Sustaining a TS16949 QMS (Quality Management System)

[AndyN]

I agree with Tom, hence my question about audits etc.

Not suggesting this is your case, but as an example, I met a guy who was overwhelmed by calibration. He was waaaay behind on a whole bunch of tools. Turns out that he had no history of any previous calibrations and he'd chosen a frequency for all items which was very aggressive. So, he dug himself a hole.

I believe Tom has the best advice - to look for processes which have those no value things going on, first...

 

[Waterjet27]

I'm working on a list of 'estimates' right now. I think he has good intentions on trying to gather this information, but trying to put boundaries on these items is quite difficult - if not impossible. Again, thanks!

 

[AndyN]

I'm working on a list of 'estimates' right now. I think he has good intentions on trying to gather this information, but trying to put boundaries on these items is quite difficult - if not impossible. Again, thanks!

Why don't you invest in getting some outside help for a day or two to look at your processes for opportunities? Sometimes, when you're in the forest, you can't see the wood, for the trees!

 

[Waterjet27]

We actually have a consultant we use for some audits and general help (but it's not cheap). She helped us design a lot of our processes actually. Good idea though!

 

[ralphsulser]

We actually have a consultant we use for some audits and general help (but it's not cheap). She helped us design a lot of our processes actually. Good idea though!

How many others in you company are trained auditors that be be assigned to audit on an as needed basis? Closing CAs can be time consuming, but the process owners have a responsibility to respond to their issues.

 

[AndyN]

How many others in you company are trained auditors that be be assigned to audit on an as needed basis? Closing CAs can be time consuming, but the process owners have a responsibility to respond to their issues.

Especially if they are relatively 'trivial'...