No subject

out a scientific study or a patient's treatment regimen.

Per the American Society for Quality, "Quality Assurance" is not the same as
"Quality Control" (Inspection and Test).  QC uses lots of test protocols
(because they sound more official and important than test plans, sheesh).

QA has a broader application, including not only quality but the
_perception_ of quality -- from the way the telephone is answered to "5S"
cleanliness of work areas.  A company can pass QA audits with flying colors
and still ship junk out the door if it has a good QA Plan but the customer
orders junk (or the customer requirements don't specify "better than junk")!
A QA Plan is usually set up according to an audit-friendly model such as
ISO.

That was just an elevator speech.  Did it answer the basic question?

Dori Green
Technical Writer, QMS Project
Associated Brands, Inc.
Medina, NY Facility