Quality Planning

Whenever the term “product” is used within the ISO 9001 standard, it refers to both tangible goods and intangible services. The ISO 9001 standard is meant to be generic which means that it is suitable for all kinds of organization, whether commercial or otherwise. The purpose of the quality management system model that is being propagated by the standard is the fulfillment of customer requeirements and expectations in order to induce high levels of customer satisfaction. An unsatisfied customer is essentially a customer whose requirements or needs, and expectations of the level of services being granted upon him/her have not been met. We are all customers because we buy products all the time. So we know what it means to be a dissatisfied customer. The common reaction is to never to go back to that seller and look for other alternatives. A successful organization is one which understands what it takes to meet customer requirements in order to satisfy their needs and expectations. A specific process is thus necessary to resolve any customer complaint or dispute. This process should be geared towards satisfying the customer’s needs and expectations. The parameters of this process should be referenced from the terms of the sale and purchase. This is why it is necessary to review the customer’s requirements before committing to the sales contract. It is necessary that the customer understands what he/she is paying for and it is equally necessary for the organization to understand what it is supposed to deliver. When your organization has these processes in place, then the only thing to do next is to continually measure the effectiveness and subsequently take actions to continually improve the whole process.

ISO 9001 Standards In General

ISO 9001 Standards In General

The adoption of a quality management system should be a strategic decision of an organization. The design and implementation of an organization’s quality management system is influenced by
— its business environment, changes in that environment, or risks associated with that environment,
— its varying needs,
— its particular objectives,
— the products it provides,
— the processes it employs,
— its size and organizational structure.
It is not the intent of this International Standard to imply uniformity in the structure of quality management systems or uniformity of documentation.
The quality management system requirements specified in this International Standard are complementary to requirements for products. Information marked “NOTE” is for guidance in understanding or clarifying the
associated requirement.
This International Standard can be used by internal and external parties, including certification bodies, to assess the organization’s ability to meet customer, statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the
product, and the organization’s own requirements.
The quality management principles stated in ISO 9000 and ISO 9004 have been taken into consideration during the development of this International Standard.

Certification In ISO 9001 Standards Posted by everise | iso 9001 standard | Sunday

Certification In ISO 9001 Standards

Certification involves an independent assessment of your quality system to confirm that it meets the requirements of ISO 9001. You will need to design, document and implement your own quality system. The system will need to cover all the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard. Many certification bodies will not conduct a formal assessment until the system has been operating for at least three months. Your quality system cannot be audited until you have generated documentary evidence to show that you are meeting the standard. To find a certification body with relevant experience in your sector and accreditation from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Certification by a non-UKAS accredited body is likely to lead to credibility problems with your customers. Arrange a visit from the certification body’s auditors. UKAS prohibits auditors from acting as consultants. They will not tell you how to meet the standard but can offer advice. They will seek objective evidence that you are complying with each of the clauses of the ISO 9001 standard. The auditors will tell you of any shortcomings in your system. If you satisfy the standard, the auditors put your name forward for certification. You will be required to correct these problems within a specified timeframe. You can also be certificated if the auditors only identify a small number of ‘minor’ problems. Once you are certificated, you can display the certification body’s logo, and if the body is UKAS-accredited, the UKAS ‘tick and crown’ symbol (consult UKAS about exceptions to this rule). If the auditors identify more serious ‘major’ problems, you will be required to correct these before certification. These surveillance visits normally take place twice a year at agreed dates. All certification bodies are required to revisit registered companies to ensure they still meet the requirements of the standard. You will be given time to deal with any minor or major problems which are identified before any action is taken to withdraw your certificate.

Costs and resources Of ISO 9001 Standards

Costs and resources Of ISO 9001 Standards

The largest cost of ISO 9001 is the involvement of company

employees. The ‘ownership’ created by involving employees in designing the quality system maximises the chances of them accepting it. Reducing this cost by minimising employee involvement is a false economy. The next largest cost will be for designing and developing the system. This needs to be led by someone with experience in this particular field. You may have someone within your own organisation who has carried out this role, perhaps with a former employer. Your Business Link may offer free or subsidised advice and training, and will be able to provide names of approved consultants. Grants for work in this area tend to be directed through Business Links. Different areas have different grants, which depend on local conditions. A typical grant may cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of an approved consultant. Certification fees are around £800 for the smallest companies. Overall costs depend upon company size and the number of locations involved. Ask certification bodies for quotes for initial audits and surveillance visits. Many will give an all-inclusive price, including surveillance visits for three years. Typically, special rates will depend on how long the assessment is likely to take and what the company’s turnover is. Ask your certification body if it offers special rates for small companies. The standard requires that companies have trained internal auditors to conduct audits on the system. An internal audit can provide an effective means of monitoring the system and identifying areas for improvement. For further details, contact the International Register of Certificated Auditors.

Management Principles Of ISO 9001 Standards

Management Principles Of ISO 9001 Standards

ISO 9000 is based on eight management principles:

• Customer focus, resulting in meeting customer requirements and striving to exceed them;

• Leadership, aiming to create an internal environment in which people are fully involved;

• Involvement of people who are the essence of an organization;

• Process approach, resulting in improved efficiency to obtain desired results;

• System approach to management, leading to improved effectiveness and efficiency through identification, understanding and management of interrelated processes;

• Continual improvement, which becomes a permanent objective of the organization;

• Factual approach to decision-making, based on the analysis of data and information; and

• Mutually beneficial supplier relationships, based on an understanding of their interdependence.

ISO 9000 encourages the adoption of the process approach to manage an organization. There are five main areas considered for the revised process model in ISO 9000:

• Quality management system

• Management responsibility

• Resource management

• Product realization

• Measurement, analysis and improvement.