Definition: What does CAQ (Computer-Aided Quality) mean?
CAQ is the abbreviation for Computer-Aided Quality or Computer-Aided Quality Assurance. From a global perspective, CAQ refers to the computer-aided definition, monitoring and analysis of quality assurance measures in a company with the aim of controlling processes towards error-free and efficient production. Computer-aided of course means that there is usually software or a CAQ system behind it.
Computer-aided quality is not limited to a single production area, but is part of company-wide quality management. Accordingly, CAQ systems can also be used throughout the entire production process and beyond.
CAQ systems are based on applicable norms and directives - above all DIN EN ISO 9001. Beyond this, you will find corresponding industry-specific extensions on the market for many relevant industries that take additional requirements into account. These include, for example, extensions for
- IATF 16949 for the automotive industry
- the Medical Devices Act (MPG) for the medical technology sector
- EN/AS 9100 for quality management in the aerospace industry
Summary:
- CAQ = computer-aided quality assurance using software
- use throughout the entire production process for holistic quality management
- orientation towards standards such as ISO 9001 and industry-specific standards
Advantages of a CAQ system
Documenting, analyzing and evaluating data for optimization - this is much easier and less error-prone with a digital system than by hand or using Excel. It is therefore not particularly surprising that a CAQ system is not so different from other production software solutions in terms of some of its advantages. With a customized digital system for Computer-Aided Quality:
- you replace paper-based processes and documentation efforts with a digital counterpart
- you document all quality-relevant processes and results carefully and comprehensively - and ideally in real time
- you create a sound information base
- you identify potential sources of error much more quickly and easily on the basis of the data collected
- you draw up comprehensive error analyses and derive measures for reliable error prevention
- you increase transparency within quality management
Summary:
- digital documentation instead of paper and Excel - efficient, fast, with low error risk
- real-time transparency of quality-relevant processes
- early error detection and well-founded decisions for improvements
A look at the basic functional areas of CAQ
A computer-aided quality system supports you company-wide in quality management. The functional areas of CAQ software are correspondingly broad.
Planning & Organization
The variety of functions starts with planning. With CAQ, you can plan and organize technical inspection and control measures in a structured manner and thus ensure sustainable process and product quality.
Documentation
Documentation and data acquisition are the key disciplines of a digital system for Computer-Aided Quality Assurance. With a CAQ system, you can seamlessly record all relevant specifications, processes and instructions digitally, distribute quality-relevant data and archive it securely.
Monitoring
Based on the collected data, you can continuously monitor your defined quality targets and check whether they are being met.
Data analytics
Use the collected data and statistical methods to analyze and optimize production processes. A CAQ system enables you to make data-based decisions and thus provide well-founded impetus
Error management
Use CAQ to establish a well-founded error management system. Identify and evaluate defects based on data and establish processes to rectify quality deviations.
Test equipment management
In many cases, effective inspections require the appropriate test equipment. You can manage this systematically with a CAQ system.
Summary:
- planning and organization of inspection and control measures
- seamless digital documentation of quality-relevant data and processes
- continuous monitoring of quality targets
- data-based analysis and optimization of production processes
- efficient fault management and test equipment management
What are the objectives of CAQ?
Computer-Aided Quality enables the efficient, computer-aided control of all quality-relevant processes - with the aim of reliably preventing errors.
This enables you to ensure consistently high process and product quality throughout the entire product life cycle - from the idea to the finished product.
Make the highest quality become your status quo
Qualification-oriented worker management, quality controls, verification management: our worker guidance system weasl helps you to achieve your quality goals. And in conjunction with your CAQ system, you can increase efficiency and flexibility even further.
You can experience how this works in our showcase environment.
