What Is Quality?
What Is QMS?
QMS - A Quality Management System determines whether quality practices, activities, related business processes, contractual requirements and results, comply with planned arrangements of an organization or company. A QMS can also determine whether those arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable to achieve outlined objectives in alignment to the company’s Business Plan.
We also provide Process & Gap Analysis, Process Re-Engineering & Design, Documentation, Reporting and other Audit Services, to companies who are improving their current business operations and management systems.
What Is QA?
QA – Quality Assurance processes (or) standards are merely a set of consistent business practices that have been chosen and implemented within a company, to ensure compliance & commitment to delivering quality products and services to their customers, ensuring to meet specified customer requirements and needs.
WHAT IS ISO & ISO 9001?
ISO – International Organization for Standardization is the world's largest developer and publisher of International Standards. ISO is a network of the national standards institutes of 161 countries, one member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system.
ISO is a non-governmental organization that forms a bridge between the public and private sectors. On the one hand, many of its member institutes are part of the governmental structure of their countries, or are mandated by their government. On the other hand, other members have their roots uniquely in the private sector, having been set up by national partnerships of industry associations.
Therefore, ISO enables a consensus to be reached on solutions that meet both the requirements of business and the broader needs of society. (Reference: Taken directly from the ISO website at www.iso.ch)
ISO 9001 Industry Standards is the most recognized International Standard for Quality Assurance or Quality Management Systems.
ISO 9001 is meant to be a user-friendly management system that compliments and reflects and your business operations.
NOTE: Having QA or QM approach in your company does not guarantee a quality product or service. Therefore, businesses should not place the quality assurance logo or stamp of approval to be placed on the product or provided services. It is the company itself that is quality assured and certified, nothing else.
WHAT DOES A QA PROFESSIONAL DO
Most certified companies and organizations will have a designated Quality Assurance (QA) qualified professional permanently employed within the firm or outsources those services to a QA Provider and / or Professional. A QA Professional is a person who:
- Provides efficient & effective level of QA Consultancy Services tailored to a business and its culture,
- Thoroughly understands the benefits of Quality Assurance & Quality Management practices,
- Maintains a consistent audited QA System,
- Performs & manages regular QA Reviews & Internal Audits,
- Writes or compiles well structured policies, procedures, process flows, work instructions and relevant documents.
DIFFERENT LEVELS OF QMS
LEVEL 1: FULL CERTIFICATION PROCESS
A ‘Full Certification Process’ is when an External Accredited Third Party Body certifies an organization / company against an applicable ISO 9001 Standard.
LEVEL 2 : PART CERTIFICATION PROCESS
A ‘Part Certification Process’ is when an External Accredited Third Party Body partly certifies an organization / company against an applicable ISO 9001 Standard or Requirement, which is often dictated by Customer Tendes and / or Customer Demands to implement a continuous improvement practice and process.
LEVEL 3: ADOPTING A QM APPROACH
Adopting a ‘QM – Quality Management Approach’ is when organizations / companies want to achieve, monitor and maintain ‘Business Excellence’ and ‘Continuous Improvement’.
KEY ELEMENTS OF A QMS
There are many elements to a QMS – Quality Management System. Organizations & Companies can build or define the QA – Quality Assurance key elements which will best suit their cultural environment.
However, the most common and typical QA elements at a minimum are;
- Quality Planning & Scheduling
- QA Methodologies & Tools
- Internal Checkpoint Reviews
- Process Improvements
- Business Performance Measurement & Reporting
Quality Planning & Scheduling
The planning and scheduling of an annual Quality Plan & Process Improvement Program.
QA Methodologies & Tools
The management, monitoring and co-ordination of initiated internal process improvements, using an approved Process Improvement Model to address reported issues, concerns and recommended improvement activities.
Internal Checkpoint Reviews
A process by which a company conducts an internal checkpoint review of a function, process or activity, upon request by a Manager, Director or nominated Internal Auditor.
Process Improvements
A planned and systematic QA and corrective action practice necessary to provide adequate confidence that ‘Products’ and ‘Services’ will satisfy applicable requirements for ‘Quality’.
Business Performance Measurement & Reporting
A unified process, reporting monthly and/ or quarterly reports to Company Management, outlining business and operational performance results in accordance with the Company’s Business Plan.
OTHER QMS ELEMENTS
Other QMS key elements are listed below, however, they are not limited to the ones listed below;
Change Management
Continuous change in organizations, companies and businesses will be a continuous existence. Managing Change in your business will ensure that sound foundation will take root and lead to increased business and people success.
Leadership
Good Leadership, leads to ‘Business Excellence’. Obtaining practical advice on appropriate leadership for both strategic and operational points of view, will give your business clear focus to maintaining business objectives.
Empowering Your People
Most employees usually take on more responsibility and activities than what they started with. Ensuring well documented procedures and processes are communicated to all personnel will help you maintain your valued people and resources.
Teams
Learn how to use your current people to create ‘Teams’ to capitalize on individual strengths, cross skilling and ….? And minimize potential business weaknesses and risks.
Quality Professionals
Whether employed or out-sourced, a knowledged and experienced ‘Quality Professional’ can save your business time and money.
The correct implementation of any QMS is in defining the right combination of ‘QMS Key Elements’ for your business operations, which will save you dollars over time.
The Practical Consultancy can assist you in all these areas.
Please contact us for a review of your current business system and operations.
