P
I have worked under both situations. At one company (electronics mfr), all QA inspectors and engineers reported to the Plant Manager. Not ideal, but we made it work. At my last employer (aerospace), the Quality chain was completely separate all the way up to the VP of Ops level. In my current situation (small company), I answer only to the owner.
One thing to remember is that one of the major objectives of any Quality System is to assist Production in producing quality parts (or services) for the customers. While we may or may not answer directly to that chain of command, ultimately, they (through their needs) do determine much of our process. In the end, we're all still working for the same company with (hopefully) the same goals.
Done blathering now...
One thing to remember is that one of the major objectives of any Quality System is to assist Production in producing quality parts (or services) for the customers. While we may or may not answer directly to that chain of command, ultimately, they (through their needs) do determine much of our process. In the end, we're all still working for the same company with (hopefully) the same goals.
Done blathering now...