Continual Improvement of the Organization - TS 16949 Clause 8.5.1.1

[vitortavares]

Hello Covers,

Once again, here I am with a doubt: When the ISO/TS16949 says, in its 8.5.1.1 requirement, that "The organization shall define a process for continual improvement", what that means?
Is necessary to implement a core process according to the process approach, or it means that the continual improvement must be a part of all the processes?

Salutations,
Vitor

[vanputten]

In my opinion, either could be a possible approach. I would define it however your organization achieves continual improvement.

Our entire QMS is our defined, interrelated processes that allow us to achieve continual improvement.

[Richard Pike]

In Reply to Parent Post by vitortavares

Hello Covers,

Once again, here I am with a doubt: When the ISO/TS16949 says, in its 8.5.1.1 requirement, that "The organization shall define a process for continual improvement", what that means?
Is necessary to implement a core process according to the process approach, or it means that the continual improvement must be a part of all the processes?

Salutations,
Vitor

What is required is to have a organizational process for continual improvement. What type / format etc is not prescribed.

Certainly is is not expected to be able to demonstrate continual improvement for every process.

The key is - to demonstrate that the process you use is effective - . If it is - then the process you use is OK.

Remember it says shall have a process - and not necessarily a "documented" process.

[Citizen Kane]

Hi !

You must have installed such processes for this continuous improvement. Iou can very easily mention here 5S or other suggestion system that allows you to enter improvement ideeas and to be applied in production.

Also, mention the quality policy that should include the focus for this. You can include daily production meeting with fast respons and a weekly department meeting. Could be included contingency plans/backup schemes.

[Dan M]

Perhaps I can revive the conversation.

To address the requirement:
"The organization shall define a process for continual improvement"

We simply need to show that we take a consistent approach to continual improvement but this doesn't necessarily mean we need a "continual improvement" procedure that is documented. Right?

[somashekar]

In Reply to Parent Post by Dan M

Perhaps I can revive the conversation.

To address the requirement:
"The organization shall define a process for continual improvement"

We simply need to show that we take a consistent approach to continual improvement but this doesn't necessarily mean we need a "continual improvement" procedure that is documented. Right?

That means your continual improvement be a planned activity.
To continually improve you need to know where you are and where you want to be and when and how. This comes out of a plan and a timeline, within which analysis of data and targets are determined, frequently monitored / corrected as necessary and progress made.

[qusys]

In Reply to Parent Post by Dan M

Perhaps I can revive the conversation.

To address the requirement:
"The organization shall define a process for continual improvement"

We simply need to show that we take a consistent approach to continual improvement but this doesn't necessarily mean we need a "continual improvement" procedure that is documented. Right?

Consider that one of the output of management review is also recommendation for improvement. When an organization reach objectives, they shall also improve by means of continual improvement . It means that this shall be a stepped process, raising the so called "bar" whan you are already in compliance.
You shall demonstrated showing evidence that you have a process that pervades the whole organization, for example, adopting a project management approach and working in multidisciplianry approach to reach results to improve your QMS processes.
AN organization can puursue continual improvement with projects that carried the revision of QMS process or with step improving activities within existing processes.
Hope this helps