A common misconception is that QA/QC is an end of cycle operation, happening only when a project is completed. While there is a certain element of QA/QC that typically happens at a projects close out or commissioning stage, ideally QA/QC begins at the very beginning of a project when the customer is engaged to define his vision for the project.

Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC) starts with the premise of measuring an actual process or outcome against a predetermined acceptable standard. In the communications infrastructure area that is Fancom’s expertise, standards are set by various industry organizations such as BICSI – Building Industry Consulting Services International, ANSI – American National Standards Institute , IEEE – Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, among others.

Generally speaking, standards set down by these organizations, when adhered to by designers, equipment and cabling installers and systems integrators, ensures maximum performance of the given system. Communications systems are not like high voltage electrical and mechanical systems, which require P. Eng. oversight as a matter of law for the protection of human life and safety.

Communications standards set out by BICSI, ANSI, IEEE and others are varied, constantly being updated and cover a wide range of topics from cabling infrastructure design, to labeling conventions and the connectivity of all transport mediums including copper, fibre optic and wireless to end devices including switches, routers etc.