Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) — definition
Documented set of procedures, inspection points and acceptance criteria defining how quality will be verified throughout design, manufacture and installation.
A quality assurance plan typically identifies inspection and test points, or hold points, at which the buyer or an independent inspector may verify work before it proceeds, alongside applicable standards and documentation requirements. It is commonly agreed between buyer and supplier at contract start and referenced throughout manufacturing and construction.
Why it matters to industrial buyers
A documented quality plan reduces the risk of undetected defects by defining specific verification points before work is covered up or progresses to the next stage.
Key reference points
Common tool
An inspection and test plan, or ITP, listing hold and witness points is a common component of a quality assurance plan.
Applicable standards
Quality plans commonly reference relevant industry or ISO standards applicable to the equipment or facility type.
Commonly confused with
Factory acceptance test
A quality assurance plan defines ongoing verification throughout manufacturing and construction; a factory acceptance test is a specific formal test conducted at the end of manufacturing before shipment.
How it is used in practice
The quality assurance plan designates a hold point for buyer inspection of welded pressure vessel joints before insulation is applied.
Frequently asked questions
Who typically approves the quality assurance plan?
It is usually agreed jointly by buyer and supplier before manufacturing begins, sometimes with independent inspection agency input.
What is a hold point?
A hold point is a stage in manufacturing or construction that cannot proceed without buyer or inspector sign-off, as defined in the quality assurance plan.
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Related terms
Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)
Formal verification test conducted at the supplier's manufacturing facility to confirm equipment meets agreed specifications before shipment to site.
Handover Documentation
Complete set of technical, operational and safety records delivered to the buyer at project completion, enabling operation, maintenance and future modification of the asset.
Supplier Qualification
Structured assessment of a supplier's technical capability, financial stability, quality systems and track record before it is invited to tender or contracted.
Operational Readiness
State in which personnel, procedures, spare parts, documentation and systems are all in place for a facility to begin and sustain normal production operation.
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Reference content only. Global B2B Group is independent of equipment manufacturers and financing institutions; definitions are provided for education and do not constitute engineering, financial or legal advice.