Well, formally there are a number of definitions of what a quality manual is. These definitions are in ISO 10013, ISO 9001 and other standards. In fact, a quality manual is a top-level document defining your quality management system. A quality manual establishes the policy level position of your management in the area of quality management system. There are two principal definitions of what a quality manual for an ISO 9001:2000 QMS should be:
ISO 10013, Guidelines for Developing Quality Manuals, element 4.2, gives detailed suggestions for creating a quality manual. It defines a quality manual, among other requirements, as a document that should "consist of, or refer to, the documented quality system procedures intended for planning and administration of activities which impact on quality" ISO 9001:2000, element 4.2.2 describes a quality manual as a document containing:
- the scope of the QMS and details of and justification for any exclusions;
- references to the documented procedures, and
- relationships between the processes of your quality management system.
Let's follow these simple instructions and see how easy it is to create a quality manual to document the scope of your quality management system and exclusions; ensure that procedures are referenced and specify relationships or interactions between your processes.
Typically, companies state the scope of their QMS in a scope or introduction sections of their quality manuals, similar to these: "ABC Enterprises, LLC assembles and distributes pre-cooked meals for elderly citizens in the St. Newtown region" or "ABC Enterprises, LLC designs, manufactures and services high poser vacuum cleaners"
Now, after we established the scope of our ISO 9001:2000 QMS, we need to describe the processes we use to achieve the results stated in our scope. While we are doing this, we need to remember to reference corresponding procedures. Per my experience, the easiest way to do it, is to transform the standard from a list of requirements into your organization's dedication to satisfy those requirements. For example: Element 4.2.4 of ISO 9001:2000 requires that "Records shall be established and maintained to provide evidence of conformity to requirements and the effective operation of the quality management system" our manual will affirm: "XYZ Corporation ensures that records are established and maintained to provide evidence of conformity to requirements and the effective operation of the QMS per the Records Procedure"
Following this simple method, we can answer to all the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 standard and reference procedures supporting corresponding elements of your manual and quality management system. SO we will comply with two first requirements of the standard.
Now we need to choose a method to document interactions between our processes. There are a few ways to do it. One typical method is to utilize Figure 1 in ISO 9001:2000 standard. This figure shows a model of a process-based QMS. In addition to that, referenced documents will show what processes are "attached to those listed in our quality manual. Some models are available on the Internet. Just, type "process interaction matrix" and you will find your answers.
Another important function of a quality manual, very often overlooked, is as a marketing tool. Well written and professionally published, a quality manual may become a powerful marketing instrument. It can communicate to your potential customers, suppliers and subcontractors that your company is not only a quality-conscious organization, but that it also knows how to document and communicate its commitment to quality.
I always wonder what companies achieve by stamping their quality manuals in bold capitol red letters ?CONFIDENTIAL?. As far as I?m concerned, a quality manual is a company?s resume for quality, and if you hide your resume, there is a very good chance that you will never get a job! All our customers are encouraged to make their quality manuals public!
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Before you buy an ISO 9001:2000 Quality Manual, check Quality Work's products, and ISO 9001:2000 - The Perfect Manual
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