ISO is a management system that is built on a firm foundation of state-of-the-art worldwide practices. Any organization in the world that meets ISO standards has documented processes and systems that are used consistently as rules or guidelines to ensure that materials, products, processes and services meet the stated quality standard.
ISO 9001:2000 is the worldwide standard for any organization, large or small, whatever its product/service and whether it is a business enterprise, a public administration, or a government department. It is divided into the following five sections:
Quality Management System: What the organization does to manage its processes, or activities in order that it’s products or services meet the objectives it has set itself.
Management Responsibility: Top management’s commitment to quality demonstrated by a quality policy, objectives, and customer requirements.
Resource Management: Requirements to identify and provide resources (equipment, facilities, etc), employee training, and to address customer satisfaction.
Product Realization: How products/services are designed, produced, tested, handled, shipped, etc. How the company understands, communicates and actually meets their customers` requirements.
Measurement, Analysis and Improvement: The implementation of systems that provide feedback on all key processes, so that the company can immediately identify when not on track and implement corrective action.
In small organizations, there is probably no "system", as such, just "our way of doing things", and "our way" is probably not written down, but all in the head of the manager or owner.
If you don’t want to be ISO registered, then use the model to ensure that the organization goes about its business in an orderly and structured way, so that time, money and resources are utilized efficiently.
“Very good information that can actually be used in situations – not just theory.” - Jerry Elliott,
Grady Memorial Hospital
"I was very pleased with the intensity of the level of participation by all. It appears we have made considerable progress in addressing some vital systems and procedures that will in fact result in significant payback. The improvements in throughput and reduced effort and paperwork will go a long way toward achieving one of my primary goals which is to get my management staff back to practicing the skills of managing our business and looking toward the future rather than managing crisis." - Jory Gromer, General Manager, Green Bay Packaging
"I have enjoyed this class. This class is interesting and informative. Giving us assignments to do makes us realize that changing our styles is an ongoing process. This class is a case of do as I do, not only as I say." - Annie Dutton,
Aearo Technologies
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"This program has been very helpful and very interesting. I especially liked the part on learning my thinking style compared to those of my co-workers’. I feel this has made me more of a complete group leader. I also believe that Mr. Pryor’s teaching methods are very interesting and very well thought out to keep us all involved in the activities he has planned for us." - Daniel Mabry,
Aearo Technologies
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Midwest Trophy Mfg.
