Road Map 1: Top Management Commitment

Road Map 1: Get Top Management Commitment  The revised versions of the quality management system starting from ISO 9001:2000 have sought to change the tradition of leaving the quality management system to the quality assurance manager or some junior manager to Top management.

Top management must drive the implementation of ISO 9001 quality management system otherwise it is a waste of time. This should not be about getting a certificate but a genuine commitment to the culture of quality. Top Management must demonstrate their commitment by providing the necessary resources and on-going support by attending some of the project team’s meetings.

The ISO 9001 quality management system must be aligned with corporate goals and strategy. Clear and quantifiable business objectives, often abbreviated “SMART” will help keep the process and people focused.

Top management must assign responsibility and authority for quality initiatives, planning, problem identification, solution implementation and control.  The Management Representative has the ultimate responsibility for the project. The ISO 9001 "management representative" must report directly to top management.

ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System: A Do It Yourself Guide.

Implementing ISO 9001

ISO 9001 may best be implemented as a project with a Project Manager, definite start and end date. The Management Representative may not necessary be the Project Manager. If that is the case then the Project Manager must work with the Management Representative as the Management Representative is responsible for maintaining the system.

Some organization may require a Consultant who work as the Project Manager prior to engaging the Registrar. Where such is the case the organization must ensure that the Consultant documents the organization’s system.

Road Maps

Road Map 1: Get Top Management Commitment

Road Map 2: Evaluate objectives and targets for implementing a quality management system.

Road Map 3: Obtain knowledge about ISO 9000/9001

Road Map 4: Organise resources and get commitment.

Road Map 5: Appoint Management Representative.

Road Map 6: Appoint Project Team.

Road Map 6: Select Registrar

Road Map 7: Raise awareness

Road Map 8: Provide training

Road Map 9: Initial review/gap analysis

Road Map 10: Analyse and document product realisation process

Road Map 11: Plan time frame and communicate it

Road Map 12: Draft the Quality Manual and develop policy

Road Map 13: Design the QMS and implement it

Road Map 14: Develop an Internal Audit Program

Road Map 15: Develop a Management Review Program

Road Map 16: Implement System Changes

Road Map 17: Conduct periodic audits Initiate corrective action

Road Map 18: Pre-assessment

Road Map 19: Evaluation,

Road Map 20: Maintain and continually improve system

Road Map 21: Finish

Road map 22: Celebrate Success

Appendix 1: Sample Quality Manual

Appendix 2: Resources

Appendix 3: Employee Handout