Definition |
QA is a set of activities for ensuring quality in the processes by which products are developed. |
QC is a set of activities for ensuring quality in products. The activities focus on identifying defects in the actual products produced. |
Focus on |
QA aims to prevent defects with a focus on the process used to make the product. It is a proactive quality process. |
QC aims to identify (and correct) defects in the finished product. Quality control, therefore, is a reactive process. |
Goal |
The goal of QA is to improve development and test processes so that defects do not arise when the product is being developed. |
The goal of QC is to identify defects after a product is developed and before it's released. |
How |
Establish a good quality management system and the assessment of its adequacy. Periodic conformance audits of the operations of the system. |
Finding & eliminating sources of quality problems through tools & equipment so that customer's requirements are continually met. |
What |
Prevention of quality problems through planned and systematic activities including documentation. |
The activities or techniques used to achieve and maintain the product quality, process and service. |