Either Way
Elsewhere in the Cove I have posted a 40 page reguritation of the TS2 standard with our scope, quality policy, and reference to the Quality Assurance Procedures. The regurigitation serves as the "description of the interaction between the processes of the quality management system".
Also, a 13 page manual that starts with scope, QP and a list of QAPs, plus an 11"x17" flow chart that looks like the Process Approach in section 0.2 of 9k2k. The flow chart is supposed to be the interaction of the QAPs.
Here's my take: The regurgitation is simple to do, it's only 20 sheets, double-sided, and it's bullet-proof against whatever thing drags itself through your door and calls itself an auditor. It makes their job easier.
I really like the concept of the single-digit-pages manual and it should be able to pass a registration audit. However, not all auditors are as reasonable and logical as Randy, so you must be prepared to thoroughly explain your manual, the interactions AND defend your position against the other kind. I kind of like the challenge presented; your management may want to avoid unnecessary complications.
You seem to have found an auditor who uses his grey matter. Besides, he should be glad that you're considering the use and usefulness of the thing instead of just going through the motions.
