The following application article is part of a larger set of articles
published under the title ISO 9000 in Scientific
Computing as a special supplement to Scientific Computing & Automation
magazine.
If you're wondering how seven short pages can be so difficult to understand,
you're not alone. The best approach to take is to approach each milestone
pragmatically, step by step. As with any major project, don't rush the process,
but take the time to define your needs and ensure completion at each stage.
Remember that ISO 9000 focuses on documentation. As a result, addressing
the standard does not need to be a complicated process. As long as you document
what you do, do what you document, and write down what you've done, you
can be certified and registered.
Essentially there are nine steps to implementing ISO 9000.
1. Establish an ISO steering committee, assigning a project leader.
2. Review your current quality system, assessing what procedures are written
and what need to
be written.
3. Develop timelines and goals for each department.
4. Start documenting. Develop a standard format, revise existing procedures,
create new
ones. Create the top level quality manual.
5. Select a registrar.
6. Assign and train internal auditors. Conduct at least one internal audit
to test your procedures.
7. Submit your manual for a desk audit to the registrar.
8. Undergo an audit by the registrar.
9. Receive your ISO 9000 certificate and registration.
Selecting a registrar can take place as soon as you decide to pursue certification;
it is certainly not necessary to wait until you've started documenting your
processes. You can also bring a consultant in at any time during the process,
depending on what type of consultant you wish to use and what you need the
consultant to do.
The most time consuming portions of implementation are the document creation,
of course, but also determining what needs to be done and who is going to
do it. Most companies spend many hours discussing how the program should
be conducted. Depending on your corporate culture, a fast "let's just
do it" attitude can be as effective as a "let's think this through
first" approach. Generally the process takes about 18 months. It can
be expedited with the help of outside contractors who can assist with the
writing and provide direction and advice. Hewlett Packard has implemented
some systems in a mere six months. The time involved depends on the size
of the organization and the scope of the registration.