Is a customer forcing you to be registered to an ISO based standard?

Many companies say that the reason for implementing a standard-based (ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, ISO 13485, AS9100, TL 9000, etc.) Quality Management System (QMS) is that it’s a customer requirement.

Here are some Lessons IQC has learned about these situations that we pass on to you:

1.) If you are being forced to obtain certification to an ISO-based QMS ensure that you have full buy-in from all layers of management.
2.) When you form the team, be sure to invest the right amount of time creating a high-performing team atmosphere.
3.) Embrace the idea that quality is everyone’s business. Involve all departments.
4.) The standards are easy to read and must be interpreted as to how it fits your company. Ensure that the leader of the team has done this. Your leader must understand when the team members begin taking ownership. That’s when the leader needs to let go and watch the organization excel.
5.) Create a robust training program early on to capture all the training record requirements. Understand who will benefit from personal and professional growth opportunities through formal education classes in documentation, FMEA, GR&R studies, SPC techniques, and other similar courses, as required by the industry your customer is in.
6.) When people say, “The ISO (blank) standard requires it,” have them show you where it says that. It’s amazing how people use the standard to get all kinds of things approved.
7.) Talk to your customers about a plan to reduce your customer audits. This includes all customers, not just the one that is forcing you down the certification path.

Contact seth@4iqc.com and I will send you a template for an Implementation Plan.