Kvalitetsflagg

Kvalitetsflagg (literally 'quality flag') is a term used in Norwegian quality management to denote a marker that communicates the current quality status of a product, process, or project. The flag serves as a concise signal to teams, managers, and stakeholders about whether quality criteria are met, at risk, or not met.

Usage and types: In many organizations, kvalitetsflagg is implemented as a color-coded indicator on dashboards or checklists. A green flag indicates that criteria are satisfied and the item can proceed; a yellow flag signals warnings or deviation needing attention; a red flag signifies non-conformance or critical risk requiring immediate corrective action. Some settings use binary flags (pass/fail) or more granular scales.

Criteria and data sources: Flags are typically derived from predefined quality criteria, including defect rates, process capability indices (Cp, Cpk), delivery performance, compliance with standards such as ISO 9001, customer acceptance, safety criteria, and test results. Data may come from inspections, testing, audits, supplier performance, or automated monitoring systems.

Implementation considerations: Effective use of kvalitetsflagg requires clear criteria, consistent measurement, and governance to prevent flag fatigue. Flags should be traceable to corrective actions, owners, and deadlines; periodic review ensures criteria remain aligned with objectives and risk tolerance.

Relation to standards and variations: The concept is not part of a formal international standard, but it aligns with common quality management practices such as visual management, dashboards, and exception handling found in Lean, Six Sigma, and ISO 9001 frameworks. Terminology and color schemes may vary between organizations and industries.