FREE online courses on Quality Management System - How to Implement ISO 9000 Quality Management System - Phase 1  Start-up and planning

 

The start-up phase covers the following four most important initial steps for the journey towards global quality:

 

Step 1  Management commitment

 

The most important activity for ISO 9000 implementation is to have a strong will and firm commitment by top management, which is followed by selection of a competent consultant. Since the quality begins at the top, therefore, ISO 9000 implementation project is launched with one day appreciation programme by an external specialist/consultant for top and senior management personnel to make proper understanding and firm commitment.  During this step, a Quality Council/ Steering Committee is constituted and a management representative is appointed as coordinator. The management representative with the help of Quality Council Members has to plan and take action for implementation of ISO 9000 Quality system in the organization, under direct supervision of the top management.

 

Step 2   Awareness

 

Before implementing the quality system, every member of the organization must be aware about why and how they are going to achieve global quality standards. This is done through a series of workshops, conducted to make senior and middle management level personnel, aware about the quality system and their roles and responsibilities in its successful preparation and implementation.

 

Step 3   Shortfall analysis

 

To evaluate the gap between the requirements of quality system standards and current level of quality management activities, a preliminary audit is conducted by the Quality auditor/consultant. The shortfalls in the existing organizational structure, procedures and systems against the ISO 9000 requirements are identified and recorded.

 

Along with the system evaluation, an audit is conducted by Quality council/technical experts of the company, to assess the need for technological upgradation in the production and service processes and personnel of the organization.

 

Step 4   Action plan

 

Based on the findings of shortfall analysis, an action plan is jointly prepared by the quality council and the consultant. The plan indicates the actions to be taken for the development and improvement in organizational structure, procedures, production and service facilities and personnel.  Action plan is reviewed and approved by the top management for implementation.