC processes help companies adhere to industry-specific regulations and standards, preventing costly fines or sanctions.
• Brand Reputation: A strong commitment to quality control enhances a company's reputation for producing reliable, high-quality products or services.
• Cost Savings: Identifying and correcting defects early in production minimizes waste and reduces the need for expensive rework or recalls.
• Competitive Advantage: Companies with robust QC systems are better positioned to differentiate themselves from competitors and capture market share.

Key Strategies for Effective Quality Control

• Establish Clear Quality Standards: Define and communicate the specific quality criteria for each product or service, ensuring all team members understand the expectations.
• Implement Regular Inspections and Testing: Conduct routine checks at various stages of production to identify defects and deviations from quality standards.
• Invest in Employee Training: Provide ongoing training to equip employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain high-quality standards.
• Utilize Statistical Process Control ( SPC ): SPC techniques can help identify trends and patterns in production data, enabling companies to predict and prevent quality issues.
• Embrace Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture that values ongoing learning and improvement and proactively empowers employees to identify and address quality concerns.

Quality Control Approaches

Different industries and organizations may adopt various approaches to quality, depending on their specific needs and goals. Some popular QC methodologies include:

• Total Quality Management ( TQM ): A holistic approach to quality management focuses on continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and employee involvement. It aims to integrate quality principles into all aspects of a company's operations.
• Six Sigma: Six Sigma is a data-driven quality management methodology seeking to reduce defects and process variation. The goal is to achieve a defect rate of 3.4 per million opportunities, ensuring near-perfect quality.
• Lean Manufacturing: Lean focuses on eliminating waste and optimizing processes to deliver maximum value to customers. Although not explicitly a quality control approach, Lean principles can significantly contribute to improving product quality by enhancing efficiency and reducing defects.
• ISO 9001 : This international standard sets out the criteria for a quality management system . Achieving ISO 9001 certification demonstrates a company's commitment to maintaining consistent quality standards and continuously improving its processes.

Conclusion:

Quality control plays a crucial role in ensuring that businesses deliver high-quality products and services, meeting customer expectations and regulatory requirements. Companies can develop and implement effective QC systems that contribute to long-term success by understanding its importance, benefits, and key strategies.

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Creating a Culture of Quality

• Ashwin Srinivasan
• Bryan Kurey

Financial incentives don’t reduce errors. Employees must be passionate about eliminating mistakes.

In most industries, quality has never mattered more. New technologies have empowered customers to seek out and compare an endless array of products from around the globe. Shoppers can click to find objective data compiled by experts at organizations such as Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and go online to read user-generated reviews at sites such as Amazon; together, these sources provide an early warning system that alerts the public to quality problems. And when customers are unhappy with a product or service, they can use social media to broadcast their displeasure. In surveys, 26% of consumers say they have used social media to air grievances about a company and its products. And this issue isn’t limited to the consumer space—75% of B2B customers say they rely on word of mouth, including social media, when making purchase decisions.

• AS Ashwin Srinivasan is a managing director, and Bryan Kurey is a senior director, at CEB.
• BK Bryan Kurey is the Senior Vice President of Research at SBI Growth Advisory.

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• contact035265
• Jun 2, 2023
• 12 min read

Putting Quality First: Best Practices for Quality Control in Aviation Maintenance

The Importance of Quality Control in Aviation Maintenance

The aviation industry is one where safety is paramount and quality control plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members. A thorough quality control process helps identify potential issues, ensures that maintenance meets regulatory requirements, and ultimately prevents accidents. The consequences of poor quality control can be devastating, leading to equipment failure, injuries or fatalities, as well as expensive repairs or legal action.

Quality control involves a set of procedures aimed at ensuring that the products or services offered meet specific standards. In aviation maintenance, it means carefully monitoring all aspects of aircraft repair and maintenance, including personnel training, tool calibration, record-keeping practices and aircraft inspections.

Overview of Best Practices for Quality Control in Aviation Maintenance

To effectively manage quality control in aviation maintenance requires a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects. A successful system should incorporate effective documentation and record keeping practices to enhance traceability and accountability while providing appropriate training programs for personnel.

Inspection procedures should also be robust to ensure that any defects are detected early enough before they escalate into more significant problems. In addition, it is essential to maintain tools, equipment and facilities regularly to prevent them from malfunctioning when needed most.

Conducting regular audits will help identify areas requiring improvement while providing insight into how effective existing procedures are at preventing defects. In this article's subsequent sections, we will delve deeper into each best practice's specifics by outlining what they entail and highlighting examples of successful implementation within aviation maintenance trade.

The Importance Of Quality Control In Aviation Maintenance

It cannot be overstated how critical quality control processes are to ensuring safe air travel operations. According to the FAA, 80% of accidents are caused by human error, including as mistakes committed during regular checks, inspections, and maintenance.

Hence, the rigorous adherence to quality control standards minimizes the risks of mistakes that could lead to fatalities or equipment failure. Effective quality control procedures can also mean a reduction in operating costs.

For instance, early detection and correction of small defects can prevent more significant issues that may require extensive repairs and replacements. Consequently, this helps extend the lifespan of aircraft components while reducing downtime losses associated with extended repair periods.

It is also worth noting that quality control is mandatory for all aviation industry stakeholders. The FAA requires all operators to follow specific guidelines that help ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding aviation safety standards.

Implementing robust quality control practices within aviation maintenance can be daunting without a clear roadmap outlining best practices' specifics. As earlier noted, such a roadmap should consist of documentation and recordkeeping practices coupled with appropriate personnel training programs. Effective inspection procedures should also feature prominently within any quality control system as they constitute an important element in preventing defects from escalating into more significant issues or accidents.

Maintaining tools and equipment regularly is critical to ensuring they operate at optimal conditions when required to prevent potential hazards or accidents. Regular audits provide valuable feedback insights into how effective systems are performing while identifying areas requiring improvement.

Quality Control Standards

What are quality control standards in aviation maintenance.

Quality control standards are the guidelines and regulations that ensure aviation maintenance is performed to a specific level of quality. These standards outline specific procedures and protocols that must be followed to guarantee that every aspect of the maintenance process is completed to a high standard.

Adhering to these standards is critical, as they help ensure that aircraft components and systems are functioning as intended, reducing the likelihood of accidents or malfunctions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets forth quality control standards in Part 145 of its regulations.

This section outlines specific requirements for maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration on certificated aircraft and related parts. There are also numerous other industry-recognized organizations with their own sets of quality control standards, such as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Importance Of Adhering To Quality Control Standards

Adhering to quality control standards is essential in aviation maintenance for several reasons. First and foremost, adhering to these guidelines ensures that all components are inspected thoroughly, repaired or replaced when necessary, and tested before being returned to service.

This approach reduces the likelihood of malfunctions during flight operations due to poor workmanship or unperformed inspections. Moreover, adhering to quality control standards helps establish consistency within aviation maintenance practices across industries.

It ensures that all companies holding certifications operate under similar guidelines with an emphasis on safety above anything else. Following quality control standards can help protect your organization from liability issues should an accident occur due to negligence or substandard practices.

Examples Of Quality Control Standards In Aviation Maintenance

One example of a widely used set of quality control standards in aviation maintenance is the ISO 9001 standard. This standard outlines requirements for a Quality Management System (QMS) and requires organizations to establish procedures for maintaining high-quality products and services. This system includes the establishment of quality objectives, quality policies, monitoring of customer satisfaction, and regular audits of the QMS.

Another example is ATA Specification 100. This specification outlines detailed guidelines for aircraft maintenance documentation, including work orders, technical data, revision control, and other elements essential to ensuring that every aspect of the maintenance process is documented thoroughly.

In addition to these examples, there are other sets of standards specific to certain areas such as NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program), which focuses on special processes like non-destructive testing or heat treatment. Adhering to each set of standards provides an extra layer of safety in aviation maintenance operations.

Documentation and Record Keeping

Importance of documentation and record keeping in aviation maintenance.

The importance of documentation and record keeping in aviation maintenance cannot be overstated. Detailed and accurate records are vital to the safety, efficiency, and compliance of aviation operations.

They allow for traceability, accountability, analysis, and improvement. They provide evidence that all required tasks were completed, by whom, when, why and how.

They facilitate planning, scheduling, forecasting, reporting and decision making. They also help to avoid legal disputes or liabilities.

Documentation refers to the creation or collection of any written or electronic records related to aviation maintenance activities such as work orders, inspections reports, logbooks updates , parts orders etc.. Records refer to the organized storage and retrieval of those documents over time according to regulatory requirements . For example 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix B lists minimum items that have to be recorded during maintenance activities on aircraft registered in the United States.

Best Practices for Maintaining Accurate Records

Maintaining accurate records can be challenging due to the volume and complexity of data generated by aviation maintenance activities . However , there are several best practices that can help :

Use standard formats : use templates or forms that follow industry standards or regulatory requirements so that all required information is captured consistently.

Create comprehensive entries : ensure each entry includes relevant details such as date/time stamp , job description , person who performed the task , equipment used , parts installed etc.. avoid abbreviations or vague terminology.

Assign unique identifiers : use unique identifiers for each aircraft or component (serial numbers) as well as each task (work order number) so that traceability is possible throughout its lifecycle.

Maintain a centralized database : Keep records in a centralized database that is accessible to all relevant personnel and that can generate reports or alerts when needed . Avoid using paper records or spreadsheets that can be easily lost, damaged or corrupted.

Examples of Documentation and Record Keeping Practices

Examples of good record keeping practices in aviation maintenance include :

Electronic Maintenance Records (EMR): A single software platform to manage and store all maintenance data. EMRs are searchable, sortable, updatable, and scalable. They can include modules for tracking work orders, inventory management , regulatory compliance checks etc...

Digital Signatures: electronic signatures capture unique identifiers for technicians who performed tasks on aircraft systems so that accountability for tasks is established.

Barcode Scanning : using barcodes to track parts inventory , reduce errors in data entry and speed up record keeping processes.

Data Analytics : by mining maintenance records for patterns or trends , organizations can identify areas where quality control improvements could be made before they become safety issues.

Documentation and record-keeping are critical components of quality control in aviation maintenance. They provide traceability, accountability, analysis, and improvement opportunities while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The implementation of best practices such as the use of standardized forms/templates , comprehensive entries , unique identifiers , centralized databases and digital tools can help ensure the accuracy , completeness , timeliness and usefulness of aviation maintenance records.

Training and Education

Knowledge is power: the importance of training and education for aviation maintenance personnel.

The aviation industry is constantly changing, which means that maintenance personnel must be up-to-date with the latest technology, regulations, and safety procedures. This is why training and education are essential in aviation maintenance.

Well-trained personnel can detect potential problems before they occur, keep aircraft safe for passengers, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Investing in training and education programs can have a significant impact on the quality of work performed by maintenance personnel.

Quality training develops skills to perform required tasks to set industry standards. These standards are crucial to maintain consistency in quality work performance across different teams in an organization.

Best Practices for Providing Training and Education to Personnel

Providing effective training and education requires a multi-faceted approach that includes classroom instruction, hands-on experience, mentoring programs, workshops, seminars, online courses and conferences. A blended approach ensures that all learning styles are catered for adequately. Implementing a continuous improvement program that provides ongoing education helps the staff members develop their skills from time to time by keeping them updated with new trends in the industry or introducing new technologies within the organization.

Supervisors should also encourage personnel to participate in training opportunities. Offering incentives such as bonuses or promotions can motivate staff members further.

Examples of Successful Training Programs

One example of a successful training program is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Aviation Maintenance Science (AMS) program. This four-year bachelor's degree program prepares students for careers as skilled professionals throughout the aviation industry. Another successful program is Delta Air Lines' Technical Operations College.

This facility offers more than 100 courses designed specifically for Delta’s technical operations professionals covering Aircraft Systems Maintenance Operations (ASMO), Avionics Systems Maintenance Operations (AVSMO), Non-Aircraft Maintenance Operations (NAMO), and Technical Operations Leadership (TOL). Both these programs exemplify the importance of the aviation industry investing in training and education opportunities for their personnel to maintain quality control standards.

Training and education are vital aspects of maintaining quality control in aviation maintenance. It provides personnel with new skills, knowledge, best practices, and up-to-date industry standards.

Implementing a continuous improvement program that includes both classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience can guarantee better results from personnel. Organizations should invest in training programs adequately to ensure they remain competitive and keep their personnel up-to-date with changes happening within the sector.

Inspection Procedures

The importance of inspection procedures in ensuring quality control.

Inspection procedures are a crucial aspect of quality control in aviation maintenance. By conducting thorough and regular inspections, potential issues can be identified and corrected before they cause any serious problems.

This helps ensure the safety of both the aircraft and its passengers, as well as minimizing the risk of costly downtime due to unexpected maintenance issues. Proper inspection procedures also help maintain compliance with regulatory agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Failure to comply with regulations can result in steep fines or even a loss of operating certificate. Therefore, adherence to inspection procedures is vital for an aviation maintenance organization's success.

Best Practices for Inspection Procedures

To ensure proper inspection procedures are followed, it is important to establish clear guidelines and expectations. These guidelines should define what must be inspected, how it is inspected, and who is responsible for conducting inspections.

One best practice for inspection procedures is to use a detailed checklist that covers all aspects of the aircraft. The checklist should be regularly reviewed and updated based on any changes to regulations or manufacturer recommendations.

It should also include specific instructions on how each item should be inspected. Another best practice is to assign dedicated personnel specifically responsible for conducting inspections.

These individuals should receive specialized training on inspection techniques and regulations, ensuring their ability to conduct thorough and accurate inspections. Incorporating technology such as digital checklists or automated maintenance tracking systems can streamline inspection procedures by reducing human error and providing real-time updates on aircraft status.

Examples of Successful Inspection Procedures

One example of successful inspection procedures can be found at Southwest Airlines. The airline's maintenance program incorporates comprehensive inspection protocols that cover everything from visual checks to advanced diagnostic testing.

Their rigorous attention to detail has helped them maintain one of the best safety records in the industry. Another example comes from Delta Air Lines, which utilizes a unique program called "the Delta TechOps Way." This program emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in all aspects of maintenance, including inspection procedures.

Through this focus on quality control, Delta has been able to maintain an impressive level of safety and reliability. Inspection procedures are a critical component of quality control in aviation maintenance.

By establishing clear guidelines and utilizing best practices such as detailed checklists and specialized personnel, organizations can ensure the safety and reliability of their aircraft while maintaining compliance with regulatory agencies. Successful examples from industry leaders such as Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines serve as models for other organizations striving to improve their own inspection procedures.

Tools, Equipment, and Facilities Maintenance

The importance of tools, equipment, and facilities maintenance.

The importance of maintenance for tools, equipment and facilities in aviation maintenance cannot be overstated. Machines that are not well-maintained can fail at any time during operations causing safety and quality issues.

Proper maintenance ensures that the tools and equipment function optimally while maintaining their reliability, accuracy, and precision. It also helps to prevent accidents associated with equipment malfunctioning.

Facilities also need regular maintenance to ensure they remain safe for personnel working in them. This includes checking the electrical wiring systems for loose connection points or frayed wires that could pose a significant risk to employees working within the facility.

Furthermore, a poorly maintained facility can lead to contamination of workspaces or even air conditioning systems; this is particularly important in aviation where air quality is crucial in ensuring a safe flight experience for passengers. Regular cleaning including disinfection of surfaces ensures workspaces remain clean reducing the risks associated with microbial growth and cross-contamination.

Best Practices for Maintaining Tools, Equipment, and Facilities

To ensure tools, equipment, and facilities are well-maintained adhere to these best practices:

Scheduling regular inspections: regular inspections ensure timely detection of faults before they become critical.

Establishing clear procedures: this should include maintenance schedules as well as procedures for routine cleaning.

Maintaining records: document all inspections performed on any tool equipment or facility along with action taken when correcting any issues found.

Cross-training staff: proper training on how to maintain tools ensures employees have the necessary skills needed to operate machines safely.

Utilizing preventative measures: implement measures such as scheduled replacement of parts before anticipated wear and tear occurs as well as utilizing protective measures such as covers that protect equipment from dust and other elements.

Examples of Successful Tools, Equipment, and Facilities Maintenance

One example of successful facility maintenance is the Delta TechOps facility in Atlanta, which is known for its world-class overhaul, maintenance, and repair services. They are able to maintain their facilities to the highest standards by using regular inspections along with detailed cleaning procedures.

Another example is Alaska Airlines who were able to reduce costs associated with equipment maintenance by replacing worn-out parts before they failed entirely. This approach helped reduce the number of unscheduled maintenance issues and improve overall reliability.

The FAA also conducts regular audits on airlines' maintenance practices. One such audit found that United Airlines was maintaining their equipment to the highest standards by carrying out regular inspections as well as ensuring their staff were properly trained on how to maintain all their tools and equipment.

Regular maintenance of tools, equipment, and facilities ensures safety while reducing downtime caused by unexpected failures. The best practices discussed above should be implemented in all aviation operations to ensure optimal performance at all times.

Quality Control Audits

Importance of Quality Control Audits

Quality control audits are essential for maintaining a high level of safety in aviation maintenance. They ensure that the quality control measures put in place are effective and being followed correctly. Without regular audits, there is a risk that small issues could go unnoticed and lead to more significant problems down the line.

In addition to ensuring safety, quality control audits also help maintain compliance with regulations set forth by organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These regulations often require specific quality control measures be implemented and followed, and regular audits ensure that these measures are being met.

Furthermore, quality control audits can identify areas for improvement within an organization's quality control processes. By conducting regular audits, an organization can identify potential issues before they become significant problems and work towards improving their overall quality control procedures.

Best Practices for Conducting Quality Control Audits

When conducting quality control audits, it is essential to have a clear plan of action in place beforehand. The following best practices can help ensure successful audit procedures:

1. Develop a detailed checklist: A checklist should be created beforehand which outlines all the essential aspects of an audit so that nothing is overlooked.

2. Assign qualified personnel: The personnel assigned to conduct the audit should be qualified and trained in both auditing techniques and aviation maintenance procedures.

3. Use samples: It's important to use representative samples when conducting an audit to obtain accurate results.

4. Document findings: All findings should be thoroughly documented with details regarding any discrepancies uncovered during the audit process.

5. Follow up on discrepancies: Actions should be taken quickly when discrepancies are discovered during an audit process so they can be resolved efficiently before becoming bigger issues.

The Concluding Thoughts

Quality control audits play a crucial role in ensuring safety and compliance within aviation maintenance, identifying areas for improvement, and assuring equipment and facilities meet industry standards. By implementing best practices such as developing a detailed checklist, assigning qualified personnel, using samples, documenting findings, and following up on discrepancies found during an audit process can help organizations conduct successful quality control audits. These audits benefit the aviation industry as a whole by ensuring the safety of passengers and equipment while maintaining compliance with important regulations.

• Aviation Maintenance

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Comentários

What is Quality Control and How Can You Improve It?

Concerning Quality Control, let’s be clear on this: your operation sits in the biggest room in the world. It’s called the room for improvement. It’s really not rocket science if you get the hang of a few things. The quality upgrades will be obvious and tangible, even though your operations will remain lean.

Manufacturing is a wheel of many cogs. Anyone who works in the sector realizes that improving Quality Control is the engine for success at every level. Better QC can increase profits. It can also raise satisfaction levels among staff and customers alike. Companies seeking a proactive approach to employee, customer, and manager welfare, can achieve it by improving Quality Control.

It’s essential to aim for Quality Control improvement, minimizing risk and making your organization better, all at once.

The Fundamentals of Quality Control

It’s futile to speak of improving Quality Control without understanding the subject. Quality Control comprises testing units to ensure they are within the specification parameters for the final product.

Testing checks if there’s need for corrective actions in manufacturing. Good Quality Control enables companies to as certain the need for corrective actions in manufacturing.Companies need good Quality Control to understand consumer demands and deliver better products.

Quality testing involves all parts of manufacturing. The norm is for employees to begin with testing raw materials , pull samples from the manufacturing line, and ensure the finished product is everything like it should be.

Testing at various points allows manufacturers to identify the precise sources of production problems. It also enables them to adopt preventive measures for the future.

Quality Control measures are often a function of the product or industry. For instance, in food and drug manufacturing, QC comprises ensuring the product is consumer health-friendly. Therefore, the company will subject samples from the production line to chemical and microbiological tests.

Now, the appearance of prepared food influences consumer perception. For visual inspection, manufacturers may then prepare the product following package directions.

Motor accident scan lead to loss of life or permanent disability. Quality Control in automobile manufacturing focuses on how parts interact in various configurations, and that engines operate with smoothness and efficiency.

The electronics industry also makes extensive use of Quality Control testing. It often involves using meters to measure the flow of electricity.

Regardless of the industry, it is possible to improve Quality Control.

Step One to Making Quality Control Happen

There are more than a handful of ways to measure the performance of Quality Control. A Quality Control chart – an intuitive graphic –shows whether sampled processes or products are matching desired specifications. It also gives a vivid idea of how wide off the mark they are if they are not meeting these specifications.

A QC chart is a univariate chart if it only analyzes one attribute of a product. Otherwise, it is called a multivariate chart.

The X-Bar Chart

To chart one or more attributes, the Quality Control inspector(s) randomly select products from the manufacturing line. An example of such a chart is the X-Bar Chart. On this chart, the y-axis (dependent axis) measures the extent of acceptability of the tested attribute.

The independent axis (x-axis) of the X-Bar chart tracks the samples under test. An analysis of the pattern of variance from a QC chart can reveal if defects are a random occurrence or are happening systematically.

The Taguchi Method

Another way to ensure Quality Control is the Taguchi Method. This method places a premium on research and development, specifically on how they contribute in minimizing how often product defects and failures occur.

Other key parameters in the Taguchi Method include product design and product development. The method portrays design as more crucial in manufacturing than manufacturing in Quality Control. It also aims to eliminate production variances before they are able to rear their heads.

Where Should You Begin Quality Control Improvement?

The factory floor is the best place to begin quality control improvements. It is essential that all hands – employees and management – are on deck as you march towards the common goal of improving quality.

Every product, culture, and process should reflect in the steps a manufacturer takes to achieve this. One interesting fact is that wholesale changes are not necessary to the process of quality improvement. However, minor tweaks to the operational process over the long haul can bring about distinct improvements in quality in no time. We should now consider ways to improve quality control on the shop floor.

Seven Ways to Improve Quality Control

#1 – clarify your quality standards.

What does “quality” mean in your ecosystem? Defining this early on will provide the basis to implement control methods at your operation. Other crucial questions include clarity on how many defects you can accommodate and what your action plan is for optimizing oversight.

Overall, your goals should aim to keep costs to a minimum and use time more efficiently.

Besides these, it’s essential to know what steps in the process you wish to improve. End-product evaluations is the preferred option for lean manufacturing plants, though you may want to improve efficiency across the board.

Butler Automatic is perhaps the perfect case study. They were able to improve on-time deliveries to 97 percent from a less-impressive 77 percent. They adopted a lean manufacturing process, implemented cross-trained employee ideas, along with an inventory system which vendors control.

Implementing quality standards involves a lot of minute elements. It is beneficial to workout a checklist containing all that a high-quality product should have. It’ll keep everyone speaking the same language concerning Quality Control and ensure that products leaving the facility all meet specific guidelines.

Apple Rubber calls their quality checklist the “pink sheet.” It follows products all through production and quality testing to ensure each one meets the company’s standards.

You can define and promote a standard of quality throughout your organization using WorkClout Documents. Learn more about WorkClout Documents.

#2 – Train Your Employees

Your employees are the first line of offense in promoting good Quality Control practices. Specific training is vital to get your employees battle-ready for this process. It’s essential to build Quality Control practices across the breadth of your organization and not just around your Quality Control Officer. It’s the same type of thinking that underscores the lean enterprise culture.

Cross-trained employees can also contribute to developing ideas that enhance efficiency and Quality Control. This approach fosters a culture where these employees develop an ownership mentality that empowers them and is valuable to the business as a whole. Overall, their work will improve and error rates will drop significantly.

While change maybe able to improve efficiency in a manufacturing setup, it also can invite a few unique problems. It is realistic for managers to expect a drop in Quality Control as they transition to novel Quality Control practices. Japanese automobile giant, Toyota, even authored a manual giving a thorough overview of change point management. For example, a crucial axiom in open-source software development is that “with more eyes, all bugs are shallow.” Trained employees give your organization more opportunities to notice problems before issues get a chance to grow wings. It’ll significantly lower the occurrence of faulty products.

Therefore, train employees to only accept Quality and nothing less. Houston Downhole Sensors used Total Quality Control (TQC) and Just-in-Time (JIT) production to lower machine shop defects to 2 percent from 20 percent within a short span of three months. It is clear that there are benefits to getting employees to focus on quality.

Training can be achieved using Custom Form Templates and Skills Management on WorkClout. Learn more about Form Templates and Skills Management.

#3 – Use Technology to Build Up QualityControl

Technology is here to stay, and it’s actively influencing every part of product and service delivery. It’s impossible to ignore technology or its impact, unless at your own peril. Take cloud technology for instance. It can make your operations more efficient and better at Quality Control. Quality Control itself, is mostly about gathering data. The options depend on the peculiarity of your operations.

Imagine that you want to install real-time sensors to track your products. These sensors communicate with software that send you alerts in the event of slightest defector abnormality. It’s easy at this stage, to stop a product from leaving the production line or making it to shipment.

This process may also make good use of some automation through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things, IoT, throughout your premises. Automation with IoT allows the process to learn about Quality Control issues and fix them without human involvement or assistance.

Cutting-edge technologies are often expensive. However, the gains in terms of employee productivity and overall Quality is worth every cent.

Improve overall quality using WorkClout to perform digital quality inspections. Learn more about Digital Quality Inspections.

#4 – Perform Random Equipment Use Tests

Pop quizzes are great for on-the-spot assessments. In manufacturing, pop quizzes for safety are through unscheduled equipment use tests. They are also simple to conduct. Pick a random group of employees and enquire about how they use all relevant machines. During the process, look out for adherence to safety measures. There’s often plenty of oversight here and most improvement needs to be in this area.

Testing appears to be nit picky, yet it’s essential if your organization cares about improving Quality Control and wants all personnel to be safe on the job.

#5 – Equipment Upgrades are OftenNecessary

Upgrading production equipment can help to enhance quality. Upgrading does not suggest purchasing the latest digital equipment. An organization can replace outdated equipment that either breaks down often or churns out defective products.

However, acquiring new equipment means upgrading the technical know-how of employees. The attendant increased chances for error is a fact that you need to communicate to employees.

When you improve you shop equipment, you also improve efficiency and on-time deliveries. Some companies even consider late deliveries as a grave quality defect. Modern equipment can improve production rate . They can also mitigate late deliveries, and preserve your company’s reputation for quality.

#6 – Devise a Response Plan

Spotting quality errors is only one-half of the equation. The other all-important half is to develop a response plan . Having a Quality Control Officer on-site is oneway to achieve this. To make it easier to fix quality errors, a rework specialist will be a relevant addition to the team.

A quality correction specialist knows what to do even if the quality defects are due to incoming inventory. The specialist can perform all inspections and AQL audits.This step is an extension of your shop’s process.

If you prefer to fix problems in-house, pick an employee who will handle problems while locating the cause. Fixing the root cause can improve quality over time.

#7 – Ensure Your Shop Floor is Clean

A safe work environment is a high-priority endeavor. It is the direct off-shoot of active shop floor maintenance. Never overlook having a clean facility. Shop floor maintenance ensures everyone on the floor participates in the smooth and efficient running of the manufacturing process.

You can document cleaning procedures for your facility to specify expectations. It’ll also clarify who is responsible for cleaning what aspect. Clear guidelines and processes should be available, clarifying how to do housekeeping. Records of every activity are also important as soon as they are completed. However, note that some machines will require more attention and preventive maintenance than others.

An excellent method to ensure that employees keep the shop floor in great condition is the “Pick Up As You Go.” Cleaning up expected and unexpected mess such as chemical spills or other unsightly material can minimize the risk of workplace injury and prevent accidents. It promotes employee well-being and enhances company revenue.

Quality Control Improvement is Urgent: Do It Now

A company provides continuous opportunities for growth. Manufacturers need to be consistent in improving the quality of their products and production processes. Improving quality should always be the core focus of growth.

Improving Quality Control is a matter for the moment. How your products emerge can impact your brand and reputation. You need to be prompt in enhancing the quality of your products and processes. Sometimes, you’ll need to change your organizational culture as you implement new quality paradigms. However, this will go a long way to implement better quality on the shop floor. Improving Quality Control is a priority that offers a competitive edge in any industry. You’ll also find your overall appraisal costs reduce significantly over time.

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Speech by SPS Tan Wu Meng at the Opening of the 43rd International Convention On Quality Control Circles (ICQCC)

OPENING REMARKS BY DR TAN WU MENG, SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFIRS & MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY AT THE OPENING OF THE 43RD INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON QUALITY CONTROL CIRCLES (ICQCC) ON TUESDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2018, AT 9.50AM AT RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA CONVENTION CENTRE

Distinguished Guests, 

Overseas Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Good morning.

1. I am delighted to join you today at the 43rd International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC).  This is the second time that the convention is being held in Singapore and we are honoured to welcome more than 2,000 delegates from 15 regional economies including India, China and our ASEAN neighbours. This is one of the highest turnouts in the 43-year history of the ICQCC, bringing together a perse group of private and public sector organisations dedicated to progress through commitment to quality.  

Quality Circles – Past & Present 

2. The idea of Quality Circles (QCs) was first mooted in the 1950s, before being formalised and popularised in Japan from 1962 as part of the country’s drive to improve performance and cost efficiency, and consequently raise the image of Japanese products at home and abroad. Galvanised by the success of QCs in Japan, many other countries, including Singapore and our Asian counterparts represented here today, learned from the Japanese journey and began implementing QCs closer to home. 

3. The concept has evolved since the 1960s, with companies recognising that QCs are also helpful for their employees to learn best business practices that would allow them to perform their jobs more effectively and to encourage an innovative mindset. QCs have evolved to be a tool that is forward looking, to enable innovation within the company. And so today we have Innovation & Quality Circles (IQCs). 

Quality Circles for the Future Economy

4. For companies to adapt for the future, it is not just about technology.  There must be a spirit of innovation at every level.  And people are at the core of that spirit, to make it come alive. 

5. Quality Circles & Innovation Circles help nurture that spirit of innovation.  They send a message that deep, thoughtful understanding of the work can make a difference.  A message that every worker, every employee is part of innovation.  Because innovation is more than technology, more than management.  It is a spirit and a movement. 

Commitment of the Singapore Government to Support our Enterprises

6. In Singapore, quality matters.  We want to grow the Singapore brand of trust. The Singapore Productivity Association tells us that QC practices in Singapore have been building trust and quality for many years.  Public sector, and private sector. From 2006 to 2018, over 4,000 teams from Singapore embarking on QC projects.  Innovating better products and services. It helps the bottom line - a combined $1.8 billion gain in value added or cost savings over the past 12 years. 

7. Local enterprises are dedicated to the Quality Circle mission. One such company is the Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore (PCS). PCS is the upstream supplier of the Singapore Petrochemical Complex which serves as the premier hub of Singapore’s petroleum and petrochemical industries. It is also recognised as a leading producer of ethylene and propylene, and other by-products in the region. Over the past decade, PCS has done more than 10 QC projects.  Increasing productivity of plant operations; improving reliability of process control systems; producing higher quality products.  Adding value proposition to customers. 

8. The Singapore Government is committed to supporting our enterprises to excel in business. This includes using QCs to support quality improvements for products and services. Interested enterprises can tap on the soon-to-be-launched Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), which will replace the existing Capability Development Grant (CDG) and Global Company Partnership (GCP) grant come 25 October 2018. The EDG will support companies taking on projects to build core capabilities, innovate and be more productive and access new market opportunities. 

9. To conclude, I would like to thank the ICQCC Core Council for the opportunity for Singapore to host you today. Platforms such as the ICQCC bring together organisations across jurisdictions and markets. Learning from best practices around the world.  Building new collaborations and connections. You are part of the spirit of innovation, as we build the future economy. 

10. Thank you. 

Speech by Minister Chan Chun Sing at the Future Economy Conference And Exhibition (FECE)

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Table of Contents

What is quality control (qc), key components of quality control, types of quality control, why is quality control important what are the benefits, quality control roles and responsibilities, quality control vs. quality assurance, quality control careers, what does quality control mean, what are 3 examples of quality control, train to assess quality with lean today.

In today’s world, it’s not uncommon that we take the reliability and quality of products and services for granted. At the start of the 20th century, however, quality control in manufacturing was not exactly a reliable process.

Now, decades after early pioneers created business problem-solving processes and analysis frameworks to determine and control consistency and value, it’s possible more than ever for a business to implement and scale best practices. 

Quality does not have a singular definition. Despite the relative meaning of “value,” quality control is the process by which products/services are tested and measured to ensure they meet a standard. Through this process, a business can evaluate, maintain, and improve product quality. The primary objective of Quality Control is to identify and correct any deviations from the established quality standards. This process involves monitoring and inspecting products or services at various stages of production or delivery to ensure that they meet the desired level of quality. QC is also concerned with preventing defects or errors from occurring in the first place by implementing measures to control and improve the production or service delivery processes.

Ultimately, there are two crucial goals of quality control: (1) to ensure that products are as uniform as possible and (2), to minimize errors and inconsistencies within them.

Key components of Quality Control may include:

Inspection: Regularly examining products, materials, or services to identify defects, non-compliance, or deviations from quality standards.

Testing: Conducting various tests and measurements to assess the performance, functionality, or characteristics of products or services.

Statistical Process Control (SPC): Employing statistical techniques to monitor and control the production processes, ensuring that they remain within acceptable quality limits.

Documentation and Records: Keeping detailed records of inspections, tests, and corrective actions taken to maintain traceability and accountability.

Corrective Action: Implementing appropriate measures to address any identified quality issues and prevent their recurrence.

Training and Education: Providing employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain quality standards effectively.

Continuous Improvement: Constantly analyzing data and feedback to identify areas for improvement and enhancing the overall quality management system.

Quality Control is closely related to another quality management concept called Quality Assurance (QA). While QC focuses on detecting and correcting defects, QA concentrates on preventing them from occurring in the first place by setting up robust processes and procedures.

Together, QC and QA form the backbone of an organization's quality management system, helping to ensure that products and services consistently meet or exceed customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Quality Control Process

Normally, quality testing is part of every stage of a manufacturing or business process. Employees frequently begin testing using samples collected from the production line, finished products, and raw materials. Testing during various production phases can help identify the cause of a production problem and the necessary corrective actions to prevent it from happening again.

Customer service reviews, questionnaires, surveys, inspections, and audits are a few examples of quality testing procedures that can be used in non-manufacturing businesses. A company can use any procedure or technique to ensure that the final product or service is safe, compliant, and meets consumer demands.

QC Is Different by Industry

Quality Control (QC) is an indispensable aspect of various industries, ensuring that products and services adhere to predefined standards. In the manufacturing sector, QC involves rigorous inspection and testing of raw materials, intermediate components, and final products to maintain consistent quality and minimize defects. In the food industry, QC guarantees the safety and integrity of consumables through thorough testing for contaminants and adherence to health regulations. In the pharmaceutical sector, QC plays a critical role in verifying the potency and purity of drugs, ensuring they are safe for consumption. Additionally, in the software industry, QC involves extensive testing of applications and programs to identify bugs and errors before release, guaranteeing a smooth user experience. Across all industries, QC is a fundamental process that enhances customer satisfaction, boosts efficiency, and fosters a reputation for reliability.

Just as quality is a relative word with many interpretations, quality control itself doesn’t have a uniform, universal process. Some methods depend on the industry. Take food and drug products, for instance, where errors can put people at risk and create significant liability. These industries may rely more heavily on scientific measures, whereas others (such as education or coaching) may require a more holistic, qualitative method. 

At its core, quality control requires attention to detail and research methodology. 

So, what is quality control? There are a wide range of quality control methods , including: 

Control Charts:

A graph or chart is used to study how processes are changing over time. Using statistics, the business and manufacturing processes are analyzed for being “in control.” 

Process Control:

Processes are monitored and adjusted to ensure quality and improve performance. This is typically a technical process using feedback loops, industrial-level controls, and chemical processes to achieve consistency. 

Acceptance Sampling:

A statistical measure is used to determine if a batch or sample of products meets the overall manufacturing standard. 

Process Protocol:

A mapping methodology that improves the design and implementation processes by creating evaluative indicators for each step. 

There are other quality control factors to consider when selecting a method in addition to types of processes. 

Some companies establish internal quality control divisions when defining what is quality control. They do this to monitor products and services, while others rely on external bodies to track products and performance. These controls may be largely dependent on the industry of the business. Due to the strict nature of food inspections, for example, it may be in a company’s best interest to sample products internally and verify these results in a third-party lab.

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Quality Control (QC) is essential for various reasons, and its importance lies in the numerous benefits it brings to both businesses and consumers. Here are some key reasons why QC is crucial:

Customer Satisfaction: QC ensures that products and services meet or exceed customer expectations, leading to higher satisfaction levels and increased customer loyalty.

Defect Prevention: By identifying and correcting issues early in the production or service delivery process, QC helps prevent defects, reducing the likelihood of expensive recalls or rework.

Cost Reduction: Implementing QC measures can lead to reduced waste, lower production costs, and improved operational efficiency, contributing to overall cost savings.

Compliance and Regulations: QC ensures that products and services adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements, avoiding legal issues and penalties.

Brand Reputation: Consistent high-quality products or services build a positive brand image, enhancing the company's reputation and competitiveness in the market.

Increased Efficiency: QC optimizes processes and identifies areas for improvement, leading to increased productivity and streamlined operations.

Risk Mitigation: Through rigorous testing and inspections, QC helps identify potential risks and hazards, enabling businesses to address them proactively.

Continuous Improvement: QC encourages a culture of continuous improvement, where organizations strive to enhance their products, services, and processes constantly.

International Competitiveness: High-quality products can open doors to global markets, increasing a company's competitiveness on an international scale.

Customer Retention and Loyalty: Satisfied customers are more likely to remain loyal and recommend the brand to others, contributing to long-term business success.

Overall, Quality Control is crucial for maintaining high standards, minimizing risks, and fostering a competitive advantage in today's dynamic and demanding business environment. It serves as the foundation for delivering superior products and services while ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.

When answering what is quality control, it is critical to understand that it consists of multifaceted responsibilities and roles. Moreover, it shouldn’t be confused with quality assurance. Whereas quality assurance looks at the processes used to prevent defects, quality control is focused specifically on the measurement and analysis processes involved with determining product quality. 

Quality control uses specific research tools to accomplish fact-finding processes and conduct analyses. A quality control professional is tasked with analyzing these measurements against some sort of standard determined by the quality management department, company policies, and industries or regulatory bodies. Based on this evidence-gathering, quality control will recommend changes. 

We can see from this roadmap, too, how quality assurance and quality control differ. Quality assurance looks at the holistic picture to prevent a product from becoming defective. Quality control, on the other hand, later determines if a product is, in fact, defective or not. Both roles fit under the broad umbrella of quality management. 

Thus, an individual in quality control is tasked with communicating results to stakeholders and significant parties. A good quality control specialist will be able to disseminate scientific and research-based thinking to a business community and assist with the problem-solving process. These specialists are a key component of a product’s design process, as they determine whether a company’s creation is truly acceptable for the market.

Even though the terms quality control and quality assurance are sometimes used interchangeably, they have some key differences. Quality criteria, such as ensuring an item complies with specifications, are the main emphasis of quality control. Quality assurance is the sum of all processes and actions necessary to demonstrate that the requirements for quality are satisfied.

Quality control can be a fulfilling job if you enjoy dealing with people, talking, presenting results, and trying to make things better and safer. Depending on the sector, you may need the following qualifications to work as a quality control inspector:

• Entry-level positions require a high school diploma.
• Depending on the business, a bachelor's degree
• A background in the industry
• Certain businesses and sectors require licenses and certifications.

Additional characteristics required by quality control specialists include:

• Observation of details
• Talents in math and mechanics
• Physical prowess and power
• Technical expertise
• Pressured performance

Career Path

There may be discrepancies because the path to quality assurance and control job varies by industry. However, you'll typically require a number of years of professional expertise in your field. After completing the necessary educational qualifications and gaining the necessary work experience, you are often hired as a quality assurance or control associate.

As you gain job experience, you can advance to the position of senior specialist and start leading groups of quality control specialists.

Your employer may require you to take professional development classes or obtain certifications like Six Sigma . A professional designation like Certified Quality Inspector may also be required.

Quality Control Salaries

Depending on the role, expertise, and industry, quality control specialists make a variety of salaries. As you get more expertise and advance into management positions, your pay rises. The average wage, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is:

• Services rendered by experts in science and technology: $46,280
• Production: $40,020
• Trade in bulk: $37,800
• $30,070 for office supplies and support services

Quality control refers to a company's methods for assessing product quality and, if necessary, improving it. There are various ways to perform quality control, including benchmarking, examining manufacturing procedures, and testing products. All of this is done to keep track of significant product differences.

Three examples of quality control in the food sector are monitoring ingredient standards, verifying supplier lists, and making sure the manufacturing facility is hygienic.

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1. What is Quality Control (QC)?

Quality control is the process by which services/products are measured and tested to ensure they are as uniform as possible and meet a standard. It helps businesses minimize inconsistencies and improve product quality. 

2. What are the four types of Quality Control?

The four types of quality control are process control, control charts, acceptance sampling, and product quality control. While a control chart helps study changing processes over time, process control and product quality control help monitor and adjust products as per the standards. Acceptance sampling is a unique type that involves a statistical measure to determine whether a batch or sample of products satisfies the standards. 

3. Why is Quality Control important?

Quality control is important to safeguard the company’s reputation, prevent products from being unreliable, and increase trust on the side of consumers. It ensures that the company looks at evidence-based data and research rather than anecdotal observations to ensure that the services/products live up to the standards. It reduces cost and maximizes profit, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

4. What are three examples of Quality Control?

Some examples of quality control are: a high-speed car manufacturer runs thorough tests for every component, including manual and automated verifications; websites study the average response time per page for customer interactions and generate tickets when the service gets unacceptably slow; retail store owners employ secret shoppers to test the customer service of their stores. 

5. What are the four steps of Quality Control?

The first step for quality control is to set your quality standards and decide which ones to focus on. Secondly, you must establish operational processes to deliver optimal quality and implement them. The third step is to review your results and identify gaps. Lastly, get feedback and make improvisations.

6. What are quality control techniques?

Inspection and Statistical quality control (SQC) are the two major techniques of Quality Control. Inspection checks the performance of items as per the pre-decided specifications. It involves periodic checking before, during and on completion of the process. It can be categorized into two types: Centralized and Floor Inspection. Statistical Quality Control relies on laws of probability. It controls the production quality within tolerance limits via sample procedure.  

7. What is the difference QA and QC?

Quality Assurance (QA) focuses on preventing defects and maintaining the overall quality management system through process implementation and improvement. It ensures that proper processes are in place to avoid issues. On the other hand, Quality Control (QC) involves detecting and correcting defects through inspections and testing. QC ensures that products or services meet specific quality standards. While QA is proactive, emphasizing prevention, QC is reactive, emphasizing identification and correction of issues after they occur.

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The 3 TED Talks everyone in Quality must see.

Getting TED speeches that talk about quality are not as easy as you may think. This is a challenge to the leading quality thinkers to get the message unto TED and every forum possible. However, many things are allied to quality that have been discussed on TED talks. We have selected our top 3 that pass across the message of ‘quality thinking’, do enjoy them.

R.A. Mashelkar: Breakthrough designs for ultra-low-cost products- This engineer shares examples of the innovation challenge India is providing the world. Making more, for less, for more and more people. Vehicles, medicines and prosthetics that are ultra-low cost relative to the market leaders. The ultra-low solutions will appeal to the mass market and if what happened with televisions and technology and the shift of all it’s manufacturing from

the USA to Japan, such that there was only one manufacturer left in the US by the 1990’s; as these products become optimised and improved for quality- a similar fate awaits organisations and countries that are not equipped to rise to this challenge.

Olivier Scalabre: The next manufacturing revolution is here. Industrial systems thinker- Olivier talks about a new manufacturing revolution that should prick the ears of every person currently involved in manufacturing at any level. Though the realities of his thinking might take some time to come to full fruition, the factors he identifies should lead the thinking of quality professionals especially in the design and optimisation of manufacturing and service processes.

Elon Musk: The Future we are building- and boring- Design Architect and CEO of Tesla- Musk unveils the future of decongestion of road transport using tunnels. He also talks about self-driving cars and getting people on Mars.

Essay on Quality Control of Products: Top 13 Essays

After reading this essay you will learn about:- 1. Meaning and Definitions of Quality Control 2. Quality Control Organisation 3. Advantages of Quality Control 4. Quality Control for Export 5. Indian Standard Institution 6. Quality Assurance 7. Causes of Quality Failures 8. Economics of Quality 9. Product Quality Analysis 10. Quality Planning 11. Quality Improvement 12. Quality Management System 13. Role of Top Management.

• Essay on the Role of Top Management towards Quality

Essay # 1. Meaning and Definitions of Quality Control :

Quality control in its simplest term, is the control of quality during manufacturing. Both quality control and inspection are used to assure quality. Inspection is a determining function which determines raw materials, supplies, parts or finished products etc. as acceptable or unac­ceptable.

As control becomes effective, the need for inspection decreases. Quality control determines the cause for variations in the characteristics of products and gives solutions by which these variations can be controlled. It is economic in its purpose, objective in its procedure, dynamic in its operation and helpful in its treatment.

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Since variations in raw materials have large effects on the quality of in-process materials, quality control includes statistical sampling and testing before acceptance. It also includes the examination of quality characteristics in finished products so as to assure satisfactory outgoing quality.

Cooperation between the quality control group and other departments such as production, planning and inspection is of vital importance. With proper managerial support and co-opera­tion the quality control programme will be more successful.

Definitions :

In current quality control theory and practice, the meaning of “Quality” is closely allied to cost and customer needs. “Quality” may simply be defined as fitness for purpose at lowest cost.

“Quality” of any product is regarded as the degree to which it fulfills the requirements of the customer. “Quality” means degree of perfection. Quality is not absolute but it can only be judged or realized by comparing with standards. It can be determined by some characteristics namely, design, size, material, chemical composition, mechanical functioning, workmanship, finishing and other properties.

Quality of a product depends upon the application of materials, men, machines and manu­facturing conditions. The systematic control of these factors is the quality control. The quality of a product differs greatly due to these factors. For example, a skilled worker will produce prod­ucts of better quality and a less skilled worker will produce poor quality products.

Similarly better machines and better materials with satisfactory manufacturing conditions produce a better quality product. Thus, it is clear that to control the quality of product various factors which are responsible for quality are required to be controlled properly.

In the words of Alford and Beatly, “quality control” may be broadly defined as that “Indus­trial management technique by means of which products of uniform acceptable quality are manufactured.” Quality control is concerned with making things right rather than discovering and rejecting those made wrong.

“It may also be defined as the function or collection of duties which must be performed throughout the organisation in order to achieve its quality objective” or in the other words ‘Quality is every body’s business and not only the duty of the persons in the Inspection Staff.

Concluding, we can say that quality control is a technique of management for achieving required standard of products.

Factors Affecting Quality :

In addition to men, materials, machines and manufacturing conditions there are some other factors which affect the quality of product as given below:

(i) Market Research i.e. demand of purchaser.

(ii) Money i.e. capability to invest.

(iii) Management i.e. Management policies for quality level.

(iv) Production methods and product design.

Apart from these, poor packing, inappropriate transportation and poor after sales service are the areas which can cause damage to a company’s quality image. There are cases where goods of acceptable quality before transportation were downgraded on receipt by the retailer just because they had been damaged in transportation.

Modern quality control begins with an evaluation of the customer’s requirements and has a part to play at every stage from goods manufactured right through sales to a customer, who remains satisfied.  

Essay # 2. Quality Control Organisation :

Over the years, the status of the quality control organisation changed from a function merely responsible for detecting inferior or standard material to a function that establishes what are termed preventive programmes.

These programmes are designed to detect quality problems in the design stage or at any point in the manufacturing process and to follow up on corrective action.

Immediate responsibility for quality products rest with the manufacturing departments. All the activities concerning product quality are usually brought together in the organisation which may be known as inspection, quality control, quality assurance department or any other similar name.

Quality control is a staff activity since it serves the line or production department by assist­ing them in managing quality. Since the quality control function has authority delegated by management to evaluate material produced by the manufacturing department, it should not be in a position to control or dictate to the quality activity.

The quality control organisation depending upon the type of product, method of quality is sufficient enough to carry out following activities:

1. Inspection of raw material, product or processes.

2. Salvage inspection to determine rejected part and assembly disposition.

3. Records and reports maintenance.

4. Statistical quality control.

5. Gauges for inspection.

6. Design for quality control and inspection.

7. Quality control system maintenance and development.

Functions of Quality Control Department :

Quality control department has the following important functions to perform:

1. Only the products of uniform and standard quality are allowed to be sold.

2. To suggest methods and ways to prevent the manufacturing difficulties.

3. To reject the defective goods so that the products of poor quality may not reach to the customers.

4. To find out the points where the control is breaking down and investigates the causes of it.

5. To correct the rejected goods, if it is possible. This procedure is known as rehabilita­tion of defective goods.

Essay # 3. Advantages of Quality Control :

There are many advantages by controlling the product quality.

Some of them are listed below:

1. Quality of product is improved which in turn increases sales.

2. Scrap rejection and rework are minimised thus reducing wastage. So the cost of manufacturing reduces.

3. Good quality product improves reputation.

4. Inspection cost reduces to a great extent.

5. Uniformity in quality can be achieved.

6. Improvement in manufacturer and consumer relations.

7. Improvement in technical knowledge and engineering data for process development and manufacturing design.

Essay # 4. Quality Control for Export :

Today we need foreign exchange for our requirements and for repayment of our debts and services. If our products are expensive and are of sub-standard quality then the customers abroad will not buy goods from us.

Therefore, we must be able to supply goods which may meet the requirements of foreign buyers. For this purpose quality and good packing determines to a large extent the continued acceptability of the product.

At present some organisations lite Export Inspection Council of India, the Indian Stan­dards Institution, the Indian Society of Quality Control and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade are helping about this problem of quality control.

Implementation of the Export Act 1963 and the work of Export Inspection Council (set up under Export Act) have helped in planned approach towards quality control. The advice of Export Inspection Council is very helpful for pre-shipment inspection of exportable goods.

These organisations have been authorised to issue a “Certificate of Quality” after satisfying them­selves that the goods fulfill the minimum standards of quality laid down or that they are of the quality claimed by the exporter.

Essay # 5. Indian Standard Institution (I.S.I. Renamed as B.I.S.) :

To protect the interest of the consumers, Indian Standard Institution is serving in India. In most of the western countries, consumers nave formed their own associations to protect their interest. In some countries these associations, receive official support and guidance.

I.S.I, serves the consumers through Certification Marks Scheme. Under this scheme I.S.I, has been vested with the authority to grant licenses to manufacturers to apply the I.S.I, mark on their products in token of their conformity to the desired Indian Standards.

To control the quality, I.S.I, inspectors carry out sudden inspections of the factories of the licensee. Inspectors may check the incoming raw materials, outgoing finished products and may carry out necessary tests at different levels of control during production.

Thus I.S.I, mark gives guarantee to the purchaser that the goods with this mark have been manufactured under a well-defined system of quality control. From first April 1987 it has been renamed as Bureau of Indian Standards.

Essay # 6. Quality Assurance :

Inspection, quality control and quality assurance:.

Inspection is a process of sorting good from a lot. Whereas Quality Control is aimed at prevention of defects at the very source, relies on effective feedback system, and procedure for corrective action.

In Quality control programme, inspection data are used to take prompt corrective action to check the defects. For this purpose, detailed studies are conducted to find out that from where the defect is originated, and how to prevent it, may it be at manufacturing, design, purchase of raw materials, despatch or storage stage.

Quality Assurance means to provide the necessary confidence to the customer as well as to top management that all concerned are carrying out their job effectively and that the product quality is as per customer’s satisfaction with economy. Quality products can be produced only when all the departments fully participate and co-operate.

Presently, customers demand for higher quality and reliability. It has been felt that even a single defect whatever may be the reasons, result in economic loss.

These reasons have neces­sitated the need for total quality and reliability programmes to cover wide spectrum of func­tions and various areas of product design, production system design through various states of material, manufacture and commitment to efficient maintenance and operation of the system as a whole. This is necessary for quality assurance and reliability of the product. This assures the continuous failure free system to the customers.

Responsibilities of Quality Assurance Department :

i. Plan, develop and establish Quality policies.

ii. To assure that products of prescribed specification reaches to the customers.

iii. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the Quality programmes.

iv. Conduct studies and investigations related to the quality problems.

v. Liaise with different department, in and outside the organisation.

vi. Organise training programmes on quality.

vii. Plan and coordinate vendor quality surveys and evaluate their results.

viii. Develop Quality assurance system and regularly evaluate its effectiveness.

Quality Assurance System :

Quality assurance system should be developed incorporating the following aspects:

i. Formulate the quality control and manufacturing procedures.

ii. Percentage checking be decided.

iii. Procedures and norms for plant performances as regards to quality be developed.

iv. Rejection analysis and immediate feed-back system for corrective action.

v. Prepare a manual for quality assurance.

vi. Formulate plans for quality improvement, quality motivation and quality awareness in the entire organisation.

Essay # 7. Causes of Quality Failures :

Quality failures occur due to various causes, most of them are because of lack of involve­ment of men concerned with the quality. Studies have indicated that more than 50% of quality failures are due to human errors at various levels, such as understanding of customer’s require­ments, manufacturing, inspection, testing, packaging and design etc.

Error affecting quality can be classified into following categories :

(a) Error Due to Inadvertence:

These are due to lack of knowledge of the product, and continue due to lack of information about quality deficiency. Such mistakes can be controlled, if a system for feedback is developed in which quality performance results are analysed in a regular and timely manner.

(b) Errors Due to Lack of Technique:

These errors are due to lack of knowledge, skill, technique etc. In such cases performance of ‘better’ operation are compared with those of ‘poor’ or ‘defect prone’ operations, and the process adopted by them are studied and reasons for errors are investigated.

(c) Willful Errors:

Sometimes quality is compromised due to early delivery schedules, reduction in cost, safety etc.

Reduction of Errors by Improved Motivation :

Quality motivational programmes are developed for getting quality product from the line staff so that they take interest in improving the quality. Motivational programmes are de­signed after identifying the sources/reasons of failures.

Operators are motivated by designing a campaign to secure alertness, awareness and new actions, and by observing the managers for their behaviours or reactions on any quality problem. Campaign can be launched through mass meetings, quality posters, exhibition of quality deficiencies etc.

Campaign may also invite operators to participate in analysing the causes of defects or the failure on the part of operation and/or systems. Trainings are very helpful in making the operators aware of the technological does and don’ts and the purpose behind each operation.

Essay # 8. Economics of Quality :

The good economic performance is the most essential for survival and growth of any organisation in the highly competitive environment. Therefore, one of the most common objec­tions of every organisation is to attain excellence in its economic performance. The single most important factor which leads to good economic performance is the ‘quality’ of its products or services.

Therefore, in order to achieve economy, quality management system must contribute to­wards the establishment of customer-oriented quality discipline in the marketing, design, engi­neering, procurement, production, inspection, testing and other related servicing functions.

Everybody in the organisation must be involved in the production and delivery of quality product or services, consistently to meet the customer needs and satisfaction.

The production of defective output results in the costs of sorting, scrap, rework, dealing with customer complaints, replacement under warranty etc. It is more serious and very diffi­cult to ascertain the cost associated with the loss of goodwill, following the sale of defective or non-conforming products.

Designers of economic models use following costs:

i. Fixed costs of sampling, inspecting, testing and measuring.

ii. Variable cost of sampling, measuring, calculating and plotting each sample value on control charts.

iii. Cost of correcting and assignable cause.

iv. Total loss in profit, when the process is running out of control.

It has been experienced that the savings due to control of poor quality products, better control over the quality of purchased product, use of more economical materials or methods due to their greater reliability, are sometime spectacular.

Quality is a dynamic phenomenon and is being improved continuously with the new devel­opments in technology and management techniques.

Quality and Cost :

Studies have indicated that any reduction in quality results in a reduced level of satisfac­tion and decrease in customer goodwill toward the producer. This will lead to reduction in return on investment in the long run.

Following are the general principles of quality and cost relationship:

(i) Cost of poor quality are far larger than that had been recognised.

(ii) Appraisal costs are reduced by focussing on preventing errors at the source.

(iii) System be established for reducing the cost rather than reducing the quality.

(iv) By focussing on quality improvement overall, performance of the firm can be im­proved.

(v) Focus of quality improvement be shifted from product attributes to operational proce­dure.

Quality Cost (or Costs Associated with Quality) :

Quality cost means cost of poor quality goods or services.

Following are the main quality associated costs:

1. Failure Costs :

(A) Internal Failure Costs:

(i) Scrap and rework cost.

(ii) Costs involved in testing, inspecting and sorting for down-gradation.

(iii) Losses due to avoidable processing.

(iv) Expenditure in failure analysis.

(B) External Failure Costs:

(i) Warranty charges.

(ii) Redressal of complaints.

(iii) Loss of future sales.

(iv). Other expenses on return of materials, failure analysis outside the factory.

2. Appraisal/Detection Costs :

(i) Incoming test and inspection including materials, in-process and final quality sampling.

(ii) Quality audits.

(iii) Equipment calibration.

(iv) Evaluation of performance.

(v) Evaluation of customer satisfaction.

3. Prevention Costs :

(i) Quality planning.

(ii) New product review.

(iii) Process control.

(iv) Training and education.

(v) Process quality planning.

Quality Cost Control :

For the purpose of reducing the cost, when internal and external failure costs are cost down, the appraisal cost and preventive cost may slightly go up. Therefore, it is necessary for opti­mum balance to reduce failure cost with slight increase in appraisal and preventive cost, with the aim of substantial reduction in total quality cost without compromising with the quality.

Efforts for reducing quality cost must be continuous.

The cost reduction programme must be followed in following stages:

1. Identification of quality cost items.

2. Structuring of quality cost reporting, including related analysis and control, and

3. Maintenance of programme to ensure that the objectives of higher quality at lower cost.

Quality control and quality cost must be directed in such a way so as to provide the firm with major added business value.

Essay # 9. Product Quality Analysis :

It includes:

(i) The various functions to be performed by the manufactured product.

(ii) Life and durability of product.

(iii) Working conditions required during manu­facturing.

(iv) Product specifications.

(v) Manufacturing processes and methods.

(vi) Maintenance and installation.

(Quality at level Y is the most economical. A drop of quality to level X reduces the cost by M but also re­duces the quality value by N which is greater than M. A rise of quality to level Z increases the quality value by O and increases the cost by P, which is greater than O) — Refer Fig. 62.1.

Essay # 10. Quality Planning :

Quality planning is done keeping the company needs and customer needs in view, and a comprehensive quality plan is prepared for implementation in the company.

Quality plan is a document setting out the specific quality practices, resources and activities relevant to a par­ticular product, process, services, contract or project.

Quality planning is a systematic process for:

(i) Identifying customers,

(ii) Discovering customer needs,

(iii) Designing the responsive products,

(iv) Developing the process for creating and delivering the products, and

(v) Transferring the process and its contents to those who will perform the product or service.

Essay # 11. Quality Improvement :

Quality improvement is a structured process for reducing the deficiencies that are present in products, processes and services and/or improving performance whenever there is an opportunity to improve.

Quality problems are of following two types:

1. Sporadic Problems:

A sporadic problem is a sudden adverse change in the status quo, which requires remedy. The variations due to these problems are so significant that they trigger the alarm signals of the control system.

2. Chronic Problems:

Chronic problem is long-standing adverse situation which requires remedy through changing the status quo. For such problems, by adopting ‘continuous improve­ment concept’ better and better levels of performance can be achieved. These problems occur for a long time, and are often difficult to solve, as they are accepted as inevitable.

Essay # 12. Quality Management System :

A quality management system organises overall activities of the company in such a way that the technical, administrative and human factors affecting the quality of products or ser­vices are under control. The quality management system guides the cooperated actions of the people, machines and information to achieve the quality objectives.

1. Activities:

Activities of quality management system are:

(i) Marketing to evaluate customer needs and use requirements.

(ii) Design and engineering to translate the customer needs into product, process and material specifications.

(iii) Purchasing to select the competent vendors who can supply materials, components, sub-assemblies as per specifications.

(iv) Production to ensure that product is produced under controlled conditions in conform­ance to standards.

(v) Quality assurance to identify appropriate test methods and exercise quality control techniques.

(vi) Shipping to ensure proper packaging, transportation and distribution of material.

(vii) Documentation to maintain system and progress documents at each stage of opera­tion.

(viii) Product development for innovation and improvement based on customer’s feedback.

(ix) Auditing to identify the non-conforming of the system and product, and follow up the corrective actions.

2. Benefits:

(i) To meet the customer requirements by providing quality products or services to satisfy the customer needs.

(ii) Good reputation helps in better marketability of the company’s products and services.

(iii) Confidence is created.

(iv) Consistivity in quality.

(v) Productivity improvement.

(vi) Better financial performance.

(vii) Brings clarity in working.

(viii) Better documentation.

(ix) Better monitoring.

(x) Increases export potential.

(xi) Human resources development.

3. Quality Function:

(i) Marketing and market research.

(ii) Design and product development.

(iii) Procurement.

(iv) Process planning and development.

(v) Production.

(vi) Inspection, testing and examination.

(vii) Packaging and storage.

(viii) Sales and distribution.

(ix) Installation and operation.

(x) Technical assistance and maintenance.

(xi) Disposal after use.

4. Quality and Top Management:

Responsibility for and commitment to quality always belong to the highest level of management.

Following action points are necessary to be adopted by top management to achieve quality objectives of the company:

(i) Define and state quality policy.

(ii) Appoint a management representation.

(iii) Define responsibility and authority.

(iv) Establish an internal verification system.

(v) Establish a quality system.

(vi) Review the functioning of quality system at regular intervals.

5. Installing the Quality System :

(A) Preparations:

(i) Analyse the existing status and identify what needs to be done? Prepare an ac­tion plan.

(ii) Develop an organisation structure.

(iii) Develop quality system documentation.

(iv) Prepare the material and machinery resources.

(B) Implementation:

(i) Implement the documented quality system.

(ii) Establish internal quality audit system.

(iii) Monitor, control and stabilise the quality system.

(iv) Hormonise the practices with the standards.

Essay # 13. Role of Top Management towards Quality :

Main roles of the top management towards quality are:

1. Define quality Control. Establish a Quality Council.

2. Establish quality policies.

3. Establish quality goals.

4. Provide the resources.

5. Provide problem-oriented training.

6. Serve on quality improvement teams which address chronic problems.

7. Stimulate improvement.

8. Provide for reward and recognition.

9. Top management is required to:

(a) Develop strategies for quality, and

(b) Provide leadership for implementation of these strategies.

Related Articles:

• Essay on Quality Control | Products | Production Management
• Essay on the Pricing of Products: Top 5 Essays | Marketing Management
• Acceptance Sampling: Meaning, Role and Quality Indices
• Essay on Materials Management: Top 7 Essays | Branches | Management

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Quality Management: The Core Components and Principles of Success

Quality Management is defined as – Overseeing all activities and tasks that to be accomplished to maintain a desired level of excellence. This includes developing a quality policy, creating and implementing quality planning, facilitating quality assurance, quality control, and quality improvement. From that description alone, quality management seems impressive and effectively thorough, but also quite daunting. The good news is that successful quality management was never intended to be only one individual’s responsibility. Good quality management aims to unite an organization’s stakeholders in a common goal, improving processes, products, and services to achieve consistent success.

The Core Components of Quality Management

Let's start with the foundational components of good quality management . There are four pillars of successful quality management, and they've already been referenced:

Quality Planning – Identifying quality standards for a process or project and determining how to meet them.

Quality Control – Consistent, meticulous actions designed to ensure a process's integrity.

Quality Assurance – Planned activities executed to support a product or service in meeting specific requirements.

Quality Improvement – Continued evaluation and alteration of processes and procedures to improve the outcomes' effectiveness, efficiency, or reliability.

By working together, stakeholders can develop the guidelines, based on these tenets, that will influence the products or services an organization creates and the standards they adhere to. If we dig deeper within each of these components, we find that there are principles that must be present for a company to truly succeed in quality management. What are these principles?  

The Seven Principles of Successful Quality Management

Customer Focus   – The customer or client of your organization is its lifeblood. Therefore your primary goal should always be to exceed their expectations. This can only be accomplished when your product or service quality is at its highest. That is often only attainable when your company's processes or procedures are at their most efficient.

Leadership – Almost all successful businesses have outstanding leadership in place. Strong leadership finds a way to unite and motivate its entire team, develop a healthy culture, and maximize nearly every employee's potential. When this is done right, the processes and procedures that are in place to produce top quality are upheld, and even improved upon

Engagement – In this instance, "engagement" refers to how management interacts with its workforce, internally. Are leaders encouraging and properly motivating employees to improve their skill sets and aspire for greater efficiency continually? Are they empowering them and making them feel valued in decisions that will ultimately affect them? When the answer to these questions is –"Yes", employees take pride in ownership, feel empowered, and are accountable.

Process Approach – One term referred to frequently in this article is the word "process." Having a process approach mindset is critical to achieving efficiency and effectiveness in a given organization's output. With the right processes in place, reducing costs, waste, and improvement in accuracy and quality are all likely outcomes.

Continuous Improvement – In other words, is there a plan in place within your company to improve, actively and continuously, upon what you're doing? From business flexibility to opportunity agility, organizations getting the most out of quality management are always aware of improvement possibilities.

Evidence-based Decisions – Good data and concrete facts should be the basis for all crucial business decisions. Using verifiable information to facilitate operations allows for production that reaches desired outcomes and can be justified and understood when unexpected results occur.

Relationship Management – Strengthening the bonds between and organization and its suppliers is critical, an undertaking that leads to mutually beneficial relationships. Because suppliers can affect a business's performance, when a given company can manage its relationships with its partners well, it is more likely to active collaboration and more sustained success.

Whether you're looking to improve upon your current  Quality Management System , are starting from scratch in putting one together for the first time, or looking for a complete overhaul – reviewing and understanding the core components and principles behind what makes for successful quality management is important to your process. Good, consistent quality results begin with a good foundation in the quality management plan, and that comes from knowledge in where to focus and how to build.   For more information on quality management or to request a quote to become certified in a Quality Management System,  contact us here .

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Quality Assurance vs. Quality Control Explained

Adepu Bindu

The identical twin terms QA and QC are closely related that confusions have become very common. Being a test manager, it is essential to know what exactly you are speaking about to your clients and stakeholders.

The below blog will enlighten you with suitable definitions and how they indeed differ from each other. From primary to complex, all the distinct differences between Quality Assurance and Quality Control are explained. Let’s get this straight.

Nuts and Bolts of Quality Management

First of all, Quality Management is a comprehensive class under which comes the QA and QC. It ensures the quality of the software on a very higher level and has four sub-processes. They are as follows.

1. Quality Planning

A plan is made to direct the team to a start point, to begin with. This process of designing a plan is different for every individual project. It involves a plan for quality assurance and quality control – brief details of who, how, when, where, what, and the time of QA activities are presented. Then the tools and techniques used in the QC are also promptly disclosed.

2. Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance is a downright process-oriented functionality. One of the sought-after functions in software testing that has much to do with the defects prevention in the software.

3. Quality Control

4. Quality Improvement

In this process, valuable feedback from the team is taken into account, and then worthy modifications are added to the existing standards. The principal objective of the process is to establish high-quality standards in the organization probably than yesterday.

Importance of Quality Assurance and Quality Control

To attain an invincible business empire, quality products are large jackpots. Live up to your customer expectations and thrive on the market competition all at once. Quality Assurance and Quality Control can enhance your product giving you the much-needed breakthrough. Although there are many practices to ensure the product quality QA and QC are the most primitive and quintessential.

Several businesses follow these to ensure that all the requirements are well met. This isn’t anything new in the business world, it’s been existing for years in the name of rescue for growing businesses. Manufacturers and service providers worldwide are well aware of its importance; now it’s your turn.

Differences between Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Understanding the differences between QA and QC basing their tools, activities, and techniques used.

For a better understanding of substantial differences between QA and QC, we have compared their tools and techniques involved. Take a look.

Quality Assurance

Defining process.

Quality audit is a famous process that inspects the software and ensures that it follows all the given guidelines, regulations, and plans. It is also a standardized technique to review if all the essential procedures and standards were taken into consideration while developing and testing the product.

The tool selection is a crucial aspect of Quality Assurance. We have mentioned a few crucial tools for you.

Cost of Quality

It should be noted that an investment in quality enhancement always benefits the organization directly or indirectly. At the same time, the cost of bad quality can affect the external and internal costs apart from a massive product failure. Always keep a keen eye on the quality of your investments and record them.

Benchmarking

It is a process of evaluating product performance based on derived metrics. Numbers do speak louder, so pay attention; they do help in making effective strategic business decisions.

Control Charts

Control charts are used to check out the processes practiced over time. They assist in making significant improvements to the processes to avoid unnecessary problems.

Fishbone Diagrams

It is also called Ishikawa or cause and effect diagrams. This method requires a lot of brainstorming and mind mapping using diagrams. It allows the particular person to think about all possible causes of the problem and also helps to come up with innovative solutions.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

An approach to examining an investment against the anticipated benefits. It also helps to estimate the feasibility of the resources required for the subsequent investment made.

Quality Control

Quality reviews.

The most accepted, appreciated, and aptly believed techniques in quality control. It can be defined as a genuine review done by the product personnel, managers, quality control team, clients, end-users, or any other stakeholders involved. The feedbacks are collected from different sources, compiled, examined, and only then certain quality approval decisions are made.

Types of Reviews Involved in the Quality Control Process

Management reviews.

This process is taken care of by the upper management to evaluate the work done to take corrective actions.

Technical Reviews

This type of review is done in the early stages of the product testing radically practiced by the technical moderators. The review aims to satisfy the product’s quality technical requirements; if not met, then the necessary changes should be taken.

Walkthrough Reviews

This renowned review type is significantly carried out by the author of the product. Further, he/she thoroughly introduces, explains, and reviews his/her thought process on the product in detail to the team. After a rigorous presentation, the feedback is collected from the audiences.

This type of review approach is only considered if the audience has no knowledge and understanding of the software. And also performed for documentation like specifications documents and design documents of the product. It aims to achieve as follows.

• To bring about a common understanding and obtain valuable feedback from the stakeholders.
• To discuss and debate on the initiated solutions after forming a common understanding.
• Evaluating the software after the decisions are implemented.

Inspection Reviews

This a very systematic process of quality control that identifies issues and defects which can endanger the quality of the software. The reason for calling it systematic is because the roles of the participants in this reviewing process are all pre-planned. Further, the team proceeds to check if the software complies with the required standards or not. And the main objective is to fix the defects as soon as possible.

Software testing is crucial for Quality Control. There are several types of testing available, including functional testing, black-box testing, usability testing, exploratory testing, compatibility testing, and regression testing. All these testing will ensure the product is well-performing as expected.

Roles and Responsibilities in Quality Control

Who usually leads the review process, selects the attendees, and provides the team with the required information and documents.

He is the product writer who explains the complicated areas of software development to the team in the most straightforward way possible.

He is responsible for recording the issues found and also suggests necessary improvements if possible.

A reviewer is an expert who reviews the software, notes downs the issues, and suggests the modifications.

Quality isn’t a gift; it is a right, avail only quality products to your customers. We hope you don’t just win their trust but also their hearts. Don’t miss the opportunity to become a quality-driven business giant, thrive on it today. As well, don’t forget to read more blogs that answer your issues in software testing.

About The Author Adepu Bindu

Bindu is an experienced Content Writer with a demonstrated history of working in the Web Media and services industry. She kept lingering around the new disruptive technologies and wonder every single day as she researches, learns, and writes about them. She always sets out to give you the best possible answers to the problems she comes across.

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Speech on World Quality Day

World Quality Day is a special day that celebrates the importance of quality in our lives. It’s like a big party for everyone who cares about making things better.

Every year, on the second Thursday of November, people around the world join this celebration. You too can be a part of it and help make a positive change.

1-minute Speech on World Quality Day

Good morning everyone, I’m glad to be here to talk about something special: World Quality Day. This day reminds us why quality matters in everything we do. Think of it as the difference between a well-made toy that lasts for years and one that breaks after a few days. Quality makes things better!

World Quality Day is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of November. It’s like a birthday party for quality. On this day, we appreciate the importance of quality in our work, our products, and our services. It’s like saying thank you to all the people who work hard to make sure things are done right.

Quality is not just about products. It’s also about how we do things. Have you ever seen a beautifully organized bookshelf or a neatly folded pile of clothes? That’s quality too! It means doing things in the best possible way, making sure nothing is left to chance.

But why is quality so important? Imagine a world without quality. Toys would break, cars wouldn’t run, and your favorite ice cream wouldn’t taste as good. Quality ensures that everything works as it should, and it makes our lives better.

Finally, World Quality Day is a call to action. It’s a day to think about how we can improve quality in our own lives. Maybe we can clean our rooms a little better, or take more care in our schoolwork. Every little bit helps!

So, let’s celebrate World Quality Day by appreciating the quality around us and striving to make our own work the best it can be. Because a world with quality is a world that works better for everyone. Thank you.

2-minute Speech on World Quality Day

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we gather to celebrate World Quality Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of quality in our lives. Just like we need good quality food to stay healthy or good quality books to learn, everything we do, use, or create needs to be of good quality.

Quality is like the invisible magic wand that makes things work better, last longer, and bring happiness. When you ride your bicycle smoothly without any hiccups, that’s quality at work. When your favorite toy doesn’t break easily and lasts for a long time, that’s quality shining through. Quality is what makes your school bag strong enough to carry all your books without tearing apart.

But quality doesn’t just pop up like a rabbit from a magician’s hat. It needs hard work, careful thinking, and a lot of testing. Just like a delicious cake needs the right ingredients, the right temperature, and the right baking time, quality needs the right materials, the right methods, and the right checks. That’s why we have a special day to celebrate it – to remind us all to strive for quality in everything we do.

Now, you might wonder, how can we, as kids, contribute to this? Well, remember the last time you drew a picture? You chose the brightest colors, drew the lines carefully, and filled in every detail. That’s you creating quality! Or when you helped your mom in the kitchen, you washed the vegetables thoroughly, chopped them neatly, and arranged them nicely. That’s you ensuring quality!

But quality is not just about making things. It’s also about using things responsibly. When you use your toys, books, and clothes carefully, making sure they last longer, you are respecting the quality of those things. And when you recycle or reuse things instead of throwing them away, you are helping to maintain the quality of our environment.

On this World Quality Day, let’s make a promise. A promise to strive for quality in everything we do – in our studies, in our games, in our chores. A promise to respect the quality of things we use. A promise to help maintain the quality of our environment. Remember, quality is not just about things. It’s about us, our actions, our habits.

Let’s be quality superheroes! Let’s make our world a better, happier, and more quality-filled place. Thank you.

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