The Need for ISO 9000 and TS 16949 Consultancy.

It has become an increasing challenge for many organizations to develop and maintain management systems. Daily workload pressures and responsibilities combined with the lack of adequate resources and specific expertise in these standards are major factors that prevent organizations from implementing effective systems in a timely and economical manner.

So what can you expect an ISO 9001 Consultant to do for you? Here are some of the specific services you can expect from a good consultant:

ISO 9001 Gap Assessment

The consultant reviews your current management system practices, controls and documentation, to determine the extent to which your organization conforms to the specific ISO, TS or other standard. YThe consultant provides a report with his/her findings and recommendations.

ISO 9000 Project Planning and Organization

The consultant will work with the senior management team to:

- Review the findings and recommendations of the Consultant's Gap Assessment

- Identify, plan and schedule system development and implementation activities.

- Identify and plan resource requirements for the project

- Approve the proposed implementation plan and schedule

- Agree on the scope of consultancy to be provided.

ISO 9001 Process Identification and Documentation

Help you identify and effectively document all organizational processes relevant to your quality management system. These include customer-oriented, management, product realization, resource planning, measurement, support and any outsourced processes.

ISO System Development and Implementation

Work with your implementation team and key personnel to:

- Develop and implement adequate controls and documentation for effective planning, operation and control of all management system processes.

- Create management system awareness at all levels within your organization.

- Ensure methods for interaction and communication between processes are defined, understood and effective.

- Establish and track appropriate performance objectives for key processes. Provide guidance on achieving these objectives.

- Ensure appropriate records are maintained for all processes.

ISO/TS Management System Documentation

Help you develop and in many instances provide hands-on assistance in preparing your quality manual, procedures, work instructions, forms, checklists and other operational documents. Works closely with your personnel to understand, use and take ownership for these documents and implementation.

ISO 9001/TS 16949 Documentation Review

Review your documentation before you submit it to your Certification Body to sure that all your documents conform to requirements. . A good consultant would have worked with a Certification Body as a Lead Auditor and will have reviewed hundreds of quality manuals and documents.

ISO/TS Pre-Assessment

Once the management system has been fully implemented and sufficient records exist to demonstrate effective performance, Conduct a pre-assessment audit to determine whether your management system is ready for a formal audit by an accredited Certification Body.

Prepare an Audit Report and work with your staff to determine appropriate corrective action for any non-conformances found. Familiarize your employees

At this time we will also make your employees with the certification audit process and provide guidance on handling external audit interviews.

Support during the Certification Audit Process

Having worked with Certification Bodies, a good Consultant has significant experience with the external certification process. Early in the implementation schedule, he/she will help you select an appropriate Certification Body. During the certification audit, he/she can arrange to be on site to provide guidance in addressing any issues or corrective action required by the external auditor.

Continual Improvement Process

Your management system must be a dynamic process to continually improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your organization. ISO 9000 Consultants can train your employees in problem-solving skills and techniques to keep this process robust and focused to ensure value-added measurable results and maintain your certification.

Here is an excellent article on: ISO 9000 Consultants - Tips On How To Choose And Use".

Ask Art Solutions can help you develop management systems that besides getting certified, will improve operational performance and customer satisfaction, reduce business risks and increase profitability.