audit

All articles tagged “audit”.

ISO 14001:2015 – Who Needs Environmental Management?

ISO 14001:2015 – Who Needs Environmental Management?

Quality Control
The quality industry is buzzing this week as the International Organization for Standardization released the latest revision of the ISO 14001 environmental management standard. “ISO 14001:2015 is an internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. It helps organizations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and […]
Understanding the Supplier Audit Process

Understanding the Supplier Audit Process

Factory Audits/Supplier Management
Supplier audits are critical in fostering continual improvement, emphasizing defect prevention, and aiding in the reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain. A supplier audit process scrutinizes factors that could lead to increased costs or financial losses due to supplier underperformance. Watch our video: Supplier Audit Process Components An effective supplier audit process […]
5W2H of Process Audits: What You Should Know

5W2H of Process Audits: What You Should Know

Factory Audits/Quality Control
We’ve used 5W2H to discuss Product Quality Control before, and now we’re using this popular tool to provide insight regarding process audits. Who? Quality auditors are often certified and/or have other applicable training specific to the types of audits they perform. Quality auditors must be professional, ethical and objective. They must be able to select […]
On-Site: What’s a C-TPAT Security Audit?

On-Site: What’s a C-TPAT Security Audit?

Factory Audits
I’ve recently returned from a visit to our offices in China where I was able to attend a C-TPAT audit with our Supplier Development Manager, Jean Champlain. A C-TPAT audit isn’t quite as common as a general QMS or ISO 9001 evaluation, but the information generated has significant value when you understand the scope. “C‐TPAT […]
When do you switch suppliers?

When do you switch suppliers?

Supplier Management
I’ve never heard the process of switching suppliers described as easy.  People may say that it “went smoothly” or “could have gone worse,” but the reality is that it’s not easy.  Because of this, many organizations delay the process and experience increased costs and consumer dissatisfaction as a result. Questions to consider:
Ask us: The 5W1H of Product Quality Control

Ask us: The 5W1H of Product Quality Control

Quality Control
One of the most commonly used quality tools is 5W1H, “a method of asking questions about a process or a problem taken up for improvement.” This Socratic questioning method is said to be rooted in Rudyard Kipling’s poem: I keep six faithful serving men (They taught me all I knew); Their names are What and […]
Five Ways to Ensure Quality Manufacturing – Sourcing Success

Five Ways to Ensure Quality Manufacturing – Sourcing Success

Quality Control/Sourcing
Whether you’re sourcing abroad, or from a manufacturer down the street, similar issues with product quality, shipment delays, cost and safety concerns, etc. still apply.  To mitigate the quality risks and cost involved in sourcing, we recommend five actions that have been proven successful throughout the three decades of experience we have working with clients and suppliers […]
Supply Chain Management – Webinar Review

Supply Chain Management – Webinar Review

Supply chain
Our Tampa office worked with the local ASQ section and Hillsborough Community College’s Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education and coordinated and instructed a series of webinars that will run through this month.  The webinar scheduled for today discusses Supply Chain Management, which many in our industry recognize is a broad topic. As a brief […]