International standard iso

quality characteristic
inherent characteristic (3.5.1) of a product (3.4.2), process (3.4.1) or system (3.2.1) related to a
requirement (3.1.2)

NOTE 1 Inherent means existing in something, especially as a permanent characteristic.

NOTE 2 A characteristic assigned to a product, process or system (e.g. the price of a product, the owner of a product) is not a quality characteristic of that product, process or system.

3.5.3

dependability
collective term used to describe the availability performance and its influencing factors: reliability performance, maintainability performance and maintenance support performance

NOTE Dependability is used only for general descriptions in non-quantitative terms. [IEC 60050-191:1990].

3.5.4
traceability
ability to trace the history, application or location of that which is under consideration

NOTE 1 When considering product (3.4.2), traceability can relate to

• 
  the origin of materials and parts,
  
• 
  the processing history, and
  
• 
  the distribution and location of the product after delivery.
  

NOTE 2 In the field of metrology the definition in VIM:1993, 6.10, is the accepted definition.

6. 
   Terms relating to conformity 3.6.1
   

conformity
fulfilment of a requirement (3.1.2)

NOTE The term “conformance” is synonymous but deprecated.

3.6.2

nonconformity
non-fulfilment of a requirement (3.1.2)

3.6.3

defect
non-fulfilment of a requirement (3.1.2) related to an intended or specified use

NOTE 1 The distinction between the concepts defect and nonconformity (3.6.2) is important as it has legal connotations, particularly those associated with product liability issues. Consequently the term “defect” should be used with extreme caution.

NOTE 2 The intended use as intended by the customer (3.3.5) can be affected by the nature of the information, such as operating or maintenance instructions, provided by the supplier (3.3.6).

3.6.4