The differences between Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Quality Control (QC):

►“The operational techniques and activities that are used to fulfil requirements for quality” (ref: ISO 9000)

►QC is an inspection function.

►QC requires the performance of the necessary observations, testing & documentation that verifies the work performed meets or exceeds requirements.

Quality Control makes sure the results of what you've done are what you expected.

The processes of quality control involve calibration, sampling and documenting reviews.

Quality Assurance (QA)

►“All those planned and systematic activities implemented to provide adequate confidence that an entity will fulfil requirements for quality” (ref: ISO 9000)

►QA is an audit function, used to verify that QC is being performed and performed effectively & efficiently.

Quality Assurance makes sure you are doing the right things, the right way.

Measurement is a vital aspect of Quality Assurance.

The Quality Assurance is to do with standards, processes, and policies are in place and carried out; to recommend and implement improvements to them, and to ensure that the people that need to know about them know about them. QA "audits" or "reviews" are intended to determine the efficacy of these processes, and policies.