Why does ISO 9001:2000 require 6 Documented Procedures?

[Rob Nix]

Not to strain the gnat too much, but the standard does not require six procedures. It simply states that there are 6 subjects that require procedures. Many combine two or more of those subjects into one procedure. Going to the extreme - and still meeting the standard - you could conceivably have one procedure entitled, "The internal audit, corrective & preventive actions, non-conforming material, and document & records control" procedure.

As to why those six, the world may never know. Possibly it's like Claes says, they apply anywhere. Or as Howard says, they are the ones QA people typically manage (and they are capable of reading and writing). My personal thoughts on it are somewhat like what Tommy Lee Jones said to Harrison Ford in The Fugitive when he said he didn't kill his wife: "I don't care!".

 

[AndyN]

Hey Rob.......

we like the same movies!

Andy

 

[Antonio Vieira]

In my opinion these six areas of necessary procedures were chosen because they used a different kind of coin from the one I would flip...
All these six subjects are much more easily treated inside the Quality Manual, than for example Training (ISO/TS 16949:2002 requires a document procedures - 6.2.2.2 Training) or for example the Control of monitoring and measuring devices.
It was just a question of flipping different kind of coins...

AV

 

[AndyN]

So, here's my thoughts..........

for what they're worth!

Firstly, none of these subject procedures are 'institutional' to businesses. That is to say, we don't (in general terms) do a good job of them, like maybe, purchasing etc.

Secondly, they are requirements which go across the business and everyone (more or less) can get involved in doing them (in one way or another).

So, my take on it is that they have to be proceduralized because we don't do a 'good job' (in many ways) and many folks have to do them - therefore we should write it down, so there's consistency of implementation, instead of a 'free for all'.

Anyone got any comments? Just interested in some of your thoughts

Andy

 

[db]

I've always wondered how those 6 got picked. I have never liked the language for PA, and have always thought that 7.2 was critical and should have a required documented procedure. My guess is that TC176 fought this out and those 6 are what they consensed at.

 

[MikeL]

Six definites?

I think they chose those six because they are the only specific ones that should apply in that (pre-determined by the standard) way for any organisation.

(The old 1987 series only required a few "documented" procedures.)

The standard can't say you need, for example, a training procedure because you might be a sole trader medical specialist. The concepts in the standard still apply such as having a license, a Doctorate, being a member of the association and so on but having to have a written procedure?

The control of records would be a universal requirement that would have to be addressed virtually the same way for all.

Sound reasonable?

 

[Randy]

White collar folks might get the krap scared out of them if they actually see what happens on the production floor.

Additionally they may think that the fumes of the workforce may cause them to tarnish.

 

[Howard Atkins]

White collar folks might get the krap scared out of them if they actually see what happens on the production floor.

Additionally they may think that the fumes of the workforce may cause them to tarnish.

I am sorry you have totally lost me

 

[Claes Gefvenberg]

I am sorry you have totally lost me

Wrong thread, maybe? Randy?

/Claes

 

[Al Rosen]

White collar folks might get the krap scared out of them if they actually see what happens on the production floor.

Additionally they may think that the fumes of the workforce may cause them to tarnish.

Randy, have you forgotten to take your meds today?:mg: