Is there a difference between Key Quality Objectives and Quality Objectives?
We have a Quality Policy and Quality Objectives in place...two separate documents.


Quality Objectives are:

On time delivery
Quote Capture
1st time product quality
and states desired improvement desired

Recently, we had an audit (AS9100)and we were written up for:
Quality policy inadequate does not address key objectives, as stated in standard requirements clause 5.3 Quality Policy

I admit, I am very new to QA, but I am confused. Do the Quality Objectives need to be stated in Quality Policy?:confused:

We have had numerous discussions on quality objectives. Please search.

Nevertheless, if you transposed the exact words of the non-conformity, as stated by the lead assessor, you should appeal that. That non-conformity statement is unclear at best, invalid at worst.

Concerning "quote capture", what exactly does that mean? Converting quotes into contracts? Generating more quotes? How does that relate in a better product or more customer satisfaction? Many business objectives (although critical) are not quality objectives. I would scrutinize that objective to see if it really satisfies the definition.

Since you are new to quality, a piece of advice already provided several times here: Don't allow an external auditor to leave your premises at the end of an audit UNTIL you are satisfied with the validity of the non-conformities being disclosed, and you CLEARLY understand what are the requirements being violated. Without a CLEAR and WRITTEN requirement*, there is NO valid non-conformity. If you reach an impass, you must ask for the appeal process details. All CB's are required to have one. Exercize it.


*Acceptable sources for requirements are:

The Standard (ISO 9001, AS9100, TS29001, etc...)
Regulatory requirements (FAA AD's, FAR's, FDA QSR, etc...)
Customer contract and flown down documents (Drawings, specifications, PO's, etc...)
Your own command media requirements (manual, procedures, instructions, etc...)