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ACT Protocols for Wave Measurement Systems
July 2012
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Implementing a quality system requires resources, expertise and time. Therefore, the
development and implementation of a quality system should be based on the scope and nature of
program and the intended use of its products or services. A “one size fits all” approach is not
appropriate, and the use of a component or tool should reflect the specific needs of stakeholders.
For example, the quality expectations of a research program are different from that of a
technology verification program because the intended use of the products differs.
Practical considerations in developing any quality system include some of the following:
•
The level of QA/QC appropriate for testing;
•
Resources allocated to QA/QC for different phases of verification;
•
Frequency of QA/QC checks and reviews of field tests and data quality;
•
Time allocated to conduct the checks;
•
Requirements for archiving information;
•
Procedures to ensure confidentiality of proprietary information, when required, and
•
Whether sufficient expertise is available to conduct the checks and reviews.
The main components of a quality system at the organizational level include may include: 1)
quality system documentation; 2) system assessments; and 3) training. The individual test-level
components cover 1) planning, 2) implementation, and 3) assessment, corresponding to the
different phases of the T&E life cycle. Successful implementation of each component at the
program and test levels is important to an effective quality system. Tools are available to assist
in the implementation of each of these components.
The organization/program components of a quality system for wave instrumentation T&E should
address the policies and responsibilities that apply to activities that are common to all
verifications:
1.
Quality System Documentation - A Quality Management Plan (QMP) is a document that
describes the waves T&E quality system. It identifies the organizational structure, policy and
procedures, functional responsibilities of management and staff, lines of authority, and its
processes for planning, implementing, documenting, and assessing all activities conducted
under the quality system.
2.
System Assessments – Quality System Assessments and Audits are tools that are used to
verify that applicable elements of the quality system are appropriate and have been
developed, documented, and effectively implemented. The focus of these assessments is on
the quality system process.
3.
Training – Training should be provided to ensure that all personnel for T&E activities have
the skills and knowledge to complete their tasks in accordance with the quality system's
requirements.
Quality system components for individual tests include activities and tools which are applied to
ensure that test objectives are achieved: