Don’t miss our latest video discussing the ISO 9001:2015 transition process and questions we’re frequently asked:
Also, be sure to download our free gap analysis! Or, check our previous post discussing our Top 5 Tips.
Contact us for additional information, or to schedule a complimentary consultation.
–Guest blog post by Robert Jasper–
The well known magazine manufacturingnews.com and the Dallas Business Journal indicate that 85% of ISO registered firms report external benefits like higher perceived quality, greater customer demand, better market differentiation, greater employee awareness, increased operational efficiency, and reduced scrap expense. Results like 30% reduction in customer claims, 95% improvement in delivery time, reduced defects from 3% to 0.5%, 40% reduction in product cycle time, 20% increase in on-time delivery are achievable after correct implementation of an ISO 9001 based quality management system.
For those considering implementing ISO 9001:2015, or for those in the 2008 transition process, here are five best practice tips:
Tip 1: Conduct a Gap Analysis Audit
It is important to consider everything can be implemented quickly, with not many resources involved and of course ending in an successful ISO 9001 certification within reasonable cost and time frames. The best tip is to plan out your implementation/transition project right from the start in effective and efficient ways by conducting a 100% compliance Internal Gap Analysis Baseline Audit against all the existing requirements of the international quality management standard in relation to your existing quality management system. And, it does not matter whether you are an ISO 9001:2008 certified company or organization, as this approach will always provide you with the exact planning requirements for your implementation or transition project. A clear implementation structure based on how to close gaps in your existing quality management system with clear responsibilities and due dates for gap closure and ISO certification readiness always helps to keep projects of this importance on track and on time. These findings and “gaps” will also give you project opportunities to reduce costs and improve your bottom line profitability. This way, you start to make your QMS work for you right from the start!
In observance of National Humor month, we wanted to share a few of our favorite quality-related cartoons…
We attended ASQ’s Joint Technical Communities Conference in Orlando, FL this week. In addition to attending some really insightful and valuable sessions by impressive quality industry leaders, we enjoyed participating in the panel discussion related to SR and the Update of Risk in the New ISO Management Systems Standards.
Risk is highlighted in the recently issued ISO 9001:2015. Identifying opportunities over threats is inherent. Preventative thinking is thoughtfully applied.
“One of the key changes in the 2015 revision of ISO 9001 is to establish a systematic approach to risk, rather than treating it as a single component of a quality management system.
In previous editions of ISO 9001, a clause on preventive action was separated from the whole. Now risk is considered and included throughout the standard.
By taking a risk-based approach, an organization becomes proactive rather than purely reactive, preventing or reducing undesired effects and promoting continual improvement. Preventive action is automatic when a management system is risk-based.”
A myriad of industries are buzzing about the newly released ISO 9001 revision. With a greater focus on stakeholders and a risk-based thinking approach, the anticipated revision is said to have greatly improved the scope and ultimately the benefits associated. A more detailed comparison and additional useful resources are found here.
With the revision so widely discussed, we have received several inquiries from organizations wanting to know about the standard and asking for advice regarding the benefits of certification. While Pro QC is not a certifying body, we do work with organizations to prepare them for final audits. We also work with many organizations that are not seeking certification, but rather are looking for a standard to apply in order to better manage their business. The ISO 9000 family of standards provides “guidance and tools for companies and organizations who want to ensure that their products and services consistently meet customer’s requirements, and that quality is consistently improved.”
Standards in the ISO 9000 family include: