quality assurance (QA)

Definition

Often used interchangeably with quality control (QC), it is a wider concept that covers all policies and systematic activities implemented within a quality system. QA frameworks include (1) determination of adequate technical requirement of inputs and outputs, (2) certification and rating of suppliers, (3) testing of procured material for its conformance to established quality, performance, safety, and reliability standards, (4) proper receipt, storage, and issue of material, (5) audit of the process quality, (6) evaluation of the process to establish required corrective response, and (7) audit of the final output for conformance to (a) technical (b) reliability, (c) maintainability, and (d) performance requirements.