Quality Assurance & Following a Recipe

I am a Quality Assurance (QA) specialist in quality management systems (QMS) such as ISO 9001: 2015. I love to cook – maybe because I am no longer a research and development chemist, I have become “A Master Chef” in my kitchen. I love drawing parallels different aspects of my life, and so here’s a parallel about my role in quality assurance and the art of following a recipe.

A QA Master Chef – Does That Really Exist?

Yes. Just like a Master Chef expertly crafts a flawless dish, as a quality assurance specialist (and remember I’m also a chemist) I follow a scrupulously designed recipe to ensure organisations meet the highest quality standards. QMS and the art of cooking share fundamental attributes and are connected through precision, attention to detail, and a drive for excellence:

1. Ingredients Selection and Assessment: In the kitchen I will select the finest ingredients for the recipe, and similarly as a QA specialist I will meticulously assess the elements and processes of organisation. When creating new quality management systems and auditing existing systems, each step of the process from supplier choices to internal audits will undergo rigorous scrutiny so as to align with the QMS’s stringent criteria. The aim of both is to ensure a superior final product.
2. Preparation and Planning: I find that the preparation phase in cooking parallels the planning stages in QA. Both involve breaking down complex processes into manageable tasks, identifying resources, and analysing potential risks. Just as a chef balances flavours, as a QA specialist I like to coordinate different methodologies like document reviews, process audits, and employee training to create a well-rounded QMS.
3. Accurate Measurements and Precise Data: In cooking, accurate measurements are paramount, while in QA, precise data is essential. As a QA specialist I enjoy gathering and analysing data to ensure processes remain on track and improvements are implemented as needed. This will also provide input for monitoring key performance indicators.
4. Cooking Process and Implementation: Much like the cooking process, the implementation phase in a QMS is critical. I find that documented QMS processes ensure consistency, conformity, and alignment with ISO standards to achieve optimal results.
5. Finishing Touches and Management Reviews: Just as a chef garnishes a dish before presentation, the final touches of any QA specialist is through management reviews. These reviews serve as the ultimate assessment, validating the effectiveness, efficiency, and continual improvement of the organisation’s QMS.

Delicious Delights