Business

A Comprehensive Guide to Developing a Quality Management System

planning a quality management system

People pay for and expect a quality product. Consumer preferences have changed dramatically over the past decade. Customers are now driving brand loyalty and sticking with a specific business if it has proven it produces quality products consistently. For any business to succeed, they need a strong customer base and loyal consumers happy with the products.

This is where a quality management system comes into the picture, as it helps a company implement robust standards within its organization to deliver high-quality products and services to customers. Most organizations hire the services of an ISO consultants to help them achieve ISO 9001, the gold standard for quality management.

That said, you do need to build and implement a system yourself. Here’s a comprehensive guide to developing a quality management system that aligns with the ISO 9001 standard.

Create Relevant Process Maps

The first step in creating a quality management system is to identify all your core processes, where they stand, and how they flow within your business. This is crucial because it helps create accurate process maps vital for the QMS structure. The process mapping exercise aims to determine who is accountable for what process, how, and when.

It also makes it easier to comprehend how different processes interact. Furthermore, accurate process mapping helps key stakeholders understand the role of support processes such as accounting and HR and how they can affect the quality management process.

an illustration of a person holding a magnifying glass over paperwork.

Define Quality Policy and Objectives

The quality policy is a crucial business document that states the customer expectations of your product and services and the roadmap to achieve those expectations. The policy is the bedrock of your QMS, and it is important to get the help of an ISO certification consultancy to help you define objectives that ensure you receive your QMS ISO 9001 certification. The policy should be robust and well-constructed and will also include the goals of your QMS.

Appropriate Documentation

A quality management system requires businesses to maintain adequate documentation of their processes, quality policy, procedures, objectives, and roles of the functions and employees. First, create a document of business models, policies, and procedures. Once drafted, work with different functions to write your business’s procedures, objectives, and other important aspects.

QMS Processes

The next step is to define the main functions the quality management system will aim to reinforce within your organization that helps you deliver quality products and services. The list of QMS processes will generally include the following:

  • Risk assessment and management
  • Internal audit procedures
  • Management reviews
  • Internal communication and reporting
  • Corrective and preventive actions
  • Follow-ups

a quality management system checklist.

Employee Training

Employees are integral to successfully creating and implementing a robust quality management system. Senior management and those in charge of the QMS development must take employees on board with the new system. In addition, every employee should be aware of their responsibilities and participate in the QMS process.

Training is fundamental to achieving the objectives of the QMS, as it is highly likely additional training will be required to ensure employees are aware of the QMS processes. Holding regular training sessions or on-the-job education can help implement the QMS successfully.

Run and Operate the QMS

When the QMS is developed, documentation is done, and necessary training has been provided, it is time to run and operate the quality management system diligently and efficiently. Operating the QMS entails finding defects, risks, and non-conformances to the policies created by the management.

a stack of files.

It also includes documenting the non-conformances, reviewing them extensively, and creating corrective and preventive actions to ensure such instances are not repeated. In addition, operating the QMS also includes conducting necessary internal audits at regular intervals and frequent management reviews to ensure the QMS is operating as expected.

Takeaways

To make the QMS effective and easy to operate, you should have the right approach to developing it. Planning and good governance are also essential when it comes to QMS. From determining your critical processes, identifying issues, and creating documents, every aspect needs to be streamlined and accurate to create a QMS that yields positive results.

Get ISO 9001 Certification from Reputable ISO Consultants

ISO 9001 certification is an international quality standard for quality management that shows a business is serious about its standards. In addition, achieving an ISO 9001 certification can be a fantastic marketing tool for your business as it will help you attract more customers.

However, you’d undoubtedly need help creating a quality management system that complies with the ISO 9001 standards, and getting the certification is no easy task. If you’re looking for experienced consultants, you’ve come to the right place.

AtBCS,they have a team of experienced consultants who can guide you every step of the way. They’re known for providing top-class ISO certification services for businesses in the US. They have extensive expertise in serving clients in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and more. They can currently assist with the following:

Reach out to their team for more details about their ISO certification services.