PDP-14 Quality Control Process

What is this control about?

Implementing a ‘Quality Control Process’ is vital for any organization, especially in the IT domain, as it ensures that products, services, and deliverables meet predefined quality standards and expectations.

Available tools in the marketplace

Tools

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Available templates

TrustCloud has a curated list of templates, internally or externally sourced, to help you get started. Click on the link for a downloadable version:

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Control implementation

Here are steps by steps to implement this control.

• Define Quality Objectives and Metrics: Start by defining clear quality objectives aligned with the organization’s overall goals. These objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that will be used to measure the success of the quality control process.
• Create a Quality Control Team: Establish a dedicated team responsible for overseeing the quality control process. This team should include members with relevant expertise and knowledge in the areas being assessed for quality.
• Develop Quality Control Procedures: Document the procedures and guidelines for the quality control process. Specify the steps for quality assessment, testing, and verification. Define roles and responsibilities for the team members involved in the process.
• Identify Quality Checkpoints: Identify specific checkpoints in the IT development, production, or service delivery process where quality control will be performed. These checkpoints could include code reviews, design inspections, testing phases, and acceptance criteria.
• Perform Quality Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of deliverables, products, or services to ensure they meet the predefined quality standards. Use checklists and quality criteria to guide the review process and capture findings for follow-up actions.
• Implement Testing and Validation: Incorporate testing and validation processes as part of the quality control process. Perform functional, performance, security, and user acceptance testing to identify and address any defects or issues.
• Collect Quality Data: Gather relevant data and metrics throughout the quality control process. This data could include defect counts, test results, customer feedback, and other performance indicators.
• Analyze Quality Data: Analyze the collected data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. Use the data to make informed decisions and prioritize quality improvement initiatives.
• Take Corrective Actions: Address any quality issues or deviations from the established standards. Implement corrective actions to rectify defects and prevent their recurrence.

What evidence do auditors look for?

Most auditors, at a minimum, are looking for the below-suggested action:

• Quality Control Procedures Manual: A documented manual that outlines the organization’s quality control procedures, including the scope, objectives, and responsibilities of the quality control team. This manual should detail the step-by-step processes for conducting quality assessments, reviews, and testing.

Evidence example

For the suggested action, an example is provided below:

• Quality Control Procedures Manual

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