Editor The Director of Quality Management Systems is a leadership role employed by some organizations and is active within a business’s Quality function. The role is a leadership role with senior levels of responsibility and is responsible for directing the development, implementation and performance of an organization’s quality management systems and associated activities. This includes a … Read more
A Process Management Framework is a management system that is constructed from a hierarchy of documents and processes spanning end-to-end activities in support of customer requirements and deliverables. Process management frameworks are an alternative to silo-based, functional management systems. The methodology focuses on optimizing interconnecting processes that span the organization and operators of those processes … Read more
Ensuring the quality of components (whether these components are produced by the company or bought in from suppliers) is a vital activity for most businesses and an intrinsic part of the quality control process. While inspections form a significant part of this activity, carrying out 100% inspection on everything is at best challenging and, at … Read more
An integrated management system (IMS) amalgamates all individual management systems within a business, i.e. elements of processes, standards, and policies. These form a single robust framework with a single set of objectives used by the business to execute its activities. IMS facilitates organizations to work, with harmonized documents, standards and goals, as a single unit. … Read more
Measuring performance improvement is a business strategy that involves analyzing the effect of changes made to business activities (such as processes, policies, organization and systems) in order to determine improvements achieved (such as increased production quantities, sales, customers, and improved quality). Measuring performance improvement is critical to determining the success of continuous improvement activities. In … Read more
Structured problem solving is an organized process that describes a set of steps that guide a user (or group) through the process of identifying, analyzing and resolving problems. By applying a set structure to the problem solving process, users increase the opportunity of a successful outcome. This is primarily achieved through the use of data … Read more
Value stream management is a methodology that uses various techniques and tools to map, assess and improve interconnected processes and systems. Results of this approach help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of processes and drive higher value to the customer. Value Stream Management can be applied during various product lifecycle stages, including development, production and … Read more
Verification and Validation are common processes contained within a quality management system. They are independent of each other (and can be carried out separately) but are commonly found as part of a harmonious set of methods. Verification and Validation have different purposes, which are: Validation assures that a product or service meets the needs of … Read more
A preventive maintenance checklist is a document that captures a collection of tasks that are expected to be undertaken to mitigate problems (such as machine breakdown) during normal operation. Their use ensures the following of a prescribed process and that preventative maintenance tasks are executed as required. They also provide a mechanism for recording that … Read more
An internal audit is a common business activity used to perform several tasks: Evaluate the effectiveness of your business’s quality management system (QMS) Evaluate compliance against a certification standard or set criteria Evaluate how processes are reviewed and maintained Evaluate your business’s performance. As such, Internal Audits are an essential facet of your organization’s approach … Read more