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GGogoleski | 22 June, 2007 11:30

Stuck on some quality or environmental issue and don't know what to do? Post it here and we'll ask our team of experts what they think is the answer. Questions can be on anything related to a quality or environmental system, standard, concept, program, etc. - you get the idea. What the heck - its free! Go on and ask. Consultants love to hear themselves talk - or in this case, see themselves write. We're even humble enough to admit you might have a better idea or solution than us! So go on and post it and lets see what happens.


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ISO 14001 - Brag about the positives!

GGogoleski | 22 June, 2007 10:31

Most companies that implement an environmental management system have programs in place to demonstrate how they attempt to minimize negative environmental impacts. What companies often forget is that environmental programs can demonstrate true positive impacts. These types of programs can demonstrate to the surrounding community that enhancing the environment is a company objective! We have seen companies develop adjacent properties into small gardens, forests and miniature "preserves". Not only can this be an environmental positive, but this can also create a positive company impression in the minds of employees who may use such areas to walk/exercise at lunchtime or just sit and enjoy during a break.

When environmental programs like this are initiated, the result can truly be a win/win for all. This is also the type of environmental program that the marketing and sales side of the company can truly get excited about and use to a positive advantage in company promotion.


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Implementation of ISO 9001 and other standards - planning is key!

GGogoleski | 20 June, 2007 12:17

As with any project, having a solid plan to follow will usually be an accurate indicator of whether the project will flounder or finish. Implementation of such standards as ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, AS9100, ISO 13485 and others are no exception.

For statrers, key questions must be asked:

  • Will the project involve one site or will it include multiple facilities?
  • What types of activities will be covered under the scope?
  • Do we need to make exclusions for such items as design, servicing and special process verification? Will exclusions be allowed depending on the standard?
  • Will the implementation team need formal training?
  • How well are key processes identified?
  • What company measurables are in place? Are they adequate? Can they be linked to continual improvement?
  • Do we need some outside expertise?

This is only the beginning. Once these questions are answered, projects and assignments can be distributed to the proper personnel. It is important that key project milestones and activities have realistic due dates and that those dates are monitored.

Most importantly, the involvement of as many employees as possible in the implementation/documentation phase is critical. Employees that are involved and are solicited for input during the project generally take more ownership of policies and procedures. This helps to create a "quality culture" throughout the organization.


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ISO 14001 implementation - worth the effort!

GGogoleski | 14 June, 2007 21:43

Many times we hear comments about all the commonalities between ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 and the expected ease of implementing an EMS because of these common threads. While it is true that such requirements as management review, corrective & preventive action, internal audits and a top level policy statement make the standards similar, it should not be assumed that implementing 14001 for a company that has a quality management system in place is a walk in the park. Just because a company may not have an inventory of hazardous waste, there are still countless ways that an organization can have an impact on its surrounding environment, even if the organization is a small office of nothing more than a few desks and computers.

Identifying all of the potential aspects and impacts of a company can be a very challenging task regardless of the product or service created. It is also the key to success in implementing an effective environmental management system.

Once these items are properly identified, a company can then go forward and implement programs that can be used to minimize any negative impacts on the environment. They may even find out that helping the environment can be a profitable venture! Reductions in waste can very often show up as cost savings in such areas as resources and utilities - and thats a bonus in any type of environment!


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Changes near for ISO 9001? Will your quality management system require revisions?

GGogoleski | 08 June, 2007 00:09

A top concern for many ISO 9001 registered companies is how any upcoming changes to the standard will affect their quality management system. The good news is that the proposed changes, which are probably a year or two away from happening, will only require very simple additions or revisions to your organizations quality management system.

A new version of ISO 9001 is currently in the working-draft stage, and is expected to be released in 2008/2009. No major changes are anticipated for this revision and are mostly thought as being simple ammendments and clarifications. These amendments will focus on changes that will increase the benefits of ISO 9001 implementation while involving only minor implementation changes. Any major changes will likely be saved for a more comprehensive revision of the standard which will not take place for at least a few years after 2009.

The proposed changes for 2008/2009 will focus on clarification of clauses that have caused confusion for some companies. At the present time, the main areas of clarification include clauses falling under the following ISO 9001 sections:

  • 4.1 General Requirements
  • 4.2 Documentation Requirements
  • 6.2 Human Resources
  • 7.3 Design and Development
  • 7.5 Production and Service Provision
  • 8.2 Measurement and Monitoring
  • 8.5 Improvement

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ISO/TS 16949 registration - is your company eligible?

GGogoleski | 05 June, 2007 22:46

Even well before the death of QS-9000 in December '06, many automotive OEMs and Tier 1's have been pushing their suppliers into ISO/TS 16949. All types of organizations down the automotive supply chain have been struck with this mandate usually through some type of generic supplier letter sent by their primary customer. The unfortunate thing about this type of general blanket communication is that it almost always includes recipients that are not eligible for ISO/TS 16949 registration.

The standard is very specific as to applicablilty (see ISO/TS 16949 section 1.1 - General) and excludes many suppliers that are key to manufacturing support. We have received many a panic-stricken phone call from numerous quality managers, plant supervisors and sales reps wondering how and why they have received such a letter. It does make you scratch your head when someone from a company that supplies shop cleaning equipment or warehouses after-market parts is asking how to apply SPC or gage R&R studies into their operations.

If this scenario sounds familiar, make sure that your primary customer contact is aware of just what your organization supplies. See if you can have them provide some documented statement that excludes your company from such an impossible task. Most reputable consultants will gladly provide input and be willing to talk to your customer to explain the situation. If needed, see if you can involve someone from the quality department to help examine the requirements and provide the ammo to prove that TS 16949 does not apply. Also, your ISO 9001 registrar may be a good authority that can put in writing your ineligibility for TS registration.


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