The implementation of a quality management system such as ISO 9001 requires consideration of virtually every aspect of an organisation’s structure and working practices. Included are the policies and practices associated with the procurement of product and other supplies from external vendors.
 
Prior to the introduction of today’s documented management systems the process of purchasing [...]

I recently attended a series of meetings during an introduction to a new client’s business. Without exception these meetings were a total waste of time, in that nothing was achieved. Individuals on the ‘calling list’ were absent, while others came late or left early. It was common for actions outstanding from the previous meeting to [...]

Much of the business our organisation conducts is focussed on the product generation aspects of our clients business. For a manufacturer this means the shop floor activities where parts are assembled in a sequence to produce a saleable product. When we speak to a potential client concerning improvement programs or processes the client immediately assumes [...]

When I first entered the management system audit arena, it was common practice to measure auditor skills by the number of Non Conformance reports they managed to raise. As an unwilling newcomer I found this a disturbing feature of a business I didn’t want to be in, but interestingly my efforts to extradite myself from [...]