ISO 9001 Consulting
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is ISO 9001:2000 the right management system for my business?
A: The answer to this question may, in part, be found in the requirements of your customer(s), if such requirements have been established by contract or order. Depending on your industry, suppliers are often required to maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) compliant with ISO 9001:2000, aerospace suppliers to AS9100 rev. B, nuclear suppliers to 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, oil and gas to ISO/TS 29001:2004 (API Q1) and the list goes on and on from there...
Q: I've seen countless adds on the Internet for pre-written Quality Manuals and other program documentation. Is this a good approach?
A: For your system to be truly effective, it should reflect your business accurately. Instead of revising your existing processes to meet a program that you purchased on-line, our experience has shown us that it is always better to develop the required documentation to reflect what you're already doing. Some adjustments to existing processes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of the applicable standard, but this way, you won't need to "start-over". While the initial cost of this approach may be somewhat higher, you'll save over having a program that isn't used, that you aren't happy with, or that needs to be re-written in the near future.
Q: My company isn't very large; do we need to hire a full-time Quality Manager?
A: ISO 9001:2000 requires the appointment of a Management Representative by executive management; it doesn't mention anywhere the need for a full-time Quality Manager. There's no reason that the responsibilities for your program can't be delegated between functions within your organization.
Q: We're looking to get ISO 9001:2000 certified; how long will this take?
A: This is one question we're asked most frequently, and it will really depend on the level of commitment and involvement by the client, not to mention the size and complexity of their operations. As with any other major project, the client should establish a working group or team to lead this project, and to ensure that adequate planning and resources are dedicated to this effort.
Q: We're a small service organization looking to achieve ISO 9001 certification. Can you assist us?
A: Our experience covers a wide range of businesses activities, and we have assisted clients in both manufacturing and services successfully achieve ISO 9001 certification. In fact, some of our largest engagements have been service-based.
Q: We need consultant assistance, but we also need to control costs. Are there options available?
A: Yes. Our fees are based on our degree of involvement, and agreed-upon outcomes. Depending on the investment your organization is comfortable with, our assistance can range from general consulting advice and guidance to "hands-on" collaborative assistance. We will provide you with several options as part of our proposal process.
Q: We have a Quality Management System, but can't afford the cost of full-time staff to maintain it. Can you assist us?
A: We can assist you in staying compliant with all requirements. Based on your specific needs, we'll work with you to develop a maintenance program that minimizes the costs associated with maintaining your QMS and that will help you stay focused on your primary business activities.
Q: What is the fee for your services?
A: Each organization is unique, and correspondingly, each project will be different; we base our fees accordingly. Our proposal process begins with a discussion of your operations, your goals and objectives, as well as the degree of consultant assistance your require. Each proposal is then created with three or more service options, each with a fixed fee.
Q: What kind of guarantee do you provide?
A: We guarantee all of the work that we perform. Any advice, information, materials, etc. that we provide will be technically correct and meet the requirements of their intended use.
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