Quality Control vs Quality Assurance: Key Differences Explained

In any organization delivering high-quality products and services is essential for success. This requires properly managing quality through well-designed processes. Quality control and quality assurance are two crucial components in the broader quality management framework. But what exactly is the difference between quality control vs quality assurance?

While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to distinct activities that serve unique purposes. In this comprehensive guide we will break down the key differences between quality control and quality assurance, including

• Definitions of each
• Main goals
• When each process occurs
• Responsibilities
• Key tools used
• Job roles
• Salaries

Understanding the distinctions between quality control and assurance allows organizations to optimize both processes for maximum quality and efficiency,

Defining Quality Control vs Quality Assurance

First, let’s clearly define quality control and quality assurance:

Quality Control refers to the operational techniques and activities used to verify that a product or service meets the quality requirements and standards set during the quality assurance process. Quality control focuses on identifying defects in finished products before they reach the customer.

Quality Assurance refers to the overall process of developing, planning, and maintaining quality standards throughout the design, development, and production of a product or service. The goal is to prevent defects through effective quality processes.

Main Goals of Quality Control vs Quality Assurance

The distinct definitions of quality control and quality assurance lead to different primary goals:

Goals of Quality Control

• Identify defects or issues in finished products through testing and inspection
• Correct problems in final products before delivery to customers
• Ensure final product meets quality standards and requirements
• Provide feedback loops to improve production processes

Goals of Quality Assurance

• Develop efficient quality standards and methodologies
• Monitor processes to prevent defects and avoid problems
• Ensure consistency in development and production processes
• Proactively improve and optimize processes
• Reduce overall costs related to quality

While the goals differ, QC and QA work interdependently to achieve high quality. QA provides the foundational standards upon which QC verifies quality.

When Does Quality Control vs Quality Assurance Occur?

Given their distinct goals, quality control and assurance occur at different points:

Quality Assurance activities take place during the design, development, and production processes. QA seeks to monitor ongoing processes, identify improvement opportunities, and ensure alignment with quality standards.

Quality Control activities take place after production, on the finished product. QC aims to catch defects before the product reaches the end user through testing, inspection, and audit.

QA informs QC by establishing quality specifications to be met. In turn, QC provides QA with feedback to enhance standards and processes. This creates a continuous feedback loop that boosts quality over time.

Key Responsibilities in Quality Control vs Quality Assurance

QA and QC professionals hold different key responsibilities:

Quality Assurance Responsibilities

• Develop quality standards and methodologies
• Create QA plans and documentation
• Conduct risk assessments
• Monitor development and production processes
• Identify process improvements
• Track quality metrics and report on results
• Ensure adherence to quality procedures
• Manage QA teams and projects

Quality Control Responsibilities

• Execute inspections on finished products
• Perform testing procedures and protocols
• Document and report defects and issues
• Take corrective actions on identified issues
• Confirm adherence to quality specifications
• Provide QA teams with process improvement feedback
• Implement quality methodologies
• Manage product release

While there is some overlap in tracking quality metrics, the core duties prioritize different parts of the production cycle.

Key Tools Used in Quality Control vs Quality Assurance

Specialized tools are leveraged to optimize both quality control and assurance:

Quality Assurance Tools

• Process mapping
• Risk management frameworks
• Quality management plans
• Safety process charts
• Testing tools (functional/regression)
• Inspection checklists
• Quality audits
• Statistical process control (SPC)
• Design of experiments (DOE)

Quality Control Tools

• Acceptance sampling
• Testing tools (performance/stress)
• Defect tracking
• Control charts
• Floor audits
• Diagnostic tools
• Calibration
• Six Sigma metrics

Many QA tools take a preventative approach by analyzing processes, while QC tools verify quality by inspecting outcomes. Both play an important role in overall quality management.

Quality Control vs Quality Assurance Job Roles

Given the differing goals and responsibilities outlined above, QA and QC require distinct skillsets and job roles:

Common Quality Assurance Job Roles

• Quality Assurance Manager
• QA Tester
• QA Analyst
• QA Auditor
• QA Engineer
• QA Specialist

Common Quality Control Job Roles

• Quality Control Manager
• QC Inspector
• QC Technician
• QC Engineer
• QC Tester
• Calibration Technician

Individuals suited for quality assurance roles tend to be process-oriented, detail-focused, analytical, and communicative. Quality control professionals are often technical, meticulous, well-versed in product specifications, and adept at reporting issues.

Quality Control vs Quality Assurance Salaries

On average, quality assurance roles tend to offer higher salaries than quality control positions. According to Glassdoor, average salaries include:

• Quality Assurance Manager: $85,192
• QA Tester: $65,835
• QA Analyst: $66,001
• Quality Control Inspector: $48,357
• QC Technician: $48,619

Salaries vary based on factors like industry, company, experience level, and geographic location. But QA roles tend to pay more given their process analysis and management responsibilities.

Which Is Better for Your Career?

When choosing a career path in quality management, reflect on your skills and interests. Quality assurance roles tend to attract process-oriented professionals comfortable with documentation, analysis, project management, and communication. Quality control appeals to product-focused, technically-skilled individuals who enjoy detailed inspections and hands-on testing.

Both offer promising outlooks as integral parts of the quality ecosystem. With a foundational education in quality concepts, professionals can even move fluidly between QA and QC job functions over their career span.

Optimizing Quality Control and Quality Assurance

Quality control and quality assurance work synergistically to enable organizations to deliver exceptional products and services. QA provides the guidelines and process infrastructure necessary for QC to verify output quality. In parallel, QC supplies QA with feedback to refine standards and processes.

To gain the full quality advantage, organizations must strategically invest in maturing both quality assurance and quality control capabilities. With robust QA and QC, companies can boost customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge.