QAQC

QAQC stands for Quality Assurance and Quality Control. QA is process-oriented, aimed at preventing defects by improving development and manufacturing processes. QC is product-oriented, focused on identifying defects in the final product or output. QA establishes and maintains quality management systems, standards, and procedures, while QC involves inspection, testing, and verification against requirements.

QA activities include defining processes, documenting procedures, conducting audits, providing training, driving process improvements, managing supplier quality, and ensuring compliance with standards such as ISO 9001. QC activities include inspections, functional and nonfunctional testing, reviews, sampling, defect tracking, and establishing acceptance criteria.

In practice, QA and QC are integrated within a quality management framework. Quality plans and control plans document expected outcomes and methods. Quality metrics are tracked to monitor performance, enable corrective actions, and support continuous improvement. Common metrics include defect density, test coverage, failure rate, yield, and process capability indices such as Cp and Cpk. Tools frequently used include checklists, control charts, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), root cause analysis, and test management software.

Applications of QAQC span multiple industries, including manufacturing, software development, construction, and healthcare. Benefits commonly cited are higher product reliability, reduced costs from early defect detection, and improved customer satisfaction. Challenges can include balancing quality goals with cost and schedule pressures, maintaining up-to-date processes, and ensuring data quality across suppliers and teams.