QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Quality Management System?
A quality management system is the way your organization directs and controls those activities which are related either directly or indirectly to meeting customer requirements.
Broadly, it consists of your organizational structure together with the planning, processes, resources and documentation that you use to achieve your quality objectives, to meet your customers' requirements and to provide improvement of your quality management system and thus eventually improvement of your product or service.
Quality Management Systems (QMS) are about how the organization is managed.
ISO/TC 176
What is the purpose of a Quality Management System?
The purpose of ISO 9001 certification or implementing a Quality Management System is to provide organizations with a solid foundation upon which to build sound business practices and processes. These requirements properly applied can bring discipline and consistency to an organization’s operating processes. This consistency fosters the development of meaningful metrics to gauge performance.
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What are Document Types?
There are different formats of documents depending on what and how you want to record your activities. Ranging from process flow charts, to standard operating procedures, templates, forms, work instructions and reference type documents. Each document serves a purpose, capturing the proper amount of detail to clearly identify the job that needs to be done.
What do I have to do to prepare for an Audit?
Preparing for an audit shouldn't be an extra step you perform but rather an ongoing activity that is incorporated into your job. You should be maintaining and storing records of tasks you're completing on a regular basis. This along with following your documented procedures is what we audit.
Audits can cause some anxiety for your employees, however, if you're confident in your day-to-day activities, an audit will be just like another day at the office. Simply asking how you do your job, and where you store your documentation and records to do this job are all part of a regular audit.
How much will this cost and how long will it take?
Implementing a Quality Management System doesn't have to be a complicated, drawn out activity. However, it will take a bit of organizing and resourcing. Depending on how your company currently documents and performs these activities will determine the scope of the work and length of time it will take to complete the full implementation. Performing a Gap Analysis will help determine the state of your current system.
Some companies can implement over a longer period (2-3 years) others can implement within a few months. You will need to run your fully implemented system for approximately three (3) months prior to an audit to make sure you've had enough time to produce the objective evidence (records) of these activities.
Depending on the resources and state of your current system will dictate the cost. Contact us today for a quote!