What is the difference between Quality Control and Quality Assurance?
Sometimes in the software development life cycle (SDLC), these two terms are often mixed up in terms of functionality. If you think that the two have something in common, then you are very wrong. Because these two have very clear differences.
So what exactly is the difference between quality assurance and quality control?
Quality Control (QC)
One of the checking and testing processes carried out to measure and ensure product quality is by the standards set by the company in business.The focus of this profession is the quality of a particular product. Especially when testing software that has already been made, it takes quality control to improve the quality of a product to match the company standards.
In addition, QC takes initiative on detecting existing problems. Because everything is done to maintain the quality of the product itself.
There are two starting points of a QC, namely, the stage of gathering requirements and, always present in every interaction related to the product working process.
The tools and tasks performed by a QC are testing of various types this includes testing metrics, and test reports.
Quality Assurance (QA)
Meanwhile, a QA focuses on the process of the project, they are tasked with checking every needed system and features on the device to run properly.
A QA job is preventif, meaning they prevent any potential errors, bugs and detecting vulnerabilities. This aims to ensure whether the quality expected by the company has been achieved. In addition, this is also done to avoid problems that can damage quality. Similar to QA, QC has two starting points, namely, at the planning stage of a project, it is considered the most effective way to determine what steps should be taken next.
The tools and tasks that must be done by QA involve quality metrics, reviews, and audits.
Quality requirements
The quality of QC requirements must be designed to suit a particular test case. Meanwhile, the quality of requirements for QA focuses on compliance with project requirements with standards and ensuring that requirements are complete, consistent, clear, well structured, modifiable, and traceable.
Systematic process improvement
In improving the process of a project, a QC constantly discusses increasing the scope of testing and testing methods. Unfortunately, this QC element has no relationship with the project process being carried out. Meanwhile, QA must analyze available data, audit findings, and various project reviews, as well as request suggestions for continuous improvement of project processes.
