Level 1 and Level 2 documentation - Definitions and Differences between?

Once again I need some help. I have to explain the differences between Level 1 and Level 2 documentation to a group of area managers, this afternoon. Although I know the difference I am having a difficult time attempting to explain it. Help!

steph

[Randy]

The way I understand it, level 1 established the way the overall system is to be operated. Level 2 tells who, what, where, and when. Level 3 tells how. Your managers should be told that they have direct imput and influence on the level 2 and 3 documents.

Sounds simple, but that's me.

Have you seen http://Elsmar.com/doc-hier.html ? Check it out then come back and pose your questions.

Thanks for the help, it is simple, but I needed some new way of explaining it to them (layman's terms). They have heard my definitions at least a million times, and it helps to have a new perspective. I had forgotten about the documentation pyramid, that will definately simplify things.
Thanks again,
Steph

If you look in the http://Elsmar.com/pdf_files/ directory there are some odds and ends on documentation there which you may be able to get some ideas from as well.

[barb butrym]

the old pyrimid still works very well with the words presented properly...I sometimes use a house...so its in reverse...you build the foundation.......and then the roof is the records that Cover you when the rain of questions come......it all depends on the audience, and of course my mood. Either way you gotta be enthuasiastic or they won't get it.....



[This message has been edited by barb butrym (edited 30 July 1999).]

[barb butrym]

another thing to remember, steph, is that you are not required to use level 1,2,3...so you can adapt those to fit the way you do business.....lots of companies combine the typical levels and even put their forms in teh procedure they come from and end up with a detailed QA manual, and a set of work instructions

[This message has been edited by barb butrym (edited 30 July 1999).]

I have always explained it as follows:

Level One is our "statement of intent." The Standard requires your Quality System to address the elements of the Standard. Level one is our means of explaining that our quality system fulfills the elements of the Standard.

Level Two defines how we carry out the tasks to fulfill our "statements" in Level One. Defines the responsibility for tasks as well as defining the tasks themselves.

Level One - What we are going to do...

Level Two - How we are going to get it done...

Worked for me. Hope it helps some...

ALM