Gap Analysis

The most important part of the Quality Management System (QMS) implementation is the Gap Analysis. Proper diagnostic and planning are the part of sound foundations essential for the success of any project. The extent of need for internal and external efforts should be determined prior to work commencement. Every company, which conducts business, does have a Management System and a QMS to a certain degree. Requirements for the QMS are outlined in ISO standards. The implementation of these requirements is nothing but: "closing the gap" and upgrading the existing system to given specifications. However, it is extremely difficult when the present status of the System is unknown. That is why the implementation of QMS should always start with a "diagnostic snap shot" of the existing QMS (Gap Analysis).

Latest revision of ISO9000 was published in December of 2000. It requires organization to be customer-focused and specifies that customer satisfaction and continual improvement shall be achieved. This version is based on eight management principles and promotes the process approach, where efficiency, control and interaction of the processes are evaluated instead of bare satisfaction of the ISO 9001 elements requirements. Satisfying standard's requirements without achievement of the customer satisfaction is not an objective of the Quality Management System.

Training

It is a well-known fact that the amount of consulting work decreases in proportion with the amount of training provided to employees. Our philosophy is that each organization knows and understands their business better than anyone else. Well train employees will satisfy most of the needs and expertise. Consultants shall be used for guidance and advice, actual work shall be done within the organization itself. For more details on the training, please click on training.

Documentation

Upon completion of the Gap Analysis each company should determine the extent of their involvement and the amount of assistance needed. AQE Group, Ltd. would be glad to provide services ranging from general guidance and review of documents to assistance in preparation of a complete, detailed documentation system including quality policy statement, quality manual, standard operating procedure, work instructions, forms and other supporting documents. We strongly recommend that organization takes active participation in document preparation; their expertise and the ownership of the documents is of great importance.

Implementation

It has been often stated that ISO 9000 implementation is nothing but "say what you will do, and do what you said”. We tend to agree with this statement; with note that "what you say" shall comply with the standard.

The implementation phase is probably the most difficult one, as it requires a full cooperation of all company employees. The management needs to determine customers needs, to provide adequate resources to meet this needs and expectation, to appoint management representative, define quality policy, responsibilities, authorities and interrelation of all personnel. Management principles shall be applied and continues improvement shall be permanent goal. The employees need to be familiar with their own role in quality management system, as well as the role of employees and functions related to their work. The implementation process must insure that everyone understands customer’s needs and the need to comply with the documentation system. (Manual, procedures and work instructions). Pre-registration audits would greatly improve company's prospects to obtain certification with the first try.

The most frequently asked question by the client is: "How much will obtaining the registration cost?" The honest answer is: "There are too many factors affecting determination of the total certification cost: company size, complicity of operations, present status of QMS, amount of work and tasks client is willing to undertake, management commitment and dynamics of implementation/certification process. The most accurate price can be obtained by the competitive quote based on sound Gap Analysis"

Registration

Certification bodies (Registrars) conduct registration. They must avoid any conflict of interest, they must have a representative independent board and adequate resources. Registrars are certified for specific areas of expertise (SIC codes).

AQE. Group, Ltd can help you select a registrar who will be a closest match to your needs and requirements. As we have very good relation with many registrars we will encourage you to select the most suitable source for your certification. Our ultimate goal is to best protect our clients' interest and provide the most efficient and cost effective service.

For additional information, or clarification of any part of the above information, please call our National Headquarters at +1(773)685-0400