Just starting Quality and ISO 9000 - Not even a Quality Manual

[lqomega]

Hi all, well I just walked out of a meeting with the President of the company and he advised me I have been "promoted to Quality Manager", unfortunately I have limited experience. He wants to start implementation of ISO and we don't even have a quality manual yet!!!! Process procedures are still be developed, and manufacturing our product hasn't started. I am looking for any help, ie, software, templates, starting kits, miracle from GOD. Of course I need to spend almost zero $. Any help would be appreciated.

Larry

 

[SteelMaiden]

IMHO, I think it is easier to work with the conditions you have as far as nothing developed yet. That way, as you sit in on the planning of how production will proceed, you can start from the ground and work your way up. I think it is easier to put your quality manual together AFTER you have everything else documented.

Anyway, to answer your questions, you came to the right place to find information. I cannot even begin to answer your questions on where to find it all, but it is here. Start with the search function, or just go through the index to find threads on implementation, etc. We've covered software issues, procedures needed, how best to get the work instructions to folks (paper/intranet/shared files), and everything else (I think).

Oh, BTW, congratulations on your "promotion". no, really, I mean that. I make it through each day by reminding myself that I am a responsible person, my boss reminds me that everytime something goes wrong, I'm responsible! LOL

 

[IEGeek - 2006]

Welcome to the world of Quality. You know that is the department with limited resources and the largest expectations.

Congrats on your "promotion"

First thing to do, search this entire Forum. There are hundreds of great threads with valuable information, hundreds of documents that can be used for reference and tons of great minds (not mine, but most are great)

As for other help, go to training!!!!!! I can wholeheartedly recommend Randy and BSI and I am sure there are others out there who are just as good, but I know Randy's class first hand and it is top notch.

Other help, talk to or starting recruiting registrars. I can recommend several , but maybe you should look on your own. They can help you immensly. I am not sure about PA, but CA has the CMTC (California Manufacturing Technology Center ) a great resource for assistance.

I am not sure what your background so it is hard to say what else, if you are completely new to Quality, then READ, READ, READ, READ. If you are not new to Quality then what were you doing before that a "promotion" to Quality Manager was a surprise?

To be candid and blunt, I question the motives of a President that appoints someone to a position as important as QM with no background or experience in Quality. Does he (or she) want a paper tiger? or do they want a fully functional quality system. Too often I have seen Prezs. want a Quality System, becasue they think it brings more business when they have that pretty parchment on the lobby wall.

I wish you the best of luck and use the Cove, it is great.

 

[Wes Bucey]

Welcome to the Cove! In my opinion, you've come to the right place. Please invite the boss who promoted you to come and visit, too! We have lots of information that will help him help you do a better job for the organization.

I recognize that the whole Quality thing tied up with implementing an ISO Standard can seem pretty overwhelming.

Here's some questions I hope YOU or your boss can answer right away which will help us help you achieve your goals and the organization's goals with as little grief as possible:

1. Is the impetus to implement ISO driven by a customer requirement?
2. If yes, what industry?
   (do we need to help you with industry-specific stuff like medical, automotive, or aerospace?)
3. Do you have a timetable in mind?
4. How do you currently deal with quality of products or services in your organization?
5. How long has your organization been in existence?
   (If the organization is "hidebound" - you may have to "unlearn" some of the things you've been doing.)

Please don't hesitate to ask questions - most of us have been in shoes similar to yours at one point in our careers.

 

[Craig H.]

Larry:

It may seem overwhelming right now, but let me echo what Steel has said about new systems. I have often said that I would like to put together a new QA system ground-up one day for a new concern. It has something to do with learning from mistakes and now knowing what NOT to do.

By the way, WELCOME to the Cove!!!!

 

[Don Palmer]

Larry, Welcome to the Cove

Congratulations on your promotion! "Fresh meat for the lions"... :thedeal: Just kidding...

Dear Quality Colleague,

You have found the right place to be. There are many great quality professionals and practitioners here that desire to help others.

Best wishes!

 

[al40]

Larry,
I'm in the same boat but, I've had about a year on you I went from a new QE to a QM in under a year. The cove is a gold mine ,you have the best quality minds in the business and IMOO they have been a godsend in helping me establish our QMS and starting the ISO certificaiton process, I think Wes, Steelmaiden, Craig, and others too numerous too mention are very helpful in teaching us "quality newbies" the ropes.

So anyway this gives me a moment to say thanks to the cove for their continued help.

Also I would urge everyone to support the cove, I'm sending my donation.

Godbless.
Al

 

[Bobh@pte]

Larry,
I started 5 years ago with my current company that had no real quality system. We have since that time certified to ISO 9001 4 of our 10 divisions across the USA. In addition we have been certified ti NADCAP for one of our Mfg. Divisions. When I started this endeavor I found the Cove (serendipity) one day and as one of our colleagues previously mentioned, this forum is a gold mine of information. I personnally purchased one of the programs that Marc offers, flow chart samples and so forth and simply took it from there. You will of course have to spend some money, the ISO set of standards you will need cost money, we cannot give them to you, (copyright)...

You mentioned manufacturing, is there a quality department with a quality system in place? If no, there will be some additional standards you may want to purchase, i.e.
10012-1, 10012-2 and possibly 17025, depending on your requirements.

The Maiden is correct, write your manual after you have mapped your processes and know what your procedures will be, way way easier.

Wes mentioned a timetable, right on the money, plan what you need to do and all you can do is take it one day at a time, accomplish something everyday. 12 to 15 hour days were not uncommon at some points in our development. Like IEGEEK said above, you have a lot of reading to do, which will generate more questions, which these good people will help you with. Good Luck!

 

[Steve S - 2009]

New QA pigeon also

I was very glad to read your entry as a "newbee" because I also took the bait to become the QA manager, from an electronic technician position. My company is now growing extremely fast. As a result infrastructure is lagging far behind. Some expensive equipment failures convinced the CEO that it was time for QA to become its own entity.

We are comming up fast, as there are many needy QA issues. The good news is that nearly everybody here agrees with the need for more QA.

So we can view this as an overwhelming, impossible task, or as an opportunity to do some good. I was very glad to stumble across this forum and have a lot of reading to do also.

The best things I have read for general considerations and goals is free on the JNF Specialties website (broken link removed).

Right now I am trying to set up an incomming component inspection sampling plan. Do not have ANSI Z1.4, but do have a copy of the old MIL-STD 105D. Am having some difficulty deciding how far to go in this.....A world of its own!

 

[Don Palmer]

"Newbee", we've all been there...

Steve S,

Welcome to 'The Cove', and congratulations on becoming QA Manager for your company. In a way, I'm still a 'newbee' too. I've been a quality geek my entire career in aviation maintenance (e.g. inspector, chief inspector, quality assurance auditor, etc.). Nearly 2 and a half years ago I started my 24/7 endeavor towards becoming a true quality practitioner, when my CEO decided to go ISO 9001:2000. I was appointed 'point man' for development and implementation phases. Our QMS received certification from our ISO registrar just 14 months ago. We already held (for many years) certifications with the Federal Aviation Administration and (recently renamed) European Aviation Safety Agency.

During the last 2 1/2 years much has been accomplished and yet much more remains to be done. It's a grand challenge, and now at times it's even a bit fun. I'll admit to having done quite a bit of personal and , but when a QA manager gets on the RIGHT TRACK and remains persistent, good things begin to happen.

There are numerous quality professionals here at 'The Cove' who are eager to help. They continue to amaze me because of their knowledge and willingness to share what they know with us 'newbee's. It shouldn't take you long to figure out who these gifted people are. Again, welcome to 'The Cove' and best wishes to you as you embark on your new adventure.