What is ISO? — Quality Management System

Understand the the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines is where the TQM process can become a bit overwhelming. These standards are guidelines on how to document the processes in specific industries. The goal is consistency and a set of complete, easy to follow instructions. While TQM is focused on employee involvement and product improvement, achieving a particular ISO certification shows that an oganizaiton is following well-established industry standards.

A Simple Guide to Understanding ISO Standards

ISO standards are just a Quality Management System (QMS) with specific guidelines on how to document the processes. ISO is not, however, a way to get around Total Quality Management.  Since ISO is focused on consistency and record-keeping, while TQM is focused on employee involvement and product improvement, they go hand in hand. Both are customer requirements focused, but Total Quality Management is really the driving factor. 

CAPA Quality System – More than Just Corrective Action

A CAPA Quality System is absolutely essential in some format for a complete quality management program.  What it is called is not as important as the fact that it absolutely must exist within the quality program.  A CAPA quality system is a required part of ISO compliance, and is a vital part of TQM practices. The corrective action, preventive action program is the means by which unforeseen issues are addressed, remedied, and eliminated.  

ISO 9001 A Beginner’s Guide

ISO 9000 clarifies and standardizes business processes, exposes variation and non-conformance, and eliminates the need for constant inspection. This is a simple, easy to understand guide about ISO 9000 for students and new quality management professionals.

ISO 14001 Explained

ISO 14001 is the most well-known standard in the ISO 1400 family. Unlike many other quality control standards, the ISO 14001 standard does not have any exact measures. Achieving certification is based upon meeting all three of the components of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standards; minimizing how business operations negatively impact the environment, complying with the regulations and laws outlined in the EMS and continual improvement.

ISO 27001 and Information Security

Information security is part of the world of information technology and that is where ISO 27001 comes in. ISO 27001 plays an integral part in the information security management process. An information security management process is a set of policies that focuses on the need for information security within the information technology area.

ISO 9001 Certification – What Does It Mean?

Once your organization achieves ISO 9001 Certification, you can communicate to your customers, prospects, and to the world that you have a quality management system that meets the requirements of the ISO 9001:2008 QMS Standard.

AS 9000 – the Aerospace Quality Management System

AS9100, the Aerospace Quality Management System standard provides guidance for suppliers, designers, and manufacturers alike, and is now a several-part-series of standards that cover inspection, maintenance, and the requirements for aerospace suppliers and distributors.

ISO 17025 Testing and Calibration

ISO 17025 provides a roadmap of the general requirements needed by testing and calibration laboratories to prove competency.  ISO17025 is not the only method of accreditation, but it does provide a level of visibility that few other programs offer because it is an internationally-recognized standard.  Companies who are looking to contract out testing services very often look for ISO17025 accreditation for this very reason.

TS16949 the New Automotive Quality System Standard

ISO/TS-16949:2009 international automotive quality system specification aligns the entire supply chain with the automakers. TS16949 is the culmination of auto industry and its suppliers efforts.

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