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2004 March Report of the Auditor General of Canada
Exhibit 2.5—Using a quality system prevents problems in the design and manufacturing processes
The purpose of a quality system (quality control and quality assurance) is to prevent and control quality problems in the design and manufacturing processes.
The quality control aspect requires manufacturers to evaluate their processes to identify those activities that are critical to ensuring quality in their products. They then build in controls to help ensure that these activities function consistently to ensure quality during design and manufacture, thereby ensuring consistency in its quality. Examples of critical activities include:
- use of trained employees,
- regular calibration of equipment, and
- confirmation of specifications.
Once all critical activities and controls are identified, the quality system is designed, documented, and incorporated into the processes.
The quality assurance aspect requires the manufacturer to develop procedures for monitoring the controls to help ensure they are working effectively. Monitoring could involve:
- hourly tests of the control (for example, testing equipment calibration),
- daily observation of the control (for example, observing adjustment of equipment), and
- periodic audit of the control (for example, reviewing employee training records).