kvalitetsavdelinger

Kvalitetsavdelinger (quality departments) are organizational units responsible for establishing and maintaining a quality management system within an organization. They oversee compliance with customer requirements and external standards and drive consistent quality across products and services. Depending on size and industry, they may be standalone departments or integrated within production, engineering, or operations.

Key responsibilities include developing quality policy and objectives, quality planning, defining procedures and work instructions, conducting internal audits, managing document control, and maintaining nonconformity handling and CAPA processes.

They monitor quality metrics, perform supplier quality management, and lead continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen. They ensure traceability, risk assessment (FMEA), and measurement systems analysis.

Standards often used include ISO 9001; industry-specific frameworks may apply (IATF 16949 for automotive, ISO 13485 for medical devices). The department typically reports to the CEO, COO, or Chief Quality Officer, and collaborates with production, procurement, and customer service.

Benefits include higher customer satisfaction, reduced waste and recalls, and better regulatory compliance. Common challenges include balancing cost and quality, data management, and ensuring staff engagement.