Quality Management System in Fusion Research—Experience From W7-X

The execution of quality management (QM) and quality assurance activities in the construction of a fusion device is a very complex task. Nevertheless, QM is a useful management tool, if we comprehend QM as the request for continuous reflection on present tasks and on the best way to improve the processes with respect to the scientific and technical aims. Therefore, a quality management system has been introduced for the Wendelstein 7-X construction project. A lot of experience exists in industry but for such one-of-a-kind construction projects of an experimental device, we have to adapt the system to our own requirements which differ and are more complex.