Identifying Processes thru Work Instructions

[old and gray]

Processes

I have read many, many theads on processes. My question before I do alot of unnecessary work is " our system was built on work instructions for the people performing their jobs." These work instructions describe what is being done by those people performing ther jobs. For example, our purchasing department orders material based on the product and availability of the product. Their work instructions say the must order from an approved supplier base, have the supplier appproved, and accept product bases on quality and delivery.

These work instructions are for all people who are involved in processing our products.

My question is, are these work instructions that we have for all people performing their jobs good enough to satisfy the ISO standard for identifying our processes?

 

[howste]

Re: Processes

Originally posted by old and gray
My question is, are these work instructions that we have for all people performing their jobs good enough to satisfy the ISO standard for identifying our processes?

I would definitely say no. From ISO 9001:2000 4.1:

The organization shall
a) identify the processes needed for the quality management system and their application throughout the organization (see 1.2),
b) determine the sequence and interaction of these processes,

From ISO 9001:2000 4.2.2:

The organization shall establish and maintain a quality manual that includes... a description of the interaction between the processes of the quality management system.

A list of work instructions would certainly not meet these requirements. The work instructions are methods of controlling the actual processes.

 

[noboxwine]

Welcome Aboard Old & Gray

I agree with howste. Sounds like you may have pieces of it, but needs some more work. Take a look at the myriad of models that are probably available in the Cove ( I am link and attachment challenged so you're on your own). I can send you one of my own on a PM if you'd like. Have a day

 

[Mike S.]

Sorry, old and gray, I gotta agree with the others. You could, if you wanted, show sequence, interaction, and measures via text, (most use flowchart-type charts for at least part of the job) but I don't think work instructions would do this adequately on their own. As nobox said, there are several different examples here on the Cove to give you ideas as we went thru this question in great detail not long ago. Depending on your registrar, this might not have to be too detailed and complex. Some elect to do great and very complex diagrams while others have gotten along with much simpler diagrams. Create something that meets YOUR needs first, then tweek if required to get the registrar's blessing. JMO.