How to begin with the QMS implementation project?
Someone phrased it very well and said that implementing a quality management system is as much an art as it is a science. It involves a bunch of data, but also requires the ability to engage people. It takes the systemized approach, but also requires creativity for a complete picture.
What does it take to implement QMS?
It takes people, decisions, resources, and budget. But on the other hand, to implement it you will need a quality manual, policy, procedures, work instructions, lists, checklists, forms.
OK, so let’s say you want to implement a quality management system because you want to be organized better or you might have heard it will increase the quality of your product perhaps, or customer satisfaction will be increased, or just simply it will open a door for bigger business offers. Be aware that it can take you months to implement it, depending on the number of employees, or based on the software that you want to use for maintaining your quality management system.
First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the QMS standard that you want to implement if you haven’t already. And then you can start planning everything for your implementation. Documented quality policy, manual and quality objectives would be one of the most important elements and first things to do.
However, QMS implementation nowadays has become a common thing. Those companies that exist longer are transferring from paper-based to an electronic version, and the new “fresh” ones are going straight for an electronic one.
In the case of choosing the electronic way to maintain your QMS, you will have a much easier life.
Depending on what business you are in, you will search for suitable QMS software. And that’s the start. And you are already getting confused because there are so many. Don’t worry. Just keep reading and you will find out.
People — your team
First of all, you would want to establish your implementation team and a management representative. Just for your reference, that is required by the standard.
Decisions
You have to decide what independent Registration Body is officially accredited to issue Quality System certifications. They make audit your Quality System and if it’s successful, you will get certified.
One of the most important aspects of choosing a QMS is selecting QMS software that will meet all your quality needs. Scaleable and flexible, that can meet all your QMS needs.
Resources
Ensure that your company has provided the resources needed for the establishment, implementation, maintenance of the QMS.
Check that your company has identified which resources it needs to make available to ensure the effective operation of the QMS. Resources will often include raw materials, infrastructure, finance, personnel, and IT, all of which can be either internally or externally provided.
Budget
Yes, it’s normal to ask how much it will cost you. You have to put on the side a certain amount for it, but of course, it depends on the implementation option you choose.
Besides the option, you will have to think about things like your employees that are or will be involved in implementation will need certain training, and training can be costly.
Plenty of organizations are hiring external help such as QMS consultants for easier and more secure navigation while implementation. Next in line are certification costs. The certification audit and notified bodies can affect your budget a lot. Some of the certification bodies have a higher price than their competitors.
Conclusion:
It is important to think through all of this. Making a good estimate is the key to success. Make your research properly.
