// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance (QA) is a systematic process of checking to see whether a product or service being developed is meeting specified requirements. It focuses on preventing defects by improving the manufacturing process itself.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Quality Assurance (QA) is a proactive, systematic set of activities and processes implemented within a manufacturing or service organization to ensure that products or services meet specified quality standards and customer requirements, focusing on defect prevention throughout the production lifecycle.
BACKGROUND
Quality assurance (QA) is the term used in both manufacturing and service industries to describe the systematic efforts taken to assure that the product(s) delivered to customer(s) meet with the contractual and other agreed upon performance, design, reliability, and maintainability expectations of that customer. The core purpose of Quality Assurance is to prevent mistakes and defects in the development and production of both manufactured products, such as automobiles and shoes, and delivered services, such as automotive repair and athletic shoe design. Assuring quality and therefore avoiding problems and delays when delivering products or services to customers is what ISO 9000 defines as that "part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled". This defect prevention aspect of quality assurance differs from the defect detection aspect of quality control and has been referred to as a shift left since it focuses on quality efforts earlier in product development and production and on avoiding defects in the first place rather than correcting them after the fact.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- QA
- quality control
- process quality
- defect prevention
- standards compliance
USAGE NOTE
Robust Quality Assurance protocols are essential for maintaining high product reliability and customer satisfaction in manufacturing.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Quality Assurance.
Develops software (e.g., Teamcenter Quality, SIMATIC) and hardware for industrial automation, digital twins, and quality management, enabling predictive quality and closed-loop quality processes in manufacturing and Industry 5.0 environments.
Provides industrial automation and information solutions, including manufacturing execution systems (MES) and quality management systems that integrate with IIoT platforms to monitor and improve product quality in real time.
A global leader in machine vision, developing advanced cameras, sensors, and software for automated inspection, defect detection, and quality control on production lines, crucial for smart factories.
Specializes in sensor, software, and autonomous solutions, offering a broad portfolio of metrology and quality inspection solutions, including CMMs, laser trackers, and manufacturing intelligence software for data-driven quality improvements.
Provides 3D design software, 3D digital mock-up, and product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions (e.g., DELMIA, ENOVIA) that support quality planning, simulation, and traceability throughout the product lifecycle.
Develops and manufactures a wide range of automation products, including vision systems, sensors, and measurement systems, essential for precision inspection and quality assurance in modern manufacturing processes.
Offers enterprise software solutions, including comprehensive Quality Management (QM) modules within its ERP system (SAP S/4HANA) that support quality planning, inspection, control, and assurance across the supply chain.
A leader in robotics and industrial automation, providing robotic solutions for automated inspection, assembly, and quality verification tasks, enhancing precision and consistency in advanced manufacturing.