What is the primary role of Quality Assurance in the manufacturing process?

The primary role of Quality Assurance (QA) in the manufacturing process is to assure that Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are maintained to ensure product quality. QA is critical in developing and implementing systematic processes that verify compliance with regulations, standards, and policies, ultimately guaranteeing that the products produced meet the required quality standards.

GMP encompasses various practices and conditions required to ensure that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. This includes monitoring and evaluating the manufacturing processes, assessing raw materials and components, and ensuring that adequate documentation and records are kept. A robust QA program is essential for preventing defects and ensuring safety, efficacy, and consistency of the final product.

In contrast, managing inventory of raw materials, evaluating market trends for product sales, and training staff on manufacturing procedures are important but do not capture the essence of the QA function. These activities support the broader manufacturing process but are distinct from the foundational purpose of QA, which is to focus on quality assurance practices that maintain the integrity and compliance of the manufacturing process.