| Aspect | Quality Assurance | Quality Control |
|---|
| Focus | Processes and procedures to prevent defects | Identifying and fixing defects in products |
| Activities | Audits, process improvements, standards compliance | Testing, inspections, defect detection |
| Timing | Proactive, during development | Reactive, after product completion |
| Credentials | Often requires knowledge of standards (ISO, Six Sigma) | Requires testing and inspection skills |
Quality Assurance focuses on preventing defects through process improvements, while Quality Control involves identifying and fixing defects in finished products. Both roles are essential in maintaining product quality but differ in their approach and timing within the production cycle.