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QUALITY - ESSENTIAL TERMS

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Adjustments

Definition – an activity to make sure that the running condition and the correctness of a gauge are in keeping with the conditions of its use.
Explanation – set-up up and preparation of a gauge so that it can measue correctly within the desired range and with the required precision. All this, naturally, to be done within the adequate environment where the measurement is to take place.

Gauge calibration

Definition – a package of operations to establish, under specified conditions, a relation between values indicated by a measuring instrument or system or values represented by an embodied rate or a reference material and the corresponding values in the form of the measurement standards.
Explanation – they are such activities as to make sure the gauge we use to measure values (length, time, pressure,…) shows the correct values (with a given tolerance) in relation to the relevant measuement standard, length – meter, for instance.

Inspection

Definition – judging the conformity by means of observation and assessment supplemented accordingly by measurement, testing or making comparison.
Explanation – it is an activity to find out whether we have done what we wanted to do, or whether we have reached the desired results.

Metrological confirmation

Definition – a package of operations demanded for the measuring equipment to comply with the requirements for its intended use. The metrological confirmation in general includes calibration or verification, any set-up necessary or a repair and the subsequent re-calibration, comparison with the metrological requirements for the equipment´s intended use, as well as all and any required sealing and labelling.
Explanation -

Monitoring

Definition – a repeated and permanent surveillance of metrics, features, operations and other phenomena towards timely detection of variations.
Explanation – a regular monitoring serves for us to have processes, operations and other company´s a activities under control and get an early warning if there are deviations that can potentially generate financial losses for the company. Monitoring a patient´s vital functions at the emergency room in hospital, for instance, represents an appropriate example.

Verification

Definition – confirmation through the provision of objective evidence that the specified prerequisites have been met.
Explanation – serves to establish that what the applicant (the company´s manager, workmate, sub-supplier, etc.) or the customer in their specification was looking for has been fulfilled. There is a clear evidence that all the requirements have really been met.

Gauge verification

Definition – operations performed by an authorized metrological center in order to find out and confirm that a particular gauge meets the required regulations for verification. They include the gauge´s test, affixing a verification label to the gauge, or an issue of the verification sheet.
Explanation – in fact, it is finding out the accuracy of measuring instruments, systems that are very accurate.

Review

Definition – operations carried out in order to determine whether the subject of review is suitable, adequate and effective for reaching the set targets.
Explanation – the company has set themselves their targets for research, development, design…. and before they start their implementation, they will first „review“ that they have the needed equipment, skilled staff, financial resources… to really be able to meet the set target. They will also check that the set target is suitable and adequate for its presumed purpose.

Approval

Definition – a formal expression of consent with the proposal, or an acknowledgement that a particular person or object meets the requirements.
Explanation – an authorized person officially certifies by attaching their signature or in an electronic way (including an e-mail) or even orally (in the follow-up, through the minutes of negotiation or meeting) that he or she agrees with the proposal or the result achieved.

Traceability

Definice – an ability to trace back history, use or location of what is the subject of considerations.
Explanation – in a motor shaft, for instance, it enables us to trace back when and of what material it was manufactured, who checked its dimesions, etc. It is the company alone or the customer who decides what is going to be inspected.

Validation

Definition – it is to confirm, through objective evidence provided, that requirements for a specific intended use or a specific application have been fulfilled.
Explanation – the thing is to prove that the intended use of a particular procedure, process, operation… is correct. Validation is applied where it is impossible to use measurement, tests, etc., thus, it cannot be easily established whether that use is absolutely correct. What can be established, though, is that specific operations used have produced the desired results. On repeating that operation, we should very likely achieve the same or similar results.

Test

Definition – to determine (the value of) one or more characteristics according to a certain procedure.
Explanation – establishing the hardness of a material, the output voltage on a module, the rate of manufacture of a product, for instance. Through testing, we strive to determine whether we obtain totally concrete quantities or characteristics.

The fundamental definitions and the necessary terms used in the quality management systems are to be found in the following standards:

• ČSN EN ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems – Requirements
• ČSN EN ISO 9000:2006 Quality Management Systems – Elementary principles and terminology
• ČSN EN ISO 9004:2008 Quality Management Systems – Directives to enhance performance

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