Text II quality control

Quality control is a process that is used to ensure a certain level of quality in a product or service. It might include whatever actions a business deems necessary to provide for the control and verification of certain characteristics of a product or service. Most often, it involves thoroughly examining and testing the quality of products or the results of services. The basic goal of this process is to ensure that the products or services that are provided meet specific requirements and characteristics, such as being dependable, satisfactory, safe and fiscally sound.

Companies that engage in quality control typically have a team of workers who focus on testing a certain number of products or observing services being done. The products or services that are examined usually are chosen at random. The goal of the quality control team is to identify products or services that do not meet a company’s specified standards of quality. If a problem is identified, the job of a quality control team or professional might involve stopping production or service until the problem has been corrected. Depending on the particular service or product as well as the type of problem identified, production or services might not cease entirely.

Usually, it is not the job of the quality control team or professional to correct quality issues. Typically, other individuals are involved in the process of discovering the cause of quality issues and fixing them. After the problems are overcome and the proper quality has been achieved, the product or service continues production or implementation as usual.

Many types of businesses perform these types of quality checks. Manufacturers of food products, for example, often have employees who test the finished products for taste and other qualities. Clothing manufacturers have workers inspect garments to ensure that they are properly sewn. Service-oriented companies often have representatives who observe the services being performed or who do follow-up checks to ensure that everything was done properly.

Quality control also might involve evaluating people. If a company has employees who don’t have adequate skills or training, have trouble understanding directions or are misinformed, the quality of the company’s products or services might be diminished. This is especially important for service-oriented companies, because the employees are the product that they provide to customers.

Often, quality control is confused with quality assurance. Though the two are similar, but there are some basic differences. Quality control is concerned with examining the product or service – the end result and quality assurance is concerned with examining the process that leads to the end result. A company would use quality assurance to ensure that a product is manufactured in the right way, thereby reducing or eliminating potential problems with the quality of the final product.

Text III quality control jobs

With proper quality control training, there are many quality control careers available to individuals looking to increase their earning potential or start a new career. Some quality control jobs are focused on testing products and improving industrial production processes, and others focus on human resources factors such as personnel competence, business culture and organization.

Quality control inspectors are responsible for ensuring that products are safe, reliable and suitable for use by the general public. Inspectors may use various methods and equipment to test, analyze and evaluate products prior to distribution. Requirements to become a quality control inspector vary by industry and type of job; a simple inspection position may require only a high school diploma or its equivalent while more complex positions may require completion of a vocational program or an associate’s degree.

Quality control inspectors who work on factory assembly lines may secure their positions with only a high school diploma or equivalent and job specific training. Spot checking industrial assembly lines generally requires one to be able to visually identify faulty product. Other areas of quality control may require more extensive training and specified knowledge.

Those seeking to become a quality control inspector in a mass production company may find it helpful to complete an associate’s degree in quality management systems or industrial management. An associate’s degree in one of these fields or a relevant certificate program may prepare students with courses in technical writing, metrology, management and manufacturing. Additional field-specific courses may also be required. Those who possess a degree or relevant certification may be able to more easily obtain employment and advancement in this field.

Quality control inspection performed in medical or pharmaceutical labs may require specialized training and experience. Training and certification in biological or natural sciences is generally necessary for those seeking to become a quality control inspector in this area. Those who possess laboratory testing and data reporting experience or education will find employment in the medical or pharmaceutical field much easier than those attempting to gain entrance as inexperienced, entry-level employee.

Once hired, most quality control inspectors will typically need to complete job specific training, regardless of previous experience. Companies may use many types of testing and reporting software in addition to special meter and gauging instruments. Trainees will also need to learn company specific standards and methods of quality management.

Most quality control inspectors are also trained to read and analyze blueprints, perform safety prevention measures as well as report and interpret data. Some companies require employees to have some prior training in these areas while others provide on-the-job training. A few companies may pay for entry-level employees to complete the necessary degree or certification requirements to become a quality control inspector.

Continuing education is typically part of the quality control inspector job. Many inspectors must complete mandatory safety training on a yearly or even quarterly basis. Others may be required to complete training sessions for using updated software or technology to inspect and analyze products.