Implementing a qms in a brownfield

[EducationChaser]

Hi! I accepted a new position as a quality manager for a brownfield organization.
I have implemented in a greenfield. Any tips, tricks, or advice for building a qms for a organization with no quality department.
In the interview I was told there is significant problems. Any advice for implementation in a brownfield?

 

[John C. Abnet]

Good day @EducationChaser ;
I have considerable experience in this area and recommend the following for your consideration...
1- Do not equate "quality department' (nor the need for same), with a QMS. (I wrote a paper on this, which is available via my LinkedIn account).
The term QMS is not to imply ownership be a 'department' or individual. A significant misnomer.
2- Do not 'pull the rug' out from what the organization already does, unless it clearly undermines. Listen and learn...and determine how the
EXISTING approaches can be reverse engineered into the requirements of relevant standard.
3- As per "2" above....do not view through the 'eyes' of the standard, but instead, view through the 'eyes' of the existing approaches and see
how/where they already address the requirements of the standard.

As you are likely aware (particularly if the QMS you are referring to is within the context of ISO 9001), the standard does not prescribe HOW an organization address the requirements. Use this to the organization's advantage to see how the existing protocols and approaches can be utilized.

Hope this helps.

Be well.

 

[Jen Kirley]

What kind of significant problems were you told about?

 

[EducationChaser]

No quality system at all.
No one has training.
Significant defects

 

[ChrisM]

"In the interview I was told there is significant problems."
Start by finding out what these are - are they quantifiable or just gut feelings by some of the management. Then do your own audits/assessments, looking for things that seem badly controlled. What are the "significant defects" and what makes them significant - cost to rectify, lost time, complaints etc (and how is this measured). How much training takes place, do people "know" what they should be doing etc