Packaged ISO Systems - Are canned policies and procedures worth it?

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sunshinepa

#1
Hi everyone, I am new to this site but have found some very helpful info. I have been given the task to start our plant on the road to ISO. We are a small company with around 75 employees and currently have no quality system.

My question is has anyone used a purchased set of ISO 9000 Management System that has the Quality Manual, Procedures and Forms? I am wondering if it would be worth the cost or should I continue to adapt from examples that I find here and other places? They say it is a complete package that is easily adapted to your operation, but I have my doubts.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be great.
 
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sunshinepa

#3
Re: Packaged ISO Systems

Okay, what do you think is the best way to get started on designing forms to track corrective action, preventive action, quality checks etc. Can you tell I am very new to this:biglaugh:?
 
T

Ted Schmitt

#4
Re: Packaged ISO Systems

Okay, what do you think is the best way to get started on designing forms to track corrective action, preventive action, quality checks etc. Can you tell I am very new to this:biglaugh:?
I agree with Stijloor... stay away from packaged systems.

Where to start ?
Does your management support you 100% on the implementation of ISO 9001 ?
Do you have a copy of ISO 9001:2008 ?
Have you done an interpretation and a internal auditor course?
Before you work on forms and documentation, you should define your core processes, map them out, define indicators for each process which will tell you if your process is doing what it´s supposed to. Doing a search here at the COVE you´ll find plenty of threads that discuss this topic and also examples of Process Mapping .

That you get you started...

Samples of forms can be found here at the COVE... check the green box at the top left of the screen POST ATTACHMENTS LIST and you´ll find plenty of examples.
 
S

somerqc

#6
Re: Packaged ISO Systems

I agree - don't buy it.

On how to get the knowledge, use the Cove (wealth of knowledge and different ideas) - do you have anyone there that has some level of knowledge to get you started?

Are they willing to send you to an Intro type course?

Do you have other locations in your company that you can visit that may be registered already? Does your company have good relations with a customer or vendor that is registered that you may be able to visit (this was very helpful for me back in the day)?

Any government agency calling you in your 1st 2 weeks to do an audit based on the ISO standard? (oops, that's my experience - sorry still have the burns from that trial by fire!)?

Just some ideas that helped me when I got started.
 

Le Chiffre

Quite Involved in Discussions
#7
Re: Packaged ISO Systems

Another way to proceed is to start by formalizing what's already going on. You'll likely find there's a lot of sensible and practical "processes" that your people are using that will fit the standard. In most cases they just need documenting, perhaps harmonizing across the different groups and extending slightly to cover the standard.

Be careful of prescribing a new system "because ISO says so", this will alienate the QMS and it will fail through lack of support & adoption.

Good luck!
 

Coury Ferguson

Moderator here to help
Staff member
Super Moderator
#8
Re: Packaged ISO Systems

Everyone that has responded is correct...DON'T purchase canned policy, procedures and forms. They will be no help in your task.

Remember one thing, if anything, develop the system to the way your organizations works, not some canned system that is a total waste of money. Have the management spend the money on sending you to some training. That will provide a Return on Investment (ROI).
 
Last edited:

GStough

Staff member
Super Moderator
#9
Re: Packaged ISO Systems-Canned policies and procedures, is it worth it?

Excellent advice so far! :applause::applause:

Here's another thing to keep in mind: if you are a member of ASQ, your local section will be a good resource. There may be members locally who can and will help or talk with you to help you develop a plan of action. They can be a good sounding board for you, as well, because they have most likely already been through what you're going through and who knows? One of them may even be willing to share their "secret to success". ;)

I hope this helps and good luck to you! You've come to the right place for advice, guidance, etc. :agree1:
 

Wes Bucey

Quite Involved in Discussions
#10
Re: Packaged ISO Systems-Canned policies and procedures, is it worth it?

I sympathize with the anxiety. Many quality professionals were initiated by being thrown into the deep end of the pool with zero training or experience. It can be tough to make a rational decision when you are fighting for every breath just to stay alive [employed.]

May I suggest you first research the concept of "gap analysis" - comparing your present system with the "ideal model." Depending on your budget and what your firm does, you might be able to find some relatively inexpensive help through your local ASQ Section to hold your hand while you perform a gap analysis. The key is to LEARN how and what a gap analysis entails so you can continue on your own as you review your system with internal audits (which lead to management review) on a regular basis.

My personal experience with small and medium sized firms is the most frequent gap is the lack of a WRITTEN plan for quality system, followed closely by the lack of internal audit plan to determine if the organization's plan for a quality system is being followed and suggestions for

  1. leaving things as they are because things are going to plan
  2. making corrections because the action has deviated from the plan
  3. following up on suggestions to improve the plan
Reading through various posts and threads here in the Cove, you will learn of the purpose and benefit of having a written plan as a baseline from which to judge your organization and thereby have a marketing edge in convincing prospects and customers your quality system will produce quality goods on a consistent basis.

Another aspect is getting your top managers to ALSO believe in the value of a good quality system, as opposed to feeling blackmailed by customers into having a quality system. This is probably either the easiest or the hardest part of the entire process. Easiest if their motive is a good, efficient operation; toughest if they resent being "forced" into it.

Good luck on your journey and be sure to let us know from time to time how it's working out! Welcome to the Cove!:bigwave:
 
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