QS-9000 and Accelerated Testing

The goal for Quality System Requirements QS-9000 is the development of fundamental quality systems that provide for continuous improvement, emphasizing defect prevention and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain.1 Reference manuals, reporting formats, technical nomenclature, quality system manuals, and assessment tools have been standardized and harmonized to maintain the goal of QS-9000. 2

The Design Element 4.4 references the available tools, techniques, and manuals that can be combined with current test technology to create a method that accelerates testing and reduces development cycles. The method, when instituted under the requirements for design verification 4.4.7 and design validation 4.4.8 of the QS-9000 Third Edition, can provide information useful in demonstrating continuous improvement of a product as well.