4.1 General Requirements and Transition Training

[Oscar]

I just returned from a Transition training class. This course emphasized the requirements of clause 4.1 which requires establishing, documenting, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving the QMS. The instructor suggested a flow chart as a method for defining the QMS your company uses and them expanding the chart to include criteria, methods, information, etc. and all requied by this clause. I would appreciate any comments relative to this area of the DIS soon to be FDIS.

The instructor identified this area as a key change in the standard and a good starting place for ensuring compliance to the revised standard.

Thanks

[Marc]

I missed this one in the fray somehow..

Anyway, I dont agree that there is much difference in the 4.1 requirements. You say: "...This course emphasized the requirements of clause 4.1 which requires establishing, documenting, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving the QMS."

Did they cite specifics? Only continuouus improvement is 'strengthened'.

I agree with flow charts. They're the way to go.

[Oscar]

We are currently registered by Det Norske Veritas (since 1994) so I have been waiting for information from them relative to the new standard and any interpretation that may be forthcomning.

[Marc]

I would be surprised if you have to make any serious changes in your systems.

Take a read through -- Temp doc is gone -- and see if this answers some questions.

Let me know if you have any problem getting the document. It's on a test server here at the office -- not on the site server which I run my site on.

I would like to hear from others about the transition issue.

NOTE: This document is a 'temporary' document - I'll keep it posted for a few days, but it may not be there come the weekend.

[This message has been edited by Marc Smith (edited 11 September 2000).]

[Marc]

By the way, check out ISO-Transi-N474.doc

It should be in Elsmar Cove Free Files Directory

[Laura M]

Link worked. Doc looks interesting. I'm going to print it and see. I have customers that are interested in being QS9000 but know about ISO9000:2000. Want to plan on a 2001 audit, so QS kind of restricts to ISO 9000:1994

Go Browns!!!!!

Laura

[Oscar]

This course emphasized that the new standard is structured to be business based rather than a quality standard. The new standard really tells companies how to run their business and 4.1 is the beginning point for this transition. The instructor recommended the flow charts be part of the Quality Manual as well as criteria, methods, objectives, measuring and monitoring, etc.

Any discussion would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Marc]

Yeah - good rhetoric (changing from a quality standard to a business standard). Well, the bottom line is the basic requirements have not changed. 4.1 is just general requirements in the new 'standard'. If you are currently registered, you should have all this stuff already. Are you registered now or are you intending to register in the future? What's your current status?