ISO 9001 is the international standard that provides the framework for design, implementation and maintenance of Quality Management Systems. The main advantages of implementing an ISO 9001 compliant Quality Management System (QMS) are:
Certification for the Implementation of ISO 9001-compliant Quality Management Systems Holds the Following Benefits:
The Implementation Process of ISO 9001-compliant Quality Management Systems are Dependent upon the Following Factors:
Steps Towards Successful Implementation of such a QMS Include:
Why Top Management Commitment is Important
To ensure successful implementation, the executive management should commit to implementation of the QMS throughout the entire organisation. Without such a commitment from them, the mid-level managers will not initialise the QMS, as they will not have the power of decision-making. The executive management must provide documented proof of the commitment to development, implementation and maintenance of the QMS. Once the top management realises the benefits of the QMS, such as improved efficiency throughout the enterprise, higher levels of customer service, and reduction in costs, they must communicate the benefits to the employees.
The top management must define the organisation policies regarding quality and communicate them to the employees. They should ensure that the objectives regarding this are well understood and implemented on all levels of the enterprise. They should see to it that all the required resources for implementation of the QMS are made available throughout the enterprise, appoint the relevant representatives, and conduct the necessary management reviews.
With more focus on leadership in the revised ISO 9001, the executive management should lead by example and become involved in the improvement initiatives. Goals of the QMS must be set such as:
Why Training Forms and Integral Part of Quality Management Systems Development
The ISO 9001 QMS affects every level of the enterprise. As such, the relevant training programmes must be identified to ensure that the employees according to their job levels understand the basics of the QMS, the goals of the enterprise and the changes in the way that tasks are completed. Training should be scheduled according to management level as well. Additional training may be needed for quality manual writing, internal auditing processes, testing of products, laboratory management and procedures manuals writing. Where the enterprise does not have the expertise and capacity in-house to offer the training programmes, an external company competent in such should be approached.
WWISE can assist on every level of QMS development, implementation, maintenance, integration, training, auditing, and certification preparation.