A structured document outlining the systematic checks and evaluations applied to a product, service, or system. It details the specific activities, resources, and schedules involved in verifying adherence to predefined requirements and standards. For example, in software development, such a plan might specify unit tests, integration tests, system tests, and user acceptance tests, along with the criteria for passing each stage.
The employment of a carefully crafted approach offers several advantages. It ensures quality, minimizes risks, and provides a framework for consistent evaluation. Historically, these procedural guides have evolved from simple checklists to complex, integrated management tools used across diverse industries to maintain standards and reduce potential failures or defects. The documentation allows for the verification of design specifications and regulatory compliance during each phase of development and delivery.