Qualitätsphase

Qualitätsphase is a term used in German-speaking quality management to denote a phase in a process during which quality-related activities are planned, executed, and evaluated to ensure that outputs meet specified requirements and stakeholder expectations. It is often positioned within the broader quality management lifecycle between planning and the execution of corrective actions.

Typical activities in a Qualitätsphase include defining quality targets, validating requirements, conducting design reviews, planning and performing tests and inspections, collecting and analyzing measurement data, conducting process audits, and documenting findings. The phase commonly relies on the PDCA cycle (plan-do-check-act) and aims to reduce defects, minimize risk, and improve process capability.

Contexts where the term is used include manufacturing, construction, software development, and service delivery. In many frameworks, such as ISO 9001 or industry-specific quality systems (for example IATF 16949 in automotive), quality activities are structured as stages and checkpoints within projects or product lifecycles. The Qualitätsphase may be discrete or integrated across iterations, depending on the development model (waterfall, V-model, or agile environments).

Benefits of a defined Qualitätsphase include improved requirements conformance, better traceability, clearer responsibilities, and higher customer satisfaction. Challenges can include added process overhead, the need for measurable criteria, and ensuring timely data collection and decision-making to prevent delays.