WHAT IS QUALITY?

There are many definitions for quality. Some of these include

‘Quality is producing a product that meets our customers’ needs and at a price which earns a profit for the processor.’

‘Quality in product means that it is consistent, reliable and meets the customer’s needs and expectations.’

‘Quality is fitness for the customer’s purpose.’

We can say we have produced a quality product when it:

• is fit for the customer’s purpose
• provides value for money
• is reliable and dependable
• meets customer expectation
• conforms to specification
• is produced at a cost that earns the company a profit.

All these definitions show us that quality is defined by customer needs and company specifications.