ISO software: Valuable during ISO 9001 implementation?

[JaneB]

You can ask any consultant how common it is for a company to hire someone to simply manage document control.

Ask this one. It isn't "common" in my experience.

I do know of some companies who use someone to manage document control, but I also know many, many others who don't. It will (as always) depend on the size and type of organisation, and their existing system. There are several ways of using existing IT applications to do it quite easily, with no extra $$ spend.

Yes, of course there are better ways of managing document control than doing it manually. But no, one does not have to buy specialised 'ISO software' to do it!

It does exist. I built it. The only thing it doesn't do is write your procedures for you.

The place where it begins - the real heart of any sound QMS - is with the aims and the processes of the organisation.

And I agree with Marc, that while some software can assist with some aspects of a QMS, no software program is any substitute for understanding the requirements.

I do not believe that ANY software program is capable of doing everything except "write your procedures for you....".

Every implementation is different and every organisation has unique needs. To claim that a software package fits all needs, as well as all company sizes and complexity is a claim I just do not believe. And - with all due respect - I am unlikely to change my mind based on this sales letter by the person who created and sells the product.

 

[Craig H.]

Ask this one. It isn't "common" in my experience.

I do know of some companies who use someone to manage document control, but I also know many, many others who don't. It will (as always) depend on the size and type of organisation, and their existing system. There are several ways of using existing IT applications to do it quite easily, with no extra $$ spend.

Yes, of course there are better ways of managing document control than doing it manually. But no, one does not have to buy specialised 'ISO software' to do it!

YES!! Very often the people who work within a system end up knowing that system a LOT better than those who designed the said system. Why trust something that is so important, and can be so powerful, to outsiders?

We have gone from a paper based system to a full-blown electronic ISO 9001 management system (IBS QSI). It is so much easier to use, but the setup and education of both the users and (especially) I was a bit of a chore.

 

[xavierFR]

Sorry pb to quote

 

[xavierFR]

from Craig H.

...
We have gone from a paper based system to a full-blown electronic ISO 9001 management system (IBS QSI). It is so much easier to use, but the setup and education of both the users and (especially) I was a bit of a chore.

Hello Craig H.,

Because your QMS was already set up (paper based system), it made easier, even no completely, the transition to an electronic version. It's very interesting. Do you think this could be done at the same time?

regards Xav

 

[Raffy]

Basically, in our end, we started our QMS as a Paper-Based System. Now, slowly, the management pursue the idea of going to an electronic based system, one typical example we have is our documents, though we are still using a hard copy but me make a point that in this transition period, we are uploading the documents in our webpage. Transitioning to electronic version does not happen overnight, for us, it took about 8 years to make things happen.
Raffy

 

[xavierFR]

Hello Raffy,

Do you use a particular kind of software for this or the electronic migration is almost a new organization on a ''intranet'' of documents using main common softwares as pdf, word, access?

 

[Craig H.]

Hello Craig H.,

Because your QMS was already set up (paper based system), it made easier, even no completely, the transition to an electronic version. It's very interesting. Do you think this could be done at the same time?

regards Xav

Could it be? Well, I guess so, but you are right that it was easier with an existing system.

But, surely there are some kind of procedures/training in place if we are talking about an existing enterprise? Even if they are informal, such procedures would provide a starting place.

 

[James2170]

I can recommend a software package to manage documents pertaining to ISO requirements. It has 26 integrated modules and you can use only the modules your company requires or all of them. Manages and controls documents, quality audits, training, tool calibration, incoming/receiving, workorders, design control, etc. We have gone thru several software packages and all were very difficult to implement. One of the best solutions we have used to implement a paperless system. Software is user friendly and the Tech Support is excellent as well.

Software is The Lean Machine

Disclaimer: Our company has been using this software for over a year now.

 

[IsoClaire]

Dear Covers,

First, I wish you ALL THE BEST FOR 2009!
I also apologize for not getting back to you sooner, I was abroad for the Holidays.

Anyway, let me answer your comments:

But at the beginning, you will have lots of other issues to solve and deadlines will push you to find it in a desk corner than spend couple of hours trying to find out a solution into it.

Now, I allow me to think that you share our point of view about softwares but you don't know correctly how argue to your supervisor about it?

If it's right, this is what would be my explaination. A software is a great tool but does nothing or usually does wrong if we don't know how manage by ourselves first. a bad drafter using the best drafting softwares will stay bad, worse even. The database generated has to be measurated first. You will need to understand and master it well before to integrate into a software.

You're right and this is a good argument to use. Merci!

I think that's a good course. As you go along you can determine what software, if any, is appropriate for your scenario. Many companies, large and small, use 'home grown' things like Access databases for tracking and control of things. Some use very sophisticated, and often very expensive, software (and many times the software is much more than they need, or only part of what the company needs, etc.).

Thank you Marc for your input and your support.

I'm meeting with my management this week to decide on our final "gameplan" to implement ISO 9001.
Of course, I will keep you posted.


Claire

 

[xavierFR]

Can't wait Claire! let us know...

Pretty interesting to know their decision, but could I allow me? Can I ask you what did you do about it? did you present them something? had you some meeting to argue about this one or this one?

Have a good week end and as you said, meilleurs voeux pour l'annee 2009!

a bientot