In the context of quality control, what does 'inspection' refer to?

In the context of quality control, 'inspection' refers to the process of measuring, examining, and testing. This is a crucial aspect of quality assurance, as it involves systematically assessing products or services to ensure they meet specified standards and requirements. Inspections enable organizations to identify defects or non-conformities early in the production process, thereby reducing waste and enhancing overall quality.

This process can include a variety of methods, such as visual checks, measurements with calibrated instruments, and functional tests, allowing for thorough evaluations of product quality. By implementing rigorous inspection protocols, organizations ensure that only products that meet quality standards reach customers, thus maintaining consumer trust and satisfaction.

The other options, while related to business operations, do not capture the essence of inspection in quality control. Employee performance reviews focus on workforce management rather than product quality, evaluating market competition pertains to strategic business analysis, and creating work schedules is related to operational planning rather than product evaluation.