1. QUALITY ASSURANCE

2. About:
A dictionary definition of this is ‘the planned and systematic activities implemented in a quality system so that quality requirements for a product or service will be fulfilled’ This is a complete system of things carried out and involves quality control. There is a lot more to this than just QC checks, so the 2 should not be confused in this way. Quality assurance not only includes qc checks, but also staff training records, a complete system of documentation that records are kept with, records of faults located & the corrective action involved, a detailed qa plan, specified procedures, record traceability, structure of people involved, record of certification. A qa system can be subject for auditing by a third party at any time and should be reviewed on a set basis by the organisation operating it.

3. About:
An entire QA system can be audited, to ensure that the company operating under the logo it is claiming to work to, is actually carrying things out honestly Once an organisation has proven itself worthy to carry the logo of quality assurance guarantee, customers are given the warranty that the product has been manufactured and tested to ensure its suitability, physical material properties and safety reaches a set standard. An example of Such bodies offering auditing and accreditation is the BSI, under ISO9001 Even the college has to operate to certain standards.

4. The quality assurer
The following video gives as a brief insight and overview of what a person employed in quality assurance will be responsible for QKWhN6gTEur2Q

5. Using a QA System gives proof there is a plan in place
proves the system operates to the law
gives proof that system of documentation is used
keeps a record of staff training
proves the company is worthy enough to boast an organisations’ accreditation
gives proof the manufacturer is organised
proves that any faults found are investigated and corrective action taken
proves the quality of the products it sells

6. QA System Parts
As we just saw, when a product is manufactured, a set of quality control checks will need to be completed; from the absolute beginning, all the way through to the very end
The system can also include:
Records of any training that employees have had to undergo
Checks on any raw products used
Final checks and tests that are carried out on the product
Any certification from a regulatory or awarding body
Identification of all involved
A clear policy / statement of intent
Possible review dates
Identification of any regulatory body involved
Corrective action plans

7. Benefits of Using a QA System
Builds and keeps a company’s good reputation
Allow a company to trade internationally
Boost profits
Keeps a company afloat during hard economic times
Reduces customer complaints
Allows for continuous improvement
Gives advantages to all involved (customer, supplier, staff involved)
Ensures the system is organised & managed

8. ISO 9000 - Quality management
The ISO 9000 family addresses various aspects of quality management and contains some of ISO’s best known standards. The standards provide guidance and tools for companies and organizations who want to ensure that their products and services consistently meet customer’s requirements, and that quality is consistently improved

9. ISO 9000 QUALITY STANDARDS & GUIDELINES

10. ISO 9000 Basic Principles A Customer Focus Good Leadership
Involvement of people
Process approach to quality management
Management system approach
Continual Improvement
Factual approach to decision making
Supplier relationships

11. CE MARKING
CE marking is a mandatory conformity marking for certain products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA) since The CE marking is also found on products sold outside the EEA that are manufactured in, or designed to be sold in, the EEA.

12. Group Activity:
Consider the thorex nylon mallet as it has been manufactured:
Analyse all of the qc checks made & all qa system parts
List & document these
These will be discussed / evaluated by the rest of the qa team, consideration given to:
how can the checks improve the product quality?
What benefit will using the entire qa system have upon the company?
What makes this qa system ‘fit for purpose’?

13. References: