In your facility, is ISO 9001 a tool or a weapon (by majority)?

[Alienyst]

Observing over the last few years the changes that have taken place in the company I work for, the new version of ISO and its changes, I have noticed that there seems to be two distinct sides:

1. Tool - the one who sees the quality system as a means and really wants to do a good job. The procedures, systems, processes, all documented, give them the tools for seeking ways of improvement on their own. (I have a lot of these and am always getting requests for review of changes and document revisions).

2. Weapon - the one who sees ISO as the enemy since it is ISO that is making them do all this work (which, by the way, they are getting paid to do and should be doing anyway as a matter of good business practice. I think it is just the fact that there is a 'procedure' now that they perceive 'tells' them what to do they resist - I have too many of these unfortunately). These are the ones who use ISO as a weapon. For example: 'Show me where ISO says I have to do that!' Usually it is not ISO, in fact it should never be ISO. It should be the Quality System - internally created. (I perceive this attitude as a direct show of disrespect, but that may just be me).

Of course there are many other categories and sub-categories. But these two types seem to stand out.

 

[WALLACE]

Alienyst,
The poll is IMO, is too black and white. May I suggest you add the definition of Both?
Wallace.

 

[Alienyst]

Well, I did, but it is in the post. I chalk it up to 'learning curve' and apologize. Being the first poll I created the process was new to me. Although well documented, my training was obviously inadequate and I should take this up with someone. I am just not sure who. But improvement is forthcoming.

NOTE: I saw no way to edit the poll. I missed something? But based on experience (taking polls before I posted one) you can read the post before voting.

 

[WALLACE]

No need to appologise.
Your thread starter is a great post, I'm sure it shall generate many hits.
Alienyst, welcome to the cove.
Peace out.
Wallace.

 

[Marc]

Let me know if someone of the first 4 votes wants to change to 'Both'.

 

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Over here the we lean more and more towards the tool side. These days I really feel that the system is alive and well. That was not the case when I first came here. We are still learning.

/Claes

 

[Vincnet]

Voting for both, I think I need to explain.
It's seems to be a Tool for production and marketing as they are really with their hands in the engine to make it work, and they can see the improvement for them.
And it is seen as a Weapon by a part of managment.

 

[sal881vw]

We consider it as a tool......ISO9001:2000 has helped us to get our house, so to say, in order and improved our ratings with our customers. It has increased our employability, therefore jobs are more secure.

 

[Puzzle]

Tool.

And it helps us to reduce our paper purchasing quantities.

 

[Alienyst]

Who added 'both' to the poll? Kind of defeats my question - by majority! Is this a regular occurrence here?