Definition Quality or Quality Assurance - The term "assurance" should not be used?

Jim Wynne

Staff member
Admin
#31
As I said, Jim, for those 'in the know'.

My experience has been that terminology is very important. Its tough enough using language to convey understanding (as witnessed through these posts). People who post here use all kinds of vocabulary to describe their situations and often we find ourselves asking for clarification.
Generalities about using proper terminology don't address the subject at hand. I think everyone agrees that we have to choose our words carefully, but when a predominant change in standard terminology only serves to make things more difficult to understand--as in the present case--it can't be considered a good thing. If some wayward soul hadn't decided it would be a good idea to differentiate between "control" and "assurance," we wouldn't be having this discussion, and if someone wanted to discuss quality control, no one would have much doubt what he was talking about. The bifurcation created the confusion.

I guess you live in a different world. I, for one, have always tried to use the correct (not obscure) words to describe what I'm speaking about.
I do my best to use the words that best describe the meaning I hope to convey. If that puts me in a different world, I'm happy to be here. Maybe you can come over and visit sometime. :D
 
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ralphsulser

#32
When I was offered a job at an international company to implement the quality department, the VP OPs. asked what should we call you, Quality Control Manager, or Quality Assurance Manager.
I said in order to eliminate any confusion just call me "Quality Manager"

Worked fine for everyone and no further questions about what were our objectives.
 

John Broomfield

Staff member
Super Moderator
#33
Quality Assurance is delivered, it is not done.

It is the result of working systematically to meet requirements.

By working systematically (PDCA) we "provide confidence that requirements will be fulfilled".

This quotation is the internationally agreed definition of QA also adopted here in the USA (see ISO 9000:2005).

These days many quality professionals are focused on enabling their colleagues to work systematically to meet requirements by the development and upkeep of process-based management systems.
 
P

Pazuzu - 2009

#34
Quality Assurance is delivered, it is not done.
Very well stated!! I like how you put that!

Quality - this is a "thing" we strive to attain and retain.
Quality Assurance - an intangible deliverable
Quality Control - the tools and inspections used to assess the product/service in order to achieve the above two.
 
#36
Thanks, I do not say QC anymore. I just say Process Control.
Yes, John. I've found that in many minds (non-Quality function, that is), the whole QC idea conjures up an image of the 'white coats at the end of the line' inspecting product, rather than the most appropriate 'process control' as you say........
 
H

HSSE Auditor

#37
BTW - you don't have to make a profit! I have seen not-for-profit organizations who have implemented ISO 9001 and done so with an eye to customers and reducing waste - a lesson a lot can learn from. Profits make management fat, dumb and happy, when waste is what they should go after....:notme:
I worked for a non-profit manufacturing assistance center, and I can assure you that "reducing waste" was not in their vocabulary. They wasted as much money as they could on conferences/meetings/trips and bonuses so they didn't have to show a "profit".
 
P

Pazuzu - 2009

#39
Yes, John. I've found that in many minds (non-Quality function, that is), the whole QC idea conjures up an image of the 'white coats at the end of the line' inspecting product, rather than the most appropriate 'process control' as you say........
We're probably all on the same playing field here. Nor do we have the "lab coats at the end of the line" but given the product we produce and the common variations they must be inspected throughout so we liken it to having "integrated quality control". :)
 

Sidney Vianna

Post Responsibly
Staff member
Admin
#40
I worked for a non-profit manufacturing assistance center, and I can assure you that "reducing waste" was not in their vocabulary. They wasted as much money as they could on conferences/meetings/trips and bonuses so they didn't have to show a "profit".
:topic:I know a few MEP's and they are, with very few exceptions, extremely dysfunctional, very top heavy, some fat cats at the top enjoying serious perks and the working folks never appreciated. I don't know how much money NIST is giving to the MEP's these days, but as a tax payer, I wished the money was better spent. Needless to say, most consulting organizations that I know hate the MEP competition due to the subsidies they enjoy.
 
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