Laatukontrolli

Laatukontrolli is the Finnish term for quality control, a systematic set of activities aimed at ensuring that products and services meet defined requirements. It covers planning, measurement, inspection, testing, and corrective actions, and is applied across the product lifecycle, from design to delivery. It is used in manufacturing, software, construction, and service industries.

Key activities include defining quality criteria, performing inspections and tests, collecting data on performance, identifying nonconformities, and implementing corrective and preventive actions. Techniques commonly employed are statistical process control, sampling and acceptance testing, and root cause analysis. The practice distinguishes between quality assurance, which focuses on preventing defects through process design and management, and quality control, which focuses on detecting defects in the output.

Laatukontrolli is often guided by standards such as ISO 9001 and other sector-specific norms, and is typically supported by a quality management system that documents procedures, records, and continual improvement processes. In Finnish industry, metrics such as defect rate, yield, and customer complaints are used to monitor performance.

Benefits include more consistent product quality, regulatory compliance, reduced waste, and higher customer satisfaction; costs include inspection time, potential delays, and the need for ongoing data collection. Challenges include detecting all defects, balancing thoroughness with efficiency, and maintaining a culture of quality.