| Aspect | Validation | Quality Assurance |
|---|
| Purpose | Ensures products meet specifications and intended use | Prevents defects through process improvements |
| Focus | Product-specific testing and verification | Process and system quality control |
| Activities | Design validation, process validation, equipment validation | Audits, process reviews, standards compliance |
| Timing | Before product release | Throughout production cycle |
Validation focuses on confirming that a product or process meets specified requirements before release, while Quality Assurance emphasizes maintaining quality standards throughout the production process to prevent defects. Both roles are essential in industries like pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, but they serve different stages of quality management.