QA

Definition

Quality assurance (QA) is a systematic process designed to determine if a product or service meets specified requirements and standards.

Purpose

The purpose of QA is to prevent defects in products or services and to ensure that the quality requirements for a project or process are fulfilled. QA focuses on improving the processes to deliver quality products and services.

Examples of Use

• In software development, QA involves testing and reviewing code to ensure it meets the required standards before release.
• Manufacturing industries use QA processes to monitor and improve production techniques to maintain product quality.
• Service industries implement QA protocols to ensure customer satisfaction and adherence to service standards.

Related Terms

• Quality Control (QC): The process of inspecting products to ensure they meet the quality standards.
• ISO 9001: An international standard for quality management systems.
• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing effort to improve products, services, or processes.

Notes

QA is a proactive process that identifies weaknesses in the processes and works to eliminate them before they result in defects.