Implementing ISO 9001 - What are the first things that should be done?

[PAT1L]

What are the first things that should be done. The company I work for does not need to be certified, but when a customer comes through it would be nice for them to see a professional system in place. I have the ability to dedicate 2-3 people to this task and was just wondering where to begin. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[CINDY]

Pat1l

The first step I would say is to read and learn the requirements, and then read and understand them again. Then perform a gap analysis. The gap analysis will let you know what you need to do from there. Good luck.

Cindy

[The Taz!]

Sound advise. . . there are several "systems" that you can look to either implement or be "compliant" to. I'd suggest the ISO-9000:2000 as a starting place.

I would suggest that after you look at what quality systems there are, determine what your company NEEDS to maintain control. Select the parts of the system that FIT your company's needs and that make sense to use.

You are in a good position as you are not being required to implement a system that is dictated to you. Use common sense . . if there is such a thing.

Don't expect to be perfect from the get-go. Implement a system that works for you instead of one you have to work for. Periodic system reviews and a review of system performance and effectiveness (audits) will tell you what you need to do to improve.

[CINDY]

Try to keep it as simple as possible without mounds of paperwork.

And welcome to the cove Pat1l . You came to the right place for help. Keep us informed of your progress.

Cindy

[D.Scott]

Hi Pat - Welcome to the Cove.

I agree with Cindy and Taz - start with ISO-9001:2000 and keep it simple.

Dave

[Tom W]

I would like to add my welcome and also ask you the following:

What type of business are you in?

What type of customers do you serve?

What result would you like to achieve through implementing a management system?


These might help pinpoint down what system you should look at. Although Taz is right when saying too look first at ISO9000:2000. It is the base system and covers everything that an organization needs for simple and effective registration.

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Welcome to the Cove PAT1L

You have been given a bagfull of sound advice already, but I'd like to join the welcoming committee, and add the following:

In Reply to Parent Post by PAT1L

The company I work for does not need to be certified, but when a customer comes through it would be nice for them to see a professional system in place.

Yes absolutley, but make certain that you create a system that fits you and your way of doing things. Besides, I'm sure you already have a system, right? You do what you do acc. to your normal procedures. They may not be documented but they have to be there, or you wouldn't be in business. Find out what you have and document what you need ( Keep it lean and simple), then start improving it.

/Claes

[Al Dyer]

Welcome!!!

Fine words by my compatriates,

How much management buy-in do you have?????

Al...