Kvalitetssäkrar

Kvalitetssäkrar is the Swedish term for activities and practices aimed at ensuring quality in products and services. In English, it is commonly translated as quality assurance (QA) and encompasses the systematic processes and measures used to ensure that defined quality requirements are met and customer expectations are fulfilled.

Quality assurance focuses on preventing defects by shaping and improving processes rather than solely inspecting outputs. Core activities include defining quality objectives, documenting procedures, designing workflows, training personnel, managing supplier quality, implementing change control, and conducting audits and process reviews. In software and product development, kvalitetssäkrar often involve requirement traceability, design reviews, test planning, verification and validation, and the use of tooling for automation and measurement.

QA is distinct from quality control (QC): QA is process-oriented and aims to prevent problems, while QC is product-oriented and seeks to identify defects in finished work. Both approaches are often integrated within a quality management system aligned to standards such as ISO 9001, as well as framework approaches like Six Sigma, Lean, or CMMI.

Implementation typically proceeds from defining requirements and mapping processes to creating standard operating procedures, providing training, and establishing measurement systems. Key metrics include defect rate, process capability (Cp/Cpk), delivery quality, and customer satisfaction. Internal audits and supplier assessments support ongoing improvements through corrective and preventive actions.

Benefits of effective kvalitetssäkring include higher reliability, reduced rework and warranty costs, improved compliance, and greater customer trust. Common challenges include resource demands, maintaining up-to-date documentation, and integrating quality activities with agile or fast-paced development.