According to IEEE, quality in a product is defined as to what degree this
According to ISO, it is "whatever the customer perceives as good quality".
In this way, quality work is often divided into Process, Project and Product. (In order to get a good result it is necessary to ensure that not only Product is secured, but also Process and Project.)
This may sound like a buzzword – depending on the application.
In too many organizations, it is perceived that quality work consists of more or less meaningless end controls. It does not need to be like that. Quality work is basically about preventing rather than controlling, i.e. contribution to “doing it right from the beginning”. It is not really possible to check or test the quality afterwards, especially not late in a project. It will also be very expensive to try.
Many times, unfortunately, the focus is mostly on what appears, as bug reports and production disturbances. Certainly, they may pose a problem that needs to be addressed, but it may be equally important to settle requirements and pre-projects, or other areas that can be identified as the root of the problem. Such root causes can be identified at an early stage in a risk analysis, which when done correctly is fast, clear and leads to concrete actions.
A follow-up will of course be performed, but preceded by supportive measures and preferably focused on what is of real importance for current and future steps in the development process. The quality work thus becomes a practical focus area.
In order for this to be really effective, it is a great advantage if the quality managers understand the activities to be quality assured – and, if possible, the system support used. Then it will be easier to ask the right questions, to perceive and correctly interpret answers, and not least to understand what should be given priority.
Quality work thus helps to increase efficiency (to do the right things) and to increase productivity (to do things right).
We can do this at NoCommonPeople – both directly in assignments and through all our consultants bringing you their skills!