Design exclusion - Service company that processes only customer supplied product

[Jimmy]

Hello,

This is my first post to this forum. I have read many of the existing threads, and therefore I know I am guaranteed some useful insight from the participants.

My question is regarding exclusions: specifically 7.3 Design.

I work for a service company that processes only customer supplied product.

I am quite comfortable with exluding design for product in terms of physical product.

I am not sure about designing "product" as it pertains to "service"

It seems to me that planning and identifying processes, measureable objectives and criteria for "product" will cover it.

I would appreciate any feedback.

thanks in advance,

[db]

Jimmy, welcome to the Cove.

To answer your question, in Clause 3 Terms and definitions, the standard says (reads): "Throughout the text of this Internaltional Standard, whereever the term "product" occurs, it can also mean "service"."

I take that to mean that if you are a service organization, and you design the service, then 7.3 applies to you. Does your organization write the specs for the process, if so then design would probably apply. You can find other threads where this has been covered in much detail.

[Jimmy]

It just seems a duplication of work to include it with design - when in my opinion it is part of contract review activities and quality management system planning.

My previous employment life was manufacturing, and design was very much a part of daily life. I suppose I am biased - and think that "service" doesn't fill well.

Thanks, for the quick feedback. I'll be sure to check out the other threads.