Does ISO 9001:2000 Specifically Require Process Maps?

[CarolX]

Ok folks.....I know I am going to take some heat on this one...but I have to ask anyway.

I am just about to get into my transitioning work from 1994 to 2K, and I have reviewed several threads and looked at some examples of Quality Manuals written to the new standard. Everything I look at contains a "Process Map".

I have to ask "WHY?".....not from the stand point that some think process maps are good tools, but from my perspective....why is it there. Does the standard state you shall include one in the manual....or has it become an implied requirement?

I know some will ask...."Are you just going for the certificate?"...to which my response MUST be....YES. I don't need a certificate to provide my customers with what they want. But if our business is to expand and grow (i.e. new customers), we must do this.

Soooooo......Process Maps....required or implied?

Thanks all for your help!!!

Regards,
CarolX

[Mike S.]

CarolX said:

Everything I look at contains a "Process Map".

I have to ask "WHY?".....not from the stand point that some think process maps are good tools, but from my perspective....why is it there. Does the standard state you shall include one in the manual....or has it become an implied requirement?

Soooooo......Process Maps....required or implied?

No heat here, Carol. IMO, process maps are not required -- no "shall" there. However, you need SOME way to identify your processes and their sequence and interaction (4.1 and 4.2.2). I agree that process maps seem to be the de facto method people are using to do this. However, if you can do it by a 100% text doc., or a combination text doc. and map, you are fine. To me, the Devil is in the details - how detailed does this info. need to be is a big debate. Do all "secondary" or "support" processes need to be shown in these links? Should the measures be included there? Someone mentioned in another thread to imagine doing a process map for the human body!!! Depending on how deep and detailed you decide to make the process map or process description, I can see it being 1 page or 50. I guess the key is what does the registrar require as a minimum, and only go beyond that minimum if you feel you get some value from it.

[M Greenaway]

Very true Mike.

I keep harping on about IDEF0 process mapping, not for pure certification reasons, but as a 'proper' improvement tool which fortunately meets the requirements of ISO9001:2000.

[CarolX]

Jim Wade said:

1 the resulting 'map' would be intended only for auditors' eyes (probably as a on-off at certification time?)

2 the top management of her organization will take part in neither the creation of the 'map' nor its subsequent use for internal communication, objective-setting, resource allocation, efficiency improvement planning and so on.

rgds Jim

You got it exactly. We are a small shop and We all wear many hats. The Process map would be strictly for show.

Thanks Guys!!!!!

CarolX

[CarolX]

I am finally getting down and dirty into the new version, prepping for my upgrade. The approach I am taking is my new Quality Manual will be VERY general, much more than it is now, and in many ways, just a regurgitation of the standard (LOL...didn't Marc recommend that in another post....sorry...I degress).

I can see the value of adding a process flow diagram. What I want to do is keep it very simple. I have seen some excellent examples posted here and have used them as guides to developing my own.

So...my question is....most of the diagrams I have seen are very detailed and reference procedure numbers. My diagram is going to be simple without those references.

Opinions.....thoughts.....

Thanks!!!!!

CarolX

[WayneGrod]

While a process map is not required for the new ISO9000:2000 it is a beneficial way to determine your Key Customer Processes and to determine the links, supporting processes, management processes, and other internal supports for your operation. Because internal auditing will need to be conducted based on the Key Processes (Customer Oriented Processes) you will need audit the processes and not just elements/clauses of the standard. I have some great examples of what this is all about if you want to contact me.

Thanks

[M Greenaway]

True Wayne !

Carol

I intend to map to sufficient depth that what you might consider as traditional level 2 procedures will be redundant. The 'procedure' will be a lower level map of each process, showing the sub-processes.

[Mike S.]

CarolX said:

I am finally getting down and dirty into the new version, prepping for my upgrade. The approach I am taking is my new Quality Manual will be VERY general, much more than it is now, and in many ways, just a regurgitation of the standard (LOL...didn't Marc recommend that in another post....sorry...I degress).

I can see the value of adding a process flow diagram. What I want to do is keep it very simple. I have seen some excellent examples posted here and have used them as guides to developing my own.

So...my question is....most of the diagrams I have seen are very detailed and reference procedure numbers. My diagram is going to be simple without those references.

Opinions.....thoughts.....

Thanks!!!!!

CarolX

Carol,

On another recent thread there are several QM's and process diagrams posted by different folks, which you probably saw. One, submitted by someone wanting to remain anon. who went by the handle "JJ" had a part "process diagram" part "text" process description which might be similar to what you're thinking of. I thought it did the job okay, and no one on the Cove protested it. It had procedure numbers referenced, but your auditor might let you get by w/o them. Take a look.