CAQ system
CAQ stands for Computer-Aided Quality Assurance
A CAQ system supports the digitalisation of quality processes in companies
A CAQ system is a software solution that digitally maps, automates and monitors quality processes in companies. The abbreviation CAQ stands for Computer Aided Quality Assurance, also known as Computer Aided Quality. In German, this is referred to as computer-aided quality assurance.
A CAQ system forms the digital backbone of modern, digital quality management. By digitising quality management processes and documents, internal company processes can be considerably simplified, standardised and ultimately automated.
Companies of all sizes - from various sectors such as the automotive industry, aerospace, medical technology, metal processing companies, the food industry or mechanical and plant engineering - typically rely on the use of a CAQ system.
There are many reasons for introducing computerised quality assurance, ranging from the need to comply with legal requirements to the desire to increase efficiency and transparency along the entire value chain - from product development to production and delivery.
The use of a CAQ system supports companies in taking the step into the digital age.
CAQ stands for Computer Aided Quality Assurance, also known as Computer Aided Quality.
CAQ system | CAQ software
Designations and allocation
German designations:
- Computer-aided quality assurance
- CAQ system /CAQ software
- Digital quality assurance
English names:
- Computer-Aided Quality Assurance
- CAQ System / CAQ Software
- IT-based Quality Assurance
- Digital Quality Assurance
Assignment to standard norms and regulations:
- ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard for quality management systems. - EN 9100 (Europe) / AS 9100 (USA) / JISQ 9100 (Japan)
Based on ISO 9001, there are also these specific industry-related standards for aviation, aerospace and defence. - IATF 16949
IATF 16949 is an international quality management standard for the automotive industry. - ISO 13485
ISO 13485 is an international standard for quality management systems (QMS) in the field of medical devices. - EFQM model
Globally recognised management framework that helps organisations to manage change and improve their performance.
- ISO 9001
What is a CAQ system?
A CAQ system digitalises all quality-relevant tasks - from inspection planning to data acquisition and complaint processing. It links measurement data, processes, documentation and analyses to form a homogeneous database and thus creates a uniform basis for decisions and adjustments in quality management.
What does a CAQ system do?
Typical functions of a modern CAQ system for manufacturing companies are, for example
- Inspection planning & quality inspection
Creation of inspection plans for incoming goods, production and final inspection - Data acquisition & SPC (statistical process control)
Automated recording and evaluation of measurement data to monitor process stability - Complaints management
Systematic processing of internal and external complaints (e.g. with 8D reports) - Audit & action management
Planning, implementation and follow-up of quality audits and action tracking - Gauge management
Management, calibration and deployment monitoring of test equipment - Supplier evaluation & incoming goods inspection
Assessment of supplier performance based on quality-related criteria and recording of quality-relevant characteristics upon delivery
Advantages of a CAQ system
A CAQ system supports companies in managing quality processes efficiently, digitally and in compliance with standards. It ensures greater transparency, safety and consistency along the entire value chain. Standardised processes prevent errors, while quality-relevant data is recorded, evaluated and provided in real time.
Another key advantage is the end-to-end traceability across the entire product life cycle - from development to production and delivery. This seamless documentation is particularly important in highly regulated sectors such as the automotive industry, medical technology and aerospace.
A CAQ system offers the following advantages in particular, summarised in bullet points:
- Error avoidance through standardisation
By consistently applying standardised processes and inspection plans, a CAQ system systematically reduces sources of error in product development, production and quality assurance. - Fast data availability & analysis in real time
Quality-relevant data is recorded centrally, analysed and made available in real time - for well-founded decisions and a rapid response to deviations or trends. - Seamless traceability across the entire product life cycle
All quality-relevant information - from test reports and production steps to complaints - is fully documented and can be retrieved at any time, which is particularly important in regulated sectors such as the automotive and aviation industries. - Fulfilment of regulatory requirements
A CAQ system actively supports companies in complying with standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, EN 9100 or ISO 13485 by documenting inspection processes, making measures traceable and ensuring auditability. - Improved collaboration between quality assurance, production and suppliers
Central data storage, automated notifications and clearly defined workflows optimise communication and collaboration across departmental and company boundaries. - Sustainable quality improvement through targeted tracking of measures
Corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) can be introduced, monitored and evaluated in a targeted manner - for continuous improvement of product and process quality.
Advantages of a cloud-based CAQ system
A cloud-based CAQ system enables companies to control their quality management digitally, across locations and in real time. By eliminating the need for local IT infrastructures, companies benefit from rapid implementation, lower costs and maximum scalability.
The centralised availability of data creates transparency, increases the speed of response and strengthens collaboration - both internally and externally.
Advantages of a cloud-based CAQ system at a glance:
- Location-independent access - globally available quality data for all participants
- Fast implementation - no complex IT infrastructure required
- Reduced IT costs - no local servers, lower maintenance costs
- High data security - thanks to certified cloud data centres (e.g. ISO/IEC 27001)
- Real-time collaboration - smooth cooperation between quality, production and suppliers
- Simple system integration - thanks to open interfaces to ERP, MES, PLM & Co.
- Future-proof - ideal for AI-supported analyses and scalable quality processes
With a cloud-based CAQ system, you lay the foundation for modern, agile and sustainable quality management - without compromising on security or performance.
Our favoured CAQ system 1factory was planned and developed as a cloud solution from the outset and not - like some other systems - optimised for this purpose afterwards.
CAQ System: 1factory
Awards for the CAQ system
Test the CAQ system 1factory now free of charge.
What does a CAQ system cost?
The Costs of a CAQ system vary greatly - depending on:
- Range of functions (Individual solutions vs. complete systems)
- Licence model (purchase, rental/cloud solution, number of users)
- Depth of integration (e.g. ERP or MES connection)
- Industry & company size
Typical price range for CAQ systems:
- Small companies (with few users): from approx. 5,000 to 15,000 €
- Small and medium-sized enterprises: 20,000 to 100,000 €
- Large companies with several locations: >100.000 €depending on complexity
Additional costs may be incurred for training, customisation, support and ongoing maintenance. Cloud-based CAQ systems, such as 1factory, often offer lower entry costs and greater scalability.
What is the difference between a CAQ system and a QM system (QMS)?
Both systems are used for quality management, but the difference between a CAQ system and a QM system there are some important differences in focus, depth and features.
Breadth vs. specialisation:
A QM system is usually a Generalist and covers a wide range of areas - from document management, audit management, complaints and employee qualification to risk management and much more.
A QMS therefore serves more as a superordinate tool for mapping processes, standard requirements and organisational tasks.
In contrast, a CAQ system more strongly on the Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) as well as technical tasks The company specialises in all aspects of production and testing - such as test planning, test equipment management, incoming goods and production inspections or statistical process control (SPC).
Deep and technical integration:
CAQ systems often have greater technical depth, offer functions for recording measured values, real-time data analysis, integration of production and measuring devices, as well as interfaces to ERP/PPS/MES, etc. This allows them to intervene in production processes in a very precise and automated manner.
QM systems can offer such functions, but are often less closely integrated into operations or reduced in scope and automation.
Application scenarios and target groups:
For companies whose quality assurance Very close to production and who carry out many tests, measurements and technical analyses, is a CAQ system often more suitable.
A QM system on the other hand, often fits better when the focus is on standard compliance, documentation, audits and organisational quality management is less on in-depth technical testing.
Standards and quality systems:
Both systems support standards such as ISO 9001 and industry-specific standards. CAQ systems often offer specialised modules - in terms of APQP:, FMEA, PPAP etc. - to cover the requirements of the manufacturing and supply industry.
QM systems are usually generalists and tend to have a "broad" and organisational focus. They are primarily dedicated to the questions "WHAT" and "WHY".
With a CAQ system, the focus is on the "HOW" - they delve deep into technical quality assurance using computer-aided methods in order to achieve quality assurance goals.
A CAQ system is generally a tool that supports a QMS and can increase its effectiveness.
➔ In practice, the distinction between the terms is often not so clear and the terms are frequently used as synonyms.
CAQ system vs. QM system
|
Criterion
|
QM software (QMS)
|
CAQ system
|
|---|---|---|
|
Alignment
|
Superordinate quality management, standards & processes
|
Production-related quality assurance and control
|
|
Centre of gravity
|
Documentation, audits, complaints, Risk management, employee qualification |
Test planning, test equipment management, SPC, Incoming goods & production inspections |
|
Technical integration
|
Usually less direct connection to production systems
|
High technical depth and integration (ERP/MES/PPS, measuring and testing devices) into the production process |
|
Degree of automation
|
Often organisational, less automated
|
Highly automated, real-time data analysis possible
|
|
Target group
|
Company focussing on conformity to standards, Documentation and process quality |
Production-related companies with high testing and measurement requirements
|
|
Norms & Standards
|
ISO 9001, industry-specific standards in general
|
ISO 9001, industry-specific standards and additionally Specialised modules, such as APQP, FMEA, PPAP |
KeyToData recommends for the manufacturing industry:
The cloud-based CAQ system 1factory does what 5 quality management systems used to do.
The 1factory CAQ system supports manufacturing companies in the creation of inspection plans and audits through to the recording, digitalisation and analysis of the recorded inspection data.
- Compliance with quality standards and legal requirements
- Digital recording and evaluation of inspection characteristics
- Creation of digital reports and audit reports
- Archiving and revision of documents
- Recording and monitoring of measuring and testing equipment
- Supplier quality management
- Qualification of employees
- and much more.
Software distribution for over 25 years
KeyToData has been distributing highly specialised software for companies in the manufacturing industry since 1995.
Support without waiting on hold
We do not leave you alone during the implementation of new software. Even during ongoing software operation, we are always available to answer your questions.