What is a Quality Management System?
Quality Management System Standards refers to an established policy framework which provides guidance on how organizations should manage their key processes. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has diversified standards for quality management systems, each of which focuses on a particular issue affecting businesses globally. Organizations who adhere to these standards can ensure their products and services consistently meet customer requirement and improve in quality. Therefore, adhering to these guidelines and obtaining ISO Certification is vital for measuring business proficiency, increasing profitability and marketing potential.
Elements of a Quality Management System
Quality Management System Standards are tailored to suit an organization’s unique needs, however, there are some elements all management systems have in common:
- A framework of Management Responsibility
- Product Realization
- Resource Management
- Statistical Analytics
- Purchasing Guidelines
- Inspection and Testing Standards
- Quality Records
- Training Protocols
- Quality Audits
Why businesses implement quality management system standards:
ISO standards are currently applied in many organizations from a wide range of industries including; manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and pharmaceuticals. For many organizations, the choice to implement ISO Standards is twofold; they are seeking improved quality, profitability and efficiency but it is often, a requirement from their customers or consumers. Particularly internationally-focused businesses with regulatory bodies or for suppliers of quality-sensitive products.
Benefits of Quality Management System Standards
Even when it is not a specific requirement from customers, there are still many benefits in implementing Quality Management System standards. Implementing a quality management system helps organizations achieve the following benefits;
- Products, systems, and processes improvements
- Increased customer service and satisfaction
- A greater competitive advantage
- Transparency in accountability
- Increase market share potential
- New avenues for marketing
- Streamlined efficiency
- Growth Management
- Reduction in mistakes which improve margins
- Greater consistency and time management
- Development of training opportunities
Establishing a Quality Management System
Establishing a Quality Management System is a large undertaking. Written quality procedures which outline, what, who, where, when and how changes need to be implemented will be created. Working with a Quality Management Consultant is a great way to streamline the process. Find ISO Certified and Quality Management Consultants with our Consultant Directory.
ISO Terms Explained
To the novice quality manager, ISO jargon can be extremely overwhelming. What is an NCR? What do you mean by OFI? Are we certified or accredited? But before you go and pull out your hair, let’s take a moment to go over some of the most frequently used terms and their definitions with regards to ISO and Management System Certification.