Difference Between Quality Control and Quality Assurance
If you work in the real sector, there are lots of terms that you will be exposed to. Well, for those who may not know what the real sector is, it is another phrase for the manufacturing industry. So, in the industry, you will get to know a lot about quality assurance and quality control. On the other hand, people who work in the informal sector may not really understand what that means. Well, are you often confused when you come across those terms? If yes, you are not alone. The truth of the matter is, there are countless number of people who still cannot figure out the difference between quality control and quality assurance. If you are in this category, we assure you that you will become a changed person after reading this piece. So, join us as we embark on this engaging, informative journey. First and foremost, we will start with the definition of both terms.
Definition of Quality Control
This is a corrective procedure that ensure that a fresh-out-of-the-factory product meets established standard by comparing the sample against certain specifications. With an acronym QC, Quality Control is commonly used in industries where new product or service is always churned out every now and then. Before the organization approves that the product or service can be launched into the market, it will be tested against certain standards to ensure that it adheres to, or meet the requirements of the end-user.
In other words, companies have to comply with the directive of a regulatory body that ensures that products on the market are fit for use or consumption. It should be noted that QC is a set of procedures that focus on the goods or services. Basically, these procedures define the requirements expected of the product/service. In a nutshell, emphasis is on goods and services here.
Well, people don’t seem to grasp the disparity between quality assurance and quality control. Just before we go into that, it is critical that we define the former.
Definition of Quality Assurance
This is a systematic method of ascertaining whether a procedure meets the required standard or not. No doubt, this term shares lots of similarities with the previous one, but not without some contrasts. Also denoted QA, Quality Assurance defines the requirements for developing products and services that are fit for human consumption. The aim of this method is to build customer loyalty by improving the production process and efficiency of a company.
For companies to supply products and services that go beyond their geographic borders, they are mandated to meet ISO 9000, which is also known as Quality Management System. When enlightened consumers see the seal of the international regulator, ISO, on the product that they are about to purchase, it gives them the confidence that the product is fit for human consumption.
Although the practice of using QA originally started in the manufacturing industry, the SaaS industry has already embraced it. Today, software is expected to meet certain specification for a purchaser to have the confidence in it. Ideally, in this concept, focus is on the system that produced the goods or services
What is the difference between quality assurance and quality control? We bet you’re still going to find that question a bit difficult to answer, aren’t you? We will soon present you with a table that will enable you to brilliantly explain quality assurance vs quality control.
Quality Control vs Quality Assurance Comparison Table
| Basis of Comparison | Quality Control | Quality Assurance |
| Meaning | This is a well-established procedure or method that lays emphasis on defect identification | This is a well-established method or procedure that focuses on defect prevention |
| Objective | This ensures that already manufactured products have met acceptable standard | It ensures that the procedure used to manufacture the products are acceptable |
| Focus | Good or service | The production process |
| End Point | To continuously improve the product before it hits the stores or market | This proactive technique ensures that the method or standard used to produce goods are of high standard. In other words, it ensures that defects don’t arise in the first place |
| Procedure | Eliminating tools and equipment that are likely to introduce defects to the products or services so as to meet acceptable standard | Set up a good system or mechanism that ensures products from that system meet acceptable standard through documentation, audit and continuous improvement |
| Responsibility | The Quality Control Manager | Everyone in the production department |
Just like we said earlier, this table gives you more details regarding quality control vs quality assurance. Now, let’s summarize our article.
Conclusion of the Main Difference Between Quality Control vs Quality Assurance
It has been an interesting journey so far, hasn’t it? Indeed, quality control vs assurance has continued to attract the attention of many industry experts and scholars. Although these experts are not particularly good at identifying the disparity between the two, they are exploring ways to improve the production process of goods and services circulating in the market.
Wrapping up, we strongly believe that you now know the difference between quality assurance and quality control. More importantly, you should keep in mind that both tasks are always manned by the same personnel or department. This explains why today there are QA/QC departments/units or staff in many IT and production companies.
