Quality assurance and quality control are two essential aspects of quality management in any organization. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between the two concepts. In this answer, we will discuss the differences between quality assurance and quality control, both in definition and practical application.
Definition:
Quality Assurance (QA) refers to the processes and activities implemented to ensure that a product or service meets the specified requirements and standards before it is delivered to the customer. It is a proactive process that focuses on preventing defects and problems before they occur. QA involves a continuous review of the entire product development cycle, including design, development, testing, and delivery.
Quality Control (QC), on the other hand, refers to the specific activities implemented to ensure that the product or service meets the required quality standards. It is a reactive process that focuses on identifying and correcting defects after they have occurred. QC involves a series of inspections, tests, and checks at various stages of production to ensure that the product or service meets the specified quality criteria.
Differences:
The table below summarizes the differences between Quality Assurance and Quality Control:
| Quality Assurance | Quality Control |
| Proactive process | Reactive process |
| Prevents defects and problems | Identifies and corrects defects after they have occurred |
| Focuses on entire product development cycle | Focuses on specific activities and processes |
| Emphasizes prevention | Emphasizes detection |
| Carried out by management and process owners | Carried out by inspectors and testers |
| Ensures compliance with quality standards | Verifies compliance with quality standards |
| Involves continuous improvement | Involves testing and inspection |
| Involves planning and implementation of quality systems | Involves measurement and analysis of product quality |
