A
Originally posted by WALLACE:
Al, ......To further comment regarding the lack of internal QMS knowledge and fighting for organizational interpretation of a quality standard when being assessed by a registrar, I have actually found that when the quality manager is absent from any part of an assessment, the ability of executive management steping in and attempting to sve face regarding even understanding the QMS standard of compliance and internal intent is in many cases embarassing to witness.
Wallace.
Al, ......To further comment regarding the lack of internal QMS knowledge and fighting for organizational interpretation of a quality standard when being assessed by a registrar, I have actually found that when the quality manager is absent from any part of an assessment, the ability of executive management steping in and attempting to sve face regarding even understanding the QMS standard of compliance and internal intent is in many cases embarassing to witness.
Wallace.
It has been my experience that there should be a Management Representative position in a company that answers to upper management and does not work for any of the other "Managers" in the organization.
It is their job to work with registrars and auditors to answer the minute detail questions and direct them to the proper functions that perform the actual duties.
I have witnessed quality managers that could not recite their own name let alone know how the entire structure fits in to the boundries of an ISO/QS/TS system. (yes, that is after training)
Upper management should know the policies and business plans.
Department managers should know the procedures and related instructions to carry out their function.
The management representative should know the document structure and the relationship between differing functions in the organization so they can direct internal and external auditors/assessors/customers to a place where their questions can be answered.
By the way, the last persons I would lead the auditor to would be upper management. (i.e. Owner/President/V.P. etc...)
They think they know the system but tend to ramble on and on and on and on and eventually put their feet in their mouths and open new doors for the auditor.
Word quota used up!
ASD...
[This message has been edited by Al Dyer (edited 07 April 2001).]