The Procurement Glossary » Quality Assurance (QA)
Quality Assurance (QA)
Compliance & Risk
Definition
The proactive processes that ensure goods and services will meet required quality standards.
Explanation
QA is about preventing defects by building quality into processes and supplier requirements, versus quality control which detects them after the fact. In procurement it covers supplier qualification, specifications and audits.
Example
QA requires suppliers to hold ISO 9001 and follow agreed process controls before shipping.
Related terms
- Quality Control (QC) — The inspection and testing of goods to detect defects and confirm they meet specification.
- Non-Conformance — A failure of a product, service or process to meet its specified requirements.
- Specification — A precise description of what is required — the features, quality, quantity, standards and performance a supplier must meet.
- Supplier Audit — A formal on-site or documentary review of a supplier's processes, quality systems or compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quality Assurance (QA)?
The proactive processes that ensure goods and services will meet required quality standards. QA is about preventing defects by building quality into processes and supplier requirements, versus quality control which detects them after the fact. In procurement it covers supplier qualification, specifications and audits.
Can you give an example of Quality Assurance (QA)?
QA requires suppliers to hold ISO 9001 and follow agreed process controls before shipping.
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