ISO Training

[Jeri Mackay]

Does anyone have any advice on creating an easy to understand "What ISO is" presentation? We are a small company going for ISO registration and my production and warehouse employees speak very little english and some do not have formal educations. I don't mind using a translator but I am stumped on how to get the ISO message across in a simple manner everyone can understand. Any suggestions would be welcome!

 

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Hi Jeri, and welcome to the Cove.

That rather depends on what message you want to convey.

Since you have decided to go for registration I would suggest that you first of all aim to explain why, and what's in it for them: Hopefully improved job security? As soon as they get that message they'll be interested. I would. Everyone wants a secure income.

I also suggest that you keep a low profile as far as ISO is concerned, and promote your quality system instead. By all means, tell them what ISO 9001 is, but your system is the important matter.

As for their limited knowledge of english... I can see your problem. It's very common here across the pond too. How do you get instructions across today? Since the company is up and running you obviously manage somehow. Can you use the same channel here?

/Claes

 

[Randy]

Go to the ISO home page...I think it's www.iso.ch
The ISO has a downloadable powerpoint presentation. many registrars and training providers have free general information presentations and material also. Go to the RAB site at www.rabnet.com . From the RAB site you can link to registrars and providers to see what they offer.

 

[Jeri Mackay]

Thanks for the input.

Most of the way information and training has been disseminated here in the past through tribal knowledge ("I don't need WI I have the build memorized")which is now getting us into trouble. During our pre-assessment the auditor noted none of the WI or QMS information was in any language other than english and stated we needed to get it translated. This will be a huge expense is there any way around this?

 

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Jeri Mackay said:

Thanks for the input.

Most of the way information and training has been disseminated here in the past through tribal knowledge ("I don't need WI I have the build memorized")which is now getting us into trouble. During our pre-assessment the auditor noted none of the WI or QMS information was in any language other than english and stated we needed to get it translated. This will be a huge expense is there any way around this?

Hi again Jeri,

That's more or less what I thought, but I had to ask...

I think Jim's suggestions are quite valid. Particularly the ones about graphics and english lessons.

Tribal knowledge? What a good way of describing a common problem. Very dangerous, that... Tribal knowledge will with absolute certanity be individually interpreted. However, it also holds a great potential: My immediate suggestion would be to pick their brains by letting them take part in making the procedures and process maps. (That's the way it should be done in any case). If you do that, I bet you'll find things out that you had no idea about.

/Claes