quality assurance

1、Quality AssuranceWhat is Quality Assurance?Quality assurance is the process of verifying or determining whether products or services meet or exceed customer expectations. Quality assurance is a process-driven approach with specific steps to help define and attain goals. This process considers design

2、, development, production, and service.The most popular tool used to determine quality assurance is the Shewhart Cycle, developed by Dr. W. Edwards Deming. This cycle for quality assurance consists of four steps: Plan, Do, Check, and Act. These steps are commonly abbreviated as PDCA.The four quality

3、 assurance steps within the PDCA model stand for: Plan: Establish objectives and processes required to deliver the desired results. Do: Implement the process developed. Check: Monitor and evaluate the implemented process by testing the results against the predetermined objectives Act: Apply actions

4、necessary for improvement if the results require changes.PDCA is an effective method for monitoring quality assurance because it analyzes existing conditions and methods used to provide the product or service customers. The goal is to ensure that excellence is inherent in every component of the proc

5、ess. Quality assurance also helps determine whether the steps used to provide the product or service are appropriate for the time and conditions. In addition, if the PDCA cycle is repeated throughout the lifetime of the product or service, it helps improve internal company efficiency. Quality assura

6、nce demands a degree of detail in order to be fully implemented at every step. Planning, for example, could include investigation into the quality of the raw materials used in manufacturing, the actual assembly, or the inspection processes used. The Checking step could include customer feedback, sur

7、veys, or other marketing vehicles to determine if customer needs are being exceeded and why they are or are not. Acting could mean a total revision in the manufacturing process in order to correct a technical or cosmetic flaw.Competition to provide specialized products and services results in breakt

8、hroughs as well as long-term growth and change. Quality assurance verifies that any customer offering, regardless if it is new or evolved, is produced and offered with the best possible materials, in the most comprehensive way, with the highest standards. The goal to exceed customer expectations in

9、a measurable and accountable process is provided by quality assurance. Quality Assurance Courses Educational material may thus include Six Sigma and ISO 9000, which are often perceived as industry-leading standards for quality assurance. Students may also receive quality control training in systems

10、analysis and failure as well as measurement science. After you become a quality control analyst with a particular employer, you will have specific quality control analyst training. This will teach you the companys own techniques for quality assurance. This may include reading meters and blueprints,

11、adhering to strict safety standards, learning new computer programs and reporting results according to a predetermined style or template. Quality Control And Quality Assurance When maintaining the data is key to tasks that involve the well-being of individuals, such as patients in a hospital or heal

12、thcare facility, data quality control helps to prevent the development of misinformation that could have a detrimental impact on the treatment process, possibly placing the life of the patient in danger. Using a combination of data quality control and quality assurance helps to keep data current, id

13、entify and correct inconsistencies, and in general keep information usable for a variety of purposes. Although the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably by job websites, there is a difference between quality control and quality assurance. Generally, quality control careers involve testing pro

14、ducts to ensure a minimum level of quality set by the manufacturer or government regulation agencies. Quality Assurance Plan The most popular tool used to determine quality assurance is the Shewhart Cycle, developed by Dr. W. Edwards Deming. This cycle for quality assurance consists of four steps: P

15、lan, Do, Check, and Act. These steps are commonly abbreviated as PDCA. In attempts to improve the value of the business, a quality assurance officer devises new plans to advance the effectiveness of production practices. This typically entails the implementation of more efficient systems designed by

16、 the officer. Quality Assurance Jobs For example, there are colleges in the United States that offer associate degrees in quality control management. As quality assurance jobs become increasingly automated over time, knowledge of computer programming and software is likely become more and more essen

17、tial for employees. The analyst validates the phone staff is friendly and personable during interactions with the customers. Quality assurance jobs typically require a strong knowledge of the business processes of an organization. Quality Control And Assurance Tools of this type are constantly gathe

18、ring and arranging data in formats that quality control and assurance personnel can evaluate. Use of this type of automated software can make it possible to identify potential quality issues before they have the chance to impact the customer, thus allowing the company to retain its good name as well

19、 as its client base. Although the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably by job websites, there is a difference between quality control and quality assurance. Generally, quality control careers involve testing products to ensure a minimum level of quality set by the manufacturer or government

20、regulation agencies. Quality Assurance Systems Typical quality assurance officer responsibilities include analyzing business needs and areas for improvement, developing new procedures that ensure higher quality products or methods of production, and defining budgetary needs and the proper distributi

21、on of resources. Quality assurance officer jobs are available in a diverse array of fields, from manufacturing and construction to public service organizations and food production facilities. Workers will also likely be taught proper techniques for quality control, safety, and blueprint reading. Mos

22、t individuals with careers in quality assurance work for manufacturing companies, where their responsibilities revolve around ensuring products are safe and undamaged. Quality Assurance Standards Creating a good quality control process is a part of most successful business ventures. Maintaining high

23、 quality control standards can help improve company reputation and make the workplace safer and more pleasant for employees. Typical quality assurance officer responsibilities include analyzing business needs and areas for improvement, developing new procedures that ensure higher quality products or

24、 methods of production, and defining budgetary needs and the proper distribution of resources. Quality assurance officer jobs are available in a diverse array of fields, from manufacturing and construction to public service organizations and food production facilities. What Does a Quality Assurance

25、Director Do?A quality assurance director (QA Dir) is responsible for ensuring that the overall standards of the company are met or exceeded within every area of the workplace. Often, a set of guidelines will be drafted by the quality assurance director to enforce the companys values. The position is

26、 also often responsible for hiring skilled laborers, managing various developmental teams within the organization, and meeting with clients to design and modify products to fit their overall business needs. Another large aspect of this position is evaluating the performance histories of both employe

27、es and machinery to discover more efficient methods of operation.The main responsibility of a quality assurance manager is the ability to lead, because in large, complex businesses, it is almost impossible for one person to directly oversee every aspect of this position. Training department managers

28、 to locate and correct potential problems before they occur is a huge aspect of quality assurance, not only from a profit standpoint, but also from a safety standpoint. In some industries, quality assurance directors also work alongside the staff to create new products or improve existing ones, mean

29、ing that they have to be extremely organized and very flexible within their daily operations.In essence, all businesses ranging from a small mom-and-pop restaurant to a massive Fortune 500 company have a quality assurance director, even if that precise title is not given. Within smaller storefronts,

30、 these responsibilities may fall on the owner or the store manager, while in mid-sized companies, it may be the human relations director that handles these types of quality-control tasks. Large corporations normally have a full staff of employees that work directly under the quality assurance direct

31、or to ensure that compliance is met within every facet of the business. Regardless of the actual title, none of those companies would remain in business long without this performance-driver leadership role. Candidates applying to become a quality assurance director normally have at least a bachelors

32、 degree within the particular field of interest and managerial experience from previous employment. Besides the physical aspects of the job, this position is often responsible for the overall morale within the working environment, so strong leadership and communication skills are also mandatory. A t

33、horough knowledge of the various pieces of machinery within that type of industry is also a key component to receiving a formal interview for the position.What Does a Quality Assurance Manager Do?A quality assurance manager is responsible for supervising and managing the people who ensure that produ

34、cts and services meet customer expectations before the products go out on the market. He or she is generally ultimately responsible for the quality of the product in all stages of its development, from the factory to the market. Meeting customer expectations also plays a large role in this job.There

35、 are several responsibilities that a quality assurance manager has, although these might vary depending on the company for which he or she works. First, quality assurance managers must set the standards for quality. In other words, the quality assurance manager decides what standards each product mu

36、st meet. Second, he or she must ensure that the employees, as well as inspectors, understand the standards that have been set. In this regard, communication is very important.Another responsibility of a quality assurance manager is testing. In this stage, products are tested to make sure that they m

37、eet the standards that have been previously set. Finally, quality assurance managers often review customer feedback to see whether the standards that were set were acceptable to the customer and whether the products passed the quality inspections. They also are often responsible to make sure that ce

38、rtain laws are followed, depending on the products being manufactured. Quality assurance managers sometimes act as a go-between between the production development offices, where the standards are set, and the corporate offices of a company. They also might partake in strategic planning to find ways

39、for the company to become more efficient in manufacturing quality products. They might use computer software to inspect quality or do physical inspections, or they might supervise those who do inspections. Often, quality assurance managers start their careers as entry-level quality inspectors or hav

40、e some kind of experience in management. Two-year degree programs in quality management are offered for those interested in this type of career. Some companies require that managers have four-year degrees, and they often require a bachelors degree in either business or engineering. In addition to po

41、ssible education requirements, quality assurance managers might need licenses or special certifications, depending on the company. The most important aspect of the job is ensuring that the customers expectations and requirements, as well as all safety requirements, are met. Attention to detail and a

42、dministrative experience are also important aspects of quality assurance manager jobs, because managers supervise inspectors and test, inspect and adjust products to make sure that they meet the required standards. What Does a Quality Assurance Officer Do?A quality assurance officer is charged with

43、creating, implementing, and managing a businesss quality control processes. Typical quality assurance officer responsibilities include analyzing business needs and areas for improvement, developing new procedures that ensure higher quality products or methods of production, and defining budgetary ne

44、eds and the proper distribution of resources. Quality assurance officer jobs are available in a diverse array of fields, from manufacturing and construction to public service organizations and food production facilities.One of the primary aspects of a quality assurance officer job description is the

45、 thorough review of company policies and procedures. The officer utilizes knowledge of various production techniques, company rules, and business standards to identify areas that can be improved upon. The goal of this function is to ensure an overall higher quality of finished product, but it also a

46、ims to streamline production processes, better adhere to company rules and any applicable laws, and create more contented workers and customers.In attempts to improve the value of the business, a quality assurance officer devises new plans to advance the effectiveness of production practices. This t

47、ypically entails the implementation of more efficient systems designed by the officer. He or she oversees the execution of these new systems and may be called upon to provide training to employees. The position is traditionally a supervisory one, and the quality assurance officer manages technicians

48、 and administrators within the quality control department.Drawing up budgets and appropriately allocating the necessary funds are important parts of any quality assurance officers job. He or she identifies the need for and cost of any new equipment that may be required by a restructuring of quality

49、control standards. The officer remains in close communication with senior level employees and those in the finance department so as to better determine the financial scope of any necessary upgrades.To become a quality assurance officer, a candidate is typically required to have a minimum of a bachel

50、ors degree in business, business administration, or management. Many employers look for applicants with a masters degree in one of these specialties. Quality assurance officers tend to have worked in a non-supervisory role within the business for a length of time, as either a technician or in anothe

51、r middle management position. Hiring for this role from within the company is important to many businesses since a candidate who has been with the organization has firsthand knowledge of the processes utilized in production.What Does a Quality Assurance Engineer Do?Many manufacturing, engineering, s

52、oftware, and other development processes include steps for ensuring that products and services meet the needs and terms of the customer. A quality assurance engineer often performs steps to check a project at various stages of development in order to attest to the quality of what is being produced.

53、In software engineering, a quality assurance engineer may be responsible for testing and debugging software code, while in hardware development, a quality assurance (QA) representative might be tasked with inspecting parts and assembly to ensure they meet government and client specifications. Most q

54、uality assurance engineers also review documentation and checklists developed for the project or program. While quality controls are in place at most stages of a products development and are within the roles of all team members on a project, a quality assurance engineer generally performs steps at t

55、he end of a benchmark or milestone of a program time-line. If a client requests a design development process with reviews at the preliminary stage and at each progressive phase, a QA engineer likely will be reviewing and signing off as a last step in each phase. When an engineer finds a problem with

56、 quality at any of these stages, a product may be demoted for improvements and moved through the cycle as many times as needed to meet expectations and requirements. Some companies have full-time devoted staff who provide quality assurance to a multitude of programs. Other firms may contract employe

57、es in order to complete one large-scale program or component of a program. Projects requiring official government overview, such as an aerospace upgrade of a military plane, for example, may utilize temporary on-site representatives who review and provide a QA stamp of approval based on federal guid

58、elines as needed throughout a project term. Documentation often is a part of QA review and approval, as a products technical development and components often must be recorded as outlined in a contract. Generally a quality assurance engineer has a high level of experience in a discipline which enable

59、s understanding at many levels of a programs development. However, sometimes a QA specialist can apply the same quality techniques from one discipline to another field. Having an understanding of the smallest components of a program with an ability to identify problems with the completed project as a whole is typically a talent of a QA engineer in any specialty. A unique skill of many QA professionals is the ability to test