Randy,
Jennifer is right on track. Your level 1 and 2 documents will be the "mother ship" as it were with level 3 documents providing the specific work instructions that address the activities at that location. Level 4 documents, quality records (checksheets, control plans, etc.) can be managed by the "monther ship" and, once again, the format of these documents dictated by each site specific activities.
I am implementing a system much like you are with a "headquaters" in Michigan and 4 specific locations performing similar activities in three different states. Our level 1 Quality Manual addresses the requirements of the ISO 9001 international standard and references supporting level 2 Quality Procedures required by "headquarters". Specific instructions on how to comply with these Procedures are controlled by the Manufacturing Plants and are written to address those specific activities at each location.
"Headquarters" has sales, design, quality systems, purchasing, human resources, forecasting and information technology. Each location has engineering (manufacturing process), operations, quality control and general facilities support.
To further complicate our issue, "headquarters" reports to the "corporation". This results in layered audits: "corporate/headquarters", "headquarters/location" and "location/internal". If you are new to the Cove, you will find a number of Threads that discuss QMS and the various supporting activities. Go to the "Search" menu in the upper right hand tool bar and key in your question. You will be pleasantly surprised!
Let me know if I can be of further help,
Phil Huber
