CMTC Manufacturing Blog

In thinking about how to prepare for an ISO quality audit, some people may have a kneejerk negative response. If “audit” makes you nervous, then focus on “quality,” because the end goal here is to ensure just that.

The ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) – a worldwide federation of national standards bodies – recently updated its latest edition of ISO 9001, for quality management.

The process approach is a keystone feature of ISO 9001 – a globally recognized quality standard that benefits employees, managers, companies and, ultimately, the consumer.

In the latest version, ISO 9001;2015, the “process approach” is highly emphasized for mangers to practice. We’ve touched on the process approach and how it fits with ISO in a previous blog.

But what exactly does this mean?

The implementation of a Six Sigma program in your manufacturing company can be the game-changer in your business. But what does it cost to make it a sustainable success?

Before delving into the five areas experts target for manufacturing quality improvement, it may help to understand where manufacturing in the United States finds itself. It turns out that there’s plenty to feel optimistic about.

By far, the ISO 9001 quality system standard has had more impact in the world of quality improvement than any ANSI, ASTM or other standard - or even a complete quality system. It is even more relevant today than it was when it was first published almost 30 years ago. ISO 9001 has become more flexible and is easily adapted to suit the special needs of most organizations; service, healthcare, education, etc. -- not just manufacturers. It has become the best known and most widely cited quality system because using it reduces business risks, improves a company’s operating structure and aligns the organization for continuous improvement.

Very few people like to hear that they’re being audited, particularly by an outside organization. However, handling the occasional audit doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for manufacturers.