Difference between QA and QC

As we've talked in a previous post about the Definition of Quality, with these 2
terms exist the same issue where every single person/organization defines
Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in a bit different way. Also,
many people including HHRR (Human Resources) and quality professionals do not
know what QA and QC really means, and what the difference is between both
terms. For those reasons, these concepts are often used interchangeably, and in
some organizations one department performs the activities of both.

The truth is that both terms have strong interdependence; QA relies mostly on
the QC feedback and both work to deliver good quality products/services; but they
are different processes.

Next table shows the differences between them.

QA
Definition from ASQ.org
Assurance: The act of giving
confidence, the state of being certain or
the act of making certain.
QA: The planned and systematic
activities implemented in a quality
system so that quality requirements for
a product or service will be fulfilled.
Other definition
QA is a failure prevention system that
predicts almost everything about
product safety, quality standards and
legality that could possibly go wrong,
and then takes steps to control and
prevent flawed products or services
from reaching the advanced stages of
the supply chain.
vs. QC
Definition from ASQ.org
Control: An evaluation to indicate
needed corrective responses; the act
of guiding a process in which
variability is attributable to a constant
system of chance causes.
QC: The observation techniques and
activities used to fulfill requirements
for quality.
Other definition
QC is a failure detection system that
uses a testing technique to identify
errors or flaws in products and tests
the end products at specified intervals,
to ensure that the products or services
meet the requirements as defined
during the earlier process for QA.

QA department develops all the As some process parameters cannot

planning processes and procedures in be controlled, QC department checks
order to try to make sure that the the products or services for defects
products manufactured or the service that happen due to these parameters,
delivered by the organization will be of trying to achieve the overall QC
good quality. objective of providing a defect-free
product or service to the customers.

QA defines the standards/methodology QC ensures that the defined

to be followed in order to meet the standards are followed at every step.*
customer requirements. *

* This is done by conducting various tests and checks. Based on them, the QC
prepares regular reports that act as an input to the QA department which then
reviews the same and decides on the corrective and preventive actions
required in the processes.

In general, the QA activities are done The QC activities are done during
before the product is manufactured or the manufacturing process and once
the service delivered (proactive the product is manufactured.
approach).

QA is process oriented. QC is product oriented.

QA makes sure you are doing the right QC makes sure the results of what
things, the right way. you've done are what you expected.

QA tasks are conducted by managers, QC tasks are executed by experts

third party auditors, and customers. * who are directly involved with the
design, or manufacture of a product
on the shop floor such as engineers,
inspectors, etc. *

* For this reason, one person cannot perform both activities (QA and QC)
because will result in a conflict of interest.

Examples
- A QA audit would focus on the
process elements of a project. e.g.: Are
requirements being defined at the
proper level of detail?
- Process documentation
- Establishing standards
Examples
- A QC review will focus on product
elements. e.g.: Are the defined
requirements the right requirements?
- Performing inspections
- Preforming testing
- Developing checklists
- Conducting internal audits

Example
- QC detected a recurrent problem with the quality of the products. QC provides
feedback to QA personnel that there is a problem in the process or system that
is causing product quality problems. QA determines the root cause of the
problem and then brings changes to the process to ensure that there are no
quality issues in future.

NOTE 1: Quality Assurance AKA Quality Guarantee

NOTE 2: QA/QC are not limited to the manufacturing field, they can be applied to
any business or non-business activity such us services, software, banking,
transportation, office, education, etc.

CONCLUSION
Both departments are essential to maintain good quality of the deliverables.
And keep in mind no matter how you define QA and QC, the goal is: to delivery
good quality.