What does the term "Quality Control" (QC) refer to?

Quality Control (QC) fundamentally refers to the operational techniques and activities that are implemented to fulfill quality requirements. It is a systematic process that involves monitoring various aspects of production and services to ensure that they meet specified quality standards. This includes measuring, comparing, and adjusting processes or products to confirm they comply with established guidelines, thereby minimizing defects and ensuring customer satisfaction.

This is distinct from the broader concepts related to quality management. While strategic approaches or planning for quality enhancement are crucial components of a holistic quality management system, QC specifically focuses on the practical measures taken during the production process to ensure that the final output meets the desired quality criteria. Therefore, this makes the concept of QC especially relevant in operational settings, where the goal is to maintain and enhance the quality of products and services through continuous monitoring and improvement.