In the two previous articles of this series we discussed two important aspects of a Lean ISO 9001 Quality Management System: a Lean Quality Manual and Lean Quality Management System (QMS) Procedures. But what about other documentation that may be needed? »» Read more… »

In last week’s article I attempted to convince you of the value and sense of a Lean Quality Manual. But, how useful is a Lean Quality Manual if the Quality Management System (QMS) procedures are burdensome books with tons of detail and little value? »» Read more… »

Lean ISO 9001? To many of you this will seem like a contradiction in terms. The term Lean and ISO 9001 are not generally used together, but why not? Does a Quality Management System (QMS) have to be complicated and cumbersome?

»» Read more… »

Question of the month: How is diligent planning important for effective management?

In June, our articles covered topics like improving business ethics, learning operational assessment, creating effective management and maximizing departmental communication. All these are important ingredients for successful business management. »» Read more… »

I heard an expression once that rang really true with me. It said, “If an employee is surprised by anything in their performance review, then you are doing a poor job as a manager.” We should all recognize the importance of good communication, but how good are we at executing and employing basic communication principles as managers? If any of your employees come into a performance review unsure of what is going to happen, then you should know you are not doing as well as you could. »» Read more… »

When first taking a management position in an organization, it can be difficult to fully grasp exactly what your role is and how to fulfill it. The sad truth is that many of us have seen mostly negative examples of management and management styles, and few positive ones. Without proper role models it is difficult to step into those shoes. »» Read more… »

Taking over a department can be challenging. You can see the potential, but if the department was not well-managed in the past then it may be in disarray. Disorganization is only the start of the problems. The staff may be demoralized and unproductive, goals are not understood – let alone being met. How do you get things on track? »» Read more… »

Corporate scandals in recent years have lead to a flurry of changes in how we conduct business at many levels. The federal government has increased regulations for companies producing financial reports through the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), and internally many companies have increased the responsibility of the Board of Directors in overseeing the managing executives.

»» Read more… »

Question of the month: How can implementing a Quality Management System based on ISO 9001 improve your business, organization, or department?

Frequently the ISO 9001 Standard is perceived to be complicated and heavy on documentation requirements. These perceptions are not necessarily accurate. The ISO 9001 Standard is actually very straightforward with simple requirements for procedures and records. The ultimate goal, however, of implementing ISO 9001 should be to create an organization that continually improves. »» Read more… »

In our article series this month we have discussed how implementing an ISO 9001 Quality Management System can help your business. Two important topics covered so far were how it can actually help you streamline and simplify your document system (as opposed to the common misconception that ISO 9001 is a “document nightmare”). Last week we described how ISO 9001 can make your organization more competitive though a system of well-defined processes, by clearly capturing customer requirements, and an understood and regularly evaluated supply chain. »» Read more… »