Quality Assurance vs Quality Control

Are there any Difference Between Quality Control and Quality Assurance?
Most people use the two terms Quality Control and Quality Assurance equivalently to refer to the same concept. However both the terms are different in meaning as well as purpose.

It is actually very easy to define and explain both the terms.

Let us start by looking at the definitions of Quality Assurance and Quality control as per various standard bodies.

QA is defined as " The planned and systematic activities implemented in a quality system so that quality requirements for a product or service will be fulfilled. "

QC is defined as " The observation techniques and activities used to fulfill requirements for quality."

Clearly, there are marked differences between Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

The most notable difference between quality assurance and quality control is that while QC is product oriented, QA is process oriented.

Quality control focuses more on failure detection. It comprises various methods, systems and strategies to decide certain areas which are below the expectations and standards of the company to its products and services.

On the other hand, Quality assurance pertains to the processes and rules which aim to foresee any potential failure that may occur to prevent this from happening even before it happens.

Another differentiation between QA and QC is that while Quality assurance makes sure that what you are doing are right things in the right way while QC ensures that the results of what you have done are as per your expectations.

QA is a proactive function, therefore a quality assurance program delivers a higher quality of work.

QC is concerned with checking that the work is done correctly, and is compliant. It focuses on correcting deviations after the work has been done. Or we can say, Quality control activities acts as corrective measures.

The difference between QA and QC is also one of power and control. QC is under control of development while QA controls development.

It is often found that while some companies concentrate more on QC, other focuses mainly on assurance of quality. For efficient running and quality products, both these processes must subject to proper evaluation and management.