Quality Manual Content - Extended debate - Updated Quality Manual for ISO 9001:2008

Re: Updated Quality Manual for ISO 9001:2008

You'll find lots of pros and cons regarding format in this forum. I have a few quality programs under my belt, and have created the quality programs in different ways. My last one and current one have basically mimicked the format of the specifications that define it. I simply find it easier to assure that I address everything.

Some will tell you that going that way is very unfriendly to the user, but again - that depends on your organization. IMHO, when the organization has not had a previous manual (both of my last 2 cases) - it's easy to break things out per the spec - which has the added benefit that as your people get familiar with the manual, they're also somewhat familiar with the spec - which some auditors see as a plus.

In actuality the spec has a 'flow' that makes sense (to me) and is very useful. You have the description of the management system, which is useful to someone who has not had one before, then you have the management support part (which necessarily must be there before any of the rest can occur) and how you'll manage your resources. In the product realization section you have the bulk of the 'work' product in the form of engineering, purchasing, product and service provision and control of measuring devices to data collection, analysis and improvement. I dunno - call me crazy but it makes perfect sense (to me).

Every quality management program is different and every situation is different. You have to decide what works best for you. Read through the forums here and decide for yourself

Good Luck!
Rick

Re: Updated Quality Manual for ISO 9001:2008

right on.....what will work best for us.
However, the numbering system makes good sense to me as well.
Thanks

Re: Updated Quality Manual for 9001:2008

I agree with ideas that a quality policy manual should have more than just the requirements as mentioned in the standard, though it can still serve the purpose especially from an auditor's point of view. A company should deal with quality policy manual in a more realistic way and try to use this document to its advanatge by giving some reasonsing as to whay it follows and even does not follow the injunctions.

But due to some strange reasons, the quality assurance documents do not get the attention what they have been initially planned for especially when the auditing activity is over and when the comapnay has celebrated the arrival of new quality certificate. This makes one think that while the scope of a quality policy manual contents should be broadened, overambitious thoughts, plans and expectations should be avoided.

Re: Updated Quality Manual for ISO 9001:2008

I am novice to the QMS as its just 5 years I am in the business. But my opinion may be different altogether. I feel its time to think out of the box and make the Quality manual as the “Quality & Improvement Manual”. Quality manual till now contains major Quality policy, Reference to quality procedures, interaction of the process. I feel the need to modify the quality manual content is based upon the interest of TOP management, business strategies & stakeholder’s interest. There is definite advantage of taking QM ahead of the basic requirements, if we plan the improvement of Quality system in the manual itself. If any other quality systems like world class manufacturing, six sigma are used in the organization as an independent systems & their manuals are merged to main QMS manual the system would come out to be unique & best. As per different opinions quality manual may be intended for certain dedicated parameters but that’s not the mandate. “Change is always permitted”. I am right now designing the quality manual for one of the automobile giant in INDIA & I am going to make it the best.

Re: Updated Quality Manual for ISO 9001:2008

bhaisepravin said:

I am novice to the QMS as its just 5 years I am in the business. But my opinion may be different altogether. I feel its time to think out of the box and make the Quality manual as the “Quality & Improvement Manual”. Quality manual till now contains major Quality policy, Reference to quality procedures, interaction of the process. I feel the need to modify the quality manual content is based upon the interest of TOP management, business strategies & stakeholder’s interest. There is definite advantage of taking QM ahead of the basic requirements, if we plan the improvement of Quality system in the manual itself. If any other quality systems like world class manufacturing, six sigma are used in the organization as an independent systems & their manuals are merged to main QMS manual the system would come out to be unique & best. As per different opinions quality manual may be intended for certain dedicated parameters but that’s not the mandate. “Change is always permitted”. I am right now designing the quality manual for one of the automobile giant in INDIA & I am going to make it the best.

Click to expand...

I agree with you. Read ISO 9004, in addition to ISO 9001, before you proceed much futher in your project. It is FULL of useful information that will give you go ideas for your QM.

Re: Updated Quality Manual for ISO 9001:2008

I must say that I for one, do stand for making the quality policy manual a real instrument for change, innovation and a real reflection of top management's true feelings, especially when I am experiencing a new role as a head of my own new organization with a big leap forward in introdicing an innovative medical device. However, some factors which I am fighting to overcome to make such an interesting QPM are: a relative in-experiecne and a fear of more time consumption in itegrating ideas from lean manufacturing, six sigma, business improvement and social responsibility. TTM model and a pressure to complete the ISO documentation in the stipulated time frame, Some extra work in the implementation of new ideas and principles especially from the audit point of view. Additional resources in the Quality assurance department.

Anyhow, I will definitely go through ISO 9004 as advised by Mr. Jilling to get some help.

Any example of manual where someone can take the lead?

Thanks

Re: Updated Quality Manual for ISO 9001:2008

If you look at the begining of this thread you will find an example. That example has been update recently and is much better now, but what is there is a start.

I am on a mission now to update the manual to an IMS manual. Integrated Management System Manual. That will include Quality, Environmental, and Safety. This will be fun!

MsHeeler

Re: Updated Quality Manual for ISO 9001:2008

MsHeeler said:

If you look at the begining of this thread you will find an example. That example has been update recently and is much better now, but what is there is a start.

I am on a mission now to update the manual to an IMS manual. Integrated Management System Manual. That will include Quality, Environmental, and Safety. This will be fun!

MsHeeler

Click to expand...

As recall, many folks in Louisiana still offer the phrase, "bonne chance," as do I - "Good luck!"

Integrated Management System Manual

MsHeeler said:

<snip> I am on a mission now to update the manual to an IMS manual. Integrated Management System Manual. That will include Quality, Environmental, and Safety. This will be fun! <snip>

Click to expand...

If you do, when you finish it if you can strip it of any confidential stuff and share it here as a file attachment many people will appreciate it. We *LoVe* examples here! (Hint hint... )

Re: Integrated Management System Manual

I'm not sure that anyone will appreciate my work. They did not like it the first time and I got pretty beat up.

Just to let them know, the president of the company liked it so...

MsHeeler