Seven Steps To An Effective Management System

With the introduction of the revisions to ISO9001:2008 imminent, organisations may be wondering what the changes may mean to their systems. In reality, the proposed changes are relatively minor, the real issue is that many organisations fail to obtain the promised benefits of implementing ISO9001 systems. So why is this? In our view…..

With the introduction of the revisions to ISO9001:2008 imminent, organisations may be wondering what the changes may mean to their systems. In reality, the proposed changes are relatively minor, the real issue is that many organisations fail to obtain the promised benefits of implementing ISO9001 systems. So why is this? In our experience, organisations fail to grasp the fundamental concept of what a management system is, and how to implement an effective system.

ISO9001 states: “To lead an organisation successfully, it is necessary to direct and control it in a systematic manner. Success results from implementing and maintaining a management system that is designed to continually improve performance while addressing the needs of all interested parties…” so, a management system is about directing and controlling an organisation by using a systematic approach to achieve the needs of interested parties, or in other words, the goals of the organisation.

A management system is best considered as everything that you use to help you achieve your business objectives; processes, resources, structure and information. The decision to implement a formal management system, perhaps using the frameworks available in International Standards, is therefore one at the heart of business strategy.

SigmaPro provides structured development programmes for organisations who wish to develop effective management systems. Our approach to developing such systems is not the traditional approach of creating documentation, but one that takes experience from the best systems in the world and helps you to apply this knowledge within your own organisation for maximum performance, ensuring the system works effectively for you.

Our seven-step approach provides a framework for developing an effective management system that fits the way your organisation works. We will work with you to provide the best route to implement a system quickly and efficiently.

About the ISO9001 Programme

To lead an organization successfully, it is necessary to direct and control it in a systematic manner. Success results from implementing and maintaining a management system that is designed to continually improve performance whilst addressing the needs of all interested parties.

A management system is best considered as everything that you use to help you achieve your business objectives: processes, resources, structure and information. The decision to implement a formal management system, perhaps using the frameworks available in International Standards such as ISO 9001, is therefore at the heart of business strategy.

Many Management Systems are poorly implemented, rely heavily on documentation, and fail to deliver the benefits expected. SigmaPro provides structured development programmes for organisations that wish to implement or develop effective management systems.

ISO 9001 Principles for System Training

Our approach to developing such systems is not the traditional approach of creating documentation; it is based on the following principles:

Involvement of people - the system must be developed in conjunction with the people who will be using it. They have a good understanding of the existing processes and problems that require improvement action.

Ownership - company staff must own the systems and therefore must be involved in creation of the systems.

Minimum documentation - only the minimum amount of documentation required for effective system control must be created. Ideally, no procedure should be longer than 2 pages.

Electronic Document Management - wherever possible, electronic methods of document management should be used. This reduces the administration time for system updating and ensures more effective information management.

Continual Improvement - the system should support a culture of continual improvement within the organisation. It's creation and operation must facilitate the process of continual improvement.

We will help you to develop a system based around company processes using four top level areas:

Management Planning
Product and Service Delivery
Business Improvement
Resources and System Administration