What does the term "In-Process" refer to in quality control?

The term "In-Process" in quality control specifically refers to quality checks conducted during the production process rather than at the beginning or end stages. This approach allows for immediate feedback and corrective actions, ensuring that any defects or issues can be addressed as they occur rather than after the product is completed. By implementing in-process inspections, organizations can monitor and control the production quality in real time, thus reducing waste, lowering costs, and ensuring that the final product meets quality standards. This proactive method contrasts with post-production inspections, which do not allow for immediate interventions, and thus can lead to the greater potential for defects remaining undetected until the end of the production cycle.