The implementation of quality management strategies requires a critical and complete understanding of the needs of a product. To ensure efficiency and efficacy, these measures need to be designed into the product and its production system.

QC, SPC and QA are important aspects that contribute to quality management.

Be sure to identify the differences between  QC, SPC and QA .

Quality control (QC)

• Tolerances are defined at the design stage of the machinery. Parts not within tolerance need to be reworked or scrapped.
• Continuous monitoring ensures that the machines perform to the pre-determined standard/quality.
• Ensures that process inputs, such as speed, temperature, pressure, etc, are monitored an adjusted.
• Quality control at the source eliminates waste from defects as workers are responsible for the quality of the work they do.
• Able to get the same results over time

Quality assurance (QA)

• This covers all activities from design to documentation.
• It also includes the regulation of the quality of raw materials, assemblies, products and components, services related to production, and management and inspection processes.
• It is the maintenance of the entire system from design to purchasing to packaging that meets quality requirements.

QA	Process orientated	Pro-active	Prevent defects
QC	Product orientated	Reactive	Find defects

Statistical process control (SPC)

• This is a quality control tool that uses statistical methods to ensure that a process operates at its most efficient.
• This is achieved through measuring aspects of a component to ensure that it meets the required standard throughout its production in order to eliminate waste. 

There are commonly accepted ways of assuring quality in design. How do other areas of knowledge ensure the quality of their outputs?

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