The importance of quality assurance has increased over the last few years. This has also increased the job prospects that are available in the quality department of the organizations. The process of quality assurance involves several activities which include planning, implementing, checking, and action. All these activities have to be carried out in a sequence and take a fair amount of time. A quality assurance inspector has to ensure that all these activities are carried out in a sequence so that the product meets the required quality standards.
A quality assurance inspector is also responsible for several other things in an organization. The inspector has to communicate with the quality control manager to always ensure that various activities are necessary for ensuring the quality of a product which is carried out in a timely manner. The inspector also has to coordinate with other managers and inspectors in the organization. This inspector is further required to plan activities that are necessary to check that all the products are free from defects. The quality assurance inspector also has to solve problems which arise and address the issues that come up related to quality of products and services offered by the organization.
This quality assurance inspector also has to maintain reports regarding the quality of products and may even be required to respond to the customer's grievances. He also has to motivate employees so that they can work better to achieve the desired quality of products. A quality assurance inspector is also responsible for ensuring that each product undergoes a test to ensure that the product is of good quality. In addition, the inspector also has to check the effectiveness of various tests on a regular basis. The inspector is also responsible for arranging the training programs for the various employees so that employees get knowledge of how quality assurance takes place.
A quality assurance inspector needs to be at least a graduate. The qualifications required depend upon the type of organization that offers a job. Depending on the type of the organization, a quality assurance inspector may require holding a degree or a diploma in engineering, applied sciences, management, or manufacturing technology. The inspector may or may not require a prior experience for the job. However, practical experience in quality assurance is a must. Training is provided to these inspectors either on the job or from an outside organization. Training is mainly necessary to ensure that the quality assurance inspectors get sufficient technical and practical knowledge about how various activities in quality assurance take place.
Quality assurance inspectors need to have several skills for performing well in the job. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written are important for this job. These inspectors also need to have problem solving skills so that any issues that arise related to quality of the products or services can be handled efficiently. Organizational and motivational skills are also mandatory for these inspectors. In addition to these, assurance inspectors also need to have analytical abilities and should be able to work as a part of a big team. These inspectors need to have self confidence and patience. They need to be intelligent enough to make major decisions without the influence of anyone.
The career development prospects depend upon the skills of the quality assurance inspector. An inspector can get promoted to a higher level within the organization if he performs well. The inspector may even get a job in a better company.
The salaries of quality assurance inspectors are usually high. These inspectors get several fringe benefits along with their salaries. The salary varies depending upon the organization's size and type and also the responsibilities that have been given to the inspector. The working conditions are usually favorable and most of the times inspectors need to work from within the office. However, the working hours are not fixed and may vary depending upon the nature of the organization.
Quality assurance has become important for every organization to ensure that customers remain satisfied. Careers in QAQC are growing and are becoming very popular with the youth.