Quality Assurance (QA) is a way of preventing defects and mistakes from occuring in the production and provision of goods and services. Whereas Quality Control (QC) focuses on detection and eliminating or mitigating defects and mistakes that have been detected, Quality Assurance is all about optimising production and service-delivery processes to prevent defects or mistakes from occuring in the first place. Quality Aussrance is thus often incorporated into Total Quality Management (TQM), which is a holistic philosophy that embraces continuous improvement in production and service-delivery processes.

The ISO 9000 family of Quality Management standards are used widely throughout the world to set and uphold minimum standards for quality in the provision of goods and services. Many organisations in many industries (eg. food production, hygiene services, automotive manufacturing) seek to comply with these standards, because compliance provides the consumer with a measure of assurance and hence confidence in the product or service.

International standards for quality are not the only incentive for embracing Quality Assurance. A product or service of higher quality will usually attract a premium, meaning increased profitability. The careful and considered implementation of Quality Assurance measures within one's organisation can also result in greater efficiencies and hence productivity. Finally, where minimum standards must be met, investing in Quality Assurance early-on can often be more cost-effective than merely using Quality Control measures.

This web site is under construction. In the meantime, if you are looking for a quality assurnace consultant, you might visit ICS, Standard Consulting, or PQAS. Some quality assurance consultants focus on specific industries or sectors of the economy, for example Australian Healthcare Associates advises on quality assurance within the health and human services sector.