Need to Start an R&D Laboratory, what to do?

[Hartlus]

I get a fresh start with our R&D department which has never fully adopted any particular processes. What can I put in place that will get us from marketing to development, design, manufacturing, upkeep, etc.?

Something that many people could learn easily enough would be good. Something that fits in with ISO 9001.
Documents? Where does one find all the kinds of documents that one needs to run an engineering lab with?
Is there a must have text?

Thanks!

 

[Ronen E]

What sort of objects do you develop, design, manufacture, upkeep?

This may be a good starting point, or an overkill: ISO/IEC 17025:2005 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

 

[Hartlus]

Air handling units. Thanks for the link!

But, I think I need more product development stuff.

 

[Ronen E]

Perhaps have a look at this, for ideas and directions. Obviously you’re up for some legwork, I don’t think you’ll find “everything you need” on one platter. I’ve never used a textbook for this kind of goal so I can’t recommend one.

Mind you, if you’re joining an up-and-running R&D operation, which, as you’ve said, “has never adopted any particular processes”, your new colleagues may already have some preconceptions and work habits that they might not be willing to give up so easily. The human side of change is typically much more challenging than the change mechanics, and if not handled properly will bring down the best of intentions.

 

[JeantheBigone]

If you're looking at Product Development, I'd use section III of the Body of Knowledge for the ASQ CQE as a starting point.

http://asq.org/cert/resource/pdf/certification/CQE-BOK-2015.pdf

If the operation is more "R" than "D" I would be hesitant to impose documents and processes on it.

 

[howste]

I get a fresh start with our R&D department which has never fully adopted any particular processes. What can I put in place that will get us from marketing to development, design, manufacturing, upkeep, etc.?

Something that many people could learn easily enough would be good. Something that fits in with ISO 9001.
Documents? Where does one find all the kinds of documents that one needs to run an engineering lab with?
Is there a must have text?

Thanks!

The IAQG Supply Chain Management Handbook is a free resource that would be good to look over. Go to section 7.2.3 for a complete guidance reference (APQP/PPAP manual). 7.2.4 through 7.2.8 are checklists for the phases. This is most likely an overkill for your company, but you can tailor the information to ensure that all of the elements you need are included. Reviewing the checklists might be the place to start.

 

[howste]

The IAQG Supply Chain Management Handbook is a free resource that would be good to look over. Go to section 7.2.3 for a complete guidance reference (APQP/PPAP manual). 7.2.4 through 7.2.8 are checklists for the phases. This is most likely an overkill for your company, but you can tailor the information to ensure that all of the elements you need are included. Reviewing the checklists might be the place to start.

Coincidentally, a few minutes ago I just received an email from the IAQG saying that they are hosting a webinar on this same material on 11/28/2017.

Join us for a free one hour webinar to find out more about the materials published in the IAQG Supply Chain Management Handbook (SCMH). This webinar will focus on the newly revised Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) guidance found in section 7.2 of the SCMH.

Register Now!

Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1312916226010108163
Webinar ID: 855-268-091
Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST (-5 GMT)