A quality plan defines the controls, responsibilities, tests and records used to ensure a product or service meets specified requirements. It translates the specification and quality objectives into practical activities across delivery or production.
What should a quality plan include?
- Applicable specifications and standards
- Roles and approval authority
- Incoming, in-process and final controls
- Sampling and test methods
- Acceptance and rejection criteria
- Nonconformance, corrective action and records
Quality plan vs. inspection plan
An inspection plan focuses on what will be inspected and how. A quality plan is broader and can include supplier controls, process validation, training, traceability and corrective action.
When should it be created?
Develop the plan before production or service launch, using the current specification and risk assessment. Critical characteristics and safety requirements need stronger controls than cosmetic preferences.
How should supplier responsibilities be defined?
State which party performs, witnesses and approves each control, and which records must accompany shipment. Buyer inspection does not remove the supplier's responsibility for conformity.
How should the plan be maintained?
Update it when specifications, processes, factories, suppliers or defect patterns change. Preserve version history and verify that operating teams use the approved version.
