Quality Control and Quality Assurance: Differences and Importance in Industrial Projects

Today, in industrial projects, quality is no longer just a result but the output of a planned process carried out from start to finish. Especially in multi-stage projects such as production, assembly, testing, and delivery, ensuring and guaranteeing quality is of great importance. At this point, two key concepts emerge: quality control and quality assurance. These two processes have different but complementary roles. When working with a professional quality control company, every stage becomes documented, audited, and traceable.

What is Quality Assurance?

Quality assurance refers to the planning and management activities that ensure quality control processes are conducted correctly and systematically. Forming the foundation of quality management systems such as ISO 9001, this structure includes process monitoring, risk analysis, audit planning, documentation, and continuous improvement steps.

In short, while quality control "tests the quality after production," quality assurance "plans the quality of the production process from the beginning." When these two systems work together, quality transforms from merely a result into a sustainable management approach.

Quality Assurance Test Type: Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)

FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) is one of the clearest outcomes of the quality assurance process in the field. These tests, conducted at the manufacturer's facility before shipment, evaluate the product’s functional, mechanical, and electrical performance. FAT confirms that the product works correctly, complies with the technical specifications, and is ready for delivery.

FAT tests carried out by a quality control company result in comprehensive reports containing all test and inspection data of the project. This provides commercial security for both the manufacturer and the customer.

What is Quality Control?

Quality control encompasses all testing, inspection, and measurement activities used to determine whether products and services conform to specified technical requirements. These controls, performed during or after production, aim to identify whether a product is defective. As a result of the inspection, nonconformities are identified, corrective actions are taken, and the product is either approved or rejected.

In this context, non-destructive testing (NDT) and destructive testing (DT) are among the most widely used quality control methods. While NDT refers to tests conducted without damaging the material or weld integrity, DT involves physically cutting, breaking, or destroying a sample. Both methods are critical for measuring the technical performance of the product.

Quality Control Test Types: Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing

In quality control processes, both non-destructive testing (e.g., ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle testing, radiography) and destructive testing (e.g., tensile, Charpy impact, bend tests) are used. These methods are crucial in high risk areas such as welded manufacturing, pressure vessel production, and steel structure assembly.

When properly applied, these tests ensure not only product quality but also long-term durability and field safety. Enkomet conducts these tests using internationally certified equipment and personnel.

Integration of Quality Processes Through Project Monitoring

In large-scale industrial projects, monitoring quality control and assurance processes becomes a critical necessity. At this point, quality units integrated with project management make the process more transparent in terms of scheduling, responsibility, and reporting. Each production step becomes traceable through project tracking software and inspection plans. Thus, every decision related to quality is supported by documented data.

A specialized quality control firm like Enkomet manages both technical applications and project monitoring from a single center, providing time and cost advantages.

Why Work with a Professional Quality Control Firm?

When quality control and assurance processes are carried out in-house, impartiality can be compromised, or technical deficiencies may cause errors to be overlooked. However, an independent and expert quality control company evaluates the process objectively, reports risks impartially, and builds trust among stakeholders.

Moreover, independent firms are well-versed in sectoral standards, regulations, and certification processes, enabling not just project completion but achieving international acceptability.

Quality control and quality assurance processes are indispensable not only for production but for the success of the entire project. When these two structures come together, errors are minimized, processes become traceable, and customer satisfaction is maximized. From non-destructive testing to FAT, from project monitoring to certification, every step managed with a professional approach ensures inevitable success.