ISO 9000 Quality Certification

[fastfences]

Hi all,
Is there anyone within UKBF who works in the area of Quality certification, or can recommend a reasonable starter's kit/program or similar?

I've sourced some info. from the web, but need a knowlegeable contact to proceed further.

Cheers, Nigel

[dagr]

Hi all,
Is there anyone within UKBF who works in the area of Quality certification, or can recommend a reasonable starter's kit/program or similar?

I've sourced some info. from the web, but need a knowlegeable contact to proceed further.

Cheers, Nigel

I'll be starting our Quality system soon. I've done it before and do believe in it, but before you even start you have to ask some basic questions:

1. The biggie: Why would I want to certify my company?
2. Has the person at the top really bought into this and understood the implications and commitment? If you run a small company (<5 people), it may be worth getting some feedback from the employees as they're the ones that will be doing some/ost of the legwork.
3. What Quality standard do you want to adhere to? (ISO9000 is general)

David.

[fastfences]

Hi David,
Ta. I too had been involved in the processes some years ago, but not within my own company.

The questions you posed have all been considered prior to my decision. Aside from certification making a company more 'eligible and credible' in works tendering process, Fast Fences Ltd is focusing on franchising. Holding the Certification will certainly enhance its acceptance by prospective franchisors. There will also be some useful improvements and streamlining within my own structure.

Are you offering or suggesting we collaborate in our quest :lol: , perhaps as a 'buddy' partnership?
Cheers, Nigel

[dagr]

I'll give a hand if I can, but I'm not that available.

I too have to gen up a bit on the new ISO9000 standard which is more process based as opposed to the previous version which was procedure based. Also, I'm still debating which standard(s) to follow. For medical devices, the standard is ISO13485, although as a reseller, some aspects of ISO9000 are more appealing (ISO13485 has no real notion of customer satisfaction and is much heavier in terms of security and tracking). I'm particularly peeved as the recent versions of these two norms have drifted apart compared to their previous incarnations, so puts me off trying to do both.

Nigel, I could be wrong, but I think you are a more services oriented business, whereas I am more distribution (and later, manufacturer) of products. Not sure of the synergy there, but you never know. I probably wont start this Quality stuff in earnest until Dec/Jan.

PS: The previous company I ran obtained ISO13485 certification. I wrote most of the QM and procedures, but they were all in French!

[Cornish Steve]

Be prepared to pay big bucks for certification.

[heartsol]

Hi All

I would recommend http://www.qmsuk.com/ , i worked for company that had to get ISO 9000 and we got it in 30 days

Yours

Ian Allen
Heart Solutions Ltd

[dagr]

Be prepared to pay big bucks for certification.

While this (explicit) cost is not negligible, the (implicit) costs in terms of time spent adopting and running a QMS will often be greater, although you'd hope the longterm payback should be worth it. That's why it's important to ask fundamental questions. In many cases, specially small businesses, it's often not worth it.

This is one aspect in business where small loses out to big. It's unfortunate as, in my opinion, all companies should be certified. When you look at and understand some of the practical aspects of ISO9000, you have to say "Why would I do it any other way?". Alas, the cost per employee or cost per £ turnover makes it financially unattractive for many small companies. Pity.

[fastfences]

Hi all,
thanks for your responses.

David, we're in totally different industries to be of much use to each other. I guess we'll do our own thing in our own time - plus I'd like to save you the effort of translating evcerything into English :lol:

goldctr 'excellence in communication' steve.
8 words? Well, thankyou for your contribution; pure excellence :lol:

Ian, Ta for the link. Looks like what I'm looking for. I'll have to get Steve to convert the £799 to 'bucks' for me!!!

cheers and regards, Nigel

[Cornish Steve]

I'll have to get Steve to convert the £799 to 'bucks' for me!!!

You're welcome, and have a nice day!

[SWCouriers]

TSW. Based in Bolton. 01204 309000.

Just started proceedings with them for ISO recognition etc...

Expect to pay up to £6000 depending on your exact requirements.

Ste