Quality Standards ISO 9001:2000
Quality Management System
Implementing a Quality Management System (QMS) within an organisation needs to be a decision by top management. The objective of
the quality system needs to be clearly defined so that the system can be effective.
The design and implementation of a quality management system will vary depending on the type, size and products of the organisation.
Each company will have it's own objective, however most companies objective is to increase profitability. A Quality Management System will
assist by:
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managing costs and risks
-
increasing effectiveness and productivity
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identifying improvement opportunities
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increasing customer satisfaction
A well managed quality system will have an impact on:
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customer loyalty and repeat business
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market share
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operational efficiencies
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flexibility and ability to respond to market opportunities
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effective and efficient use of resources
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cost reductions
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competitive advantages
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participation and motivation of human resources
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industry reputation
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control on all processes
The objectives of your Quality Management System should mirror the above in some form.
Requirements:
ISO 9001:2000 requires a quality system to be documented, tested, measured and assessed.
Management commitment is essential for the implementation and ongoing success of the Quality Management System.
QMS objectives must be measurable and reflect the overall company objectives.
The QMS must be able to be managed properly, adequate resources must be allocated.
The system must be reviewed regularly and measured for effectiveness, adjustments must be made to reflect major changes to the
organisation and business practices.
The system must be practical and accessible to all employees within the organisation.
Accreditation:
It is not essential to gain accreditation for a Quality Management System to work effectively. It depends on the organisation if they wish to
gain accreditation, however the benefits should be considered:
Your company will be recognised as an organisation that is committed to providing quality products, improvement and customer
satisfaction.
You will gain respect through the industry as a fully accredited quality company.
Implementation and Certification of a QMS
| Responsibility |
Process |
| Management |
- Set objectives and goals of the Quality Management System
- Appoint a Quality Team to develop and maintain the QMS
- Set timelines and project scope
- Allocate resources required for the development, implementation and on-going management of the system
- Inform all staff and seek participation from all levels
|
Management/
Quality Team |
- Decide if a Consultant is required for the project
- Prepare a project plan and allocate resources
- Assess an appropriate budget based on equipment, training, time and personnel required
- Seek approval from management to procure required resources and attend any training
|
| Quality Team |
- Assess method for documenting the QMS
- Design templates and documentation
- Set timelines for the various tasks
- Schedule individual departments and positions for development of policies and procedures
|
Quality Team/
Management |
- Develop Quality Management System policies to reflect company objectives
- Start to develop procedures and work instructions with each department
- Report to management any risks and improvement opportunities that have been found
- Document any Quality Corrective Action Requests that might be identified (identified risk areas that require management attention and
improvements)
|
| Management |
- Approve and issue the Quality Management System
- Operate the QMS for a minimum period of 3 months
|
| Quality Team |
- Carry out initial audits to ensure documentation matched processes
- Ensure that "you do what you say you do" if any deficiencies are found either change processes or change the QMS to reflect
what is actually done
- Assess the effectiveness of the QMS and implement any changes that might be required
|
| Management |
- Undertake management review of the QMS
- Adjust resource requirements
- Decide if accreditation assessment is required
- Set accreditation assessment timelines
- Appoint Accreditation Body
|
| Accreditation Body |
- Undertake Audit
- Report findings to management including any changes required to the QMS
|
Quality Team/
Management |
- Make changes to the QMS according to the findings of the Accreditation Body
- Advise Accreditation Body to reassess the QMS
|
| Accreditation Body |
- Undertake follow-up audit
- If all requirements are met, accreditation will be issued
|
Quality Team/
Management
Accreditation Body |
- Continue to audit, review and assess the QMS at the agreed time intervals
- Continue to assess risk areas and identify improvement opportunities
- Continue to review policies and procedures and make amendments as required
- Continue to measure effectiveness of QMS to the overall company performance
|
For further information on the ISO 9001:2000 standards and how they apply to the Quality Management System Click Here
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