~ Home ~ Clients ~ Candidates ~ Our Services ~

Introducing something new;

ISO 9001 QMS implementation and auditing services

Benefits of ISO 9001

Implementing ISO 9001 is not just about addressing all the ISO clauses but a well managed system which will significantly contribute to:

• Consistent service/product delivery

• The reduction of rework, deviations and customer complaints

• The control of work processes

• Improved customer satisfaction

•  Improved record keeping

• Continual improvement becomes measurable

• Registration provides credibility and international recognition allowing your business a competitive edge

What ISO 9001Certification means to us

It emphasises and represents our commitment to quality in the way we approach our clients and the work that we do.  An internal commitment, not only the international ISO standards, but also to that which we have defined for ourselves, to ensure continued focus on Customer Service, Consistency and Quality of service delivered. It embodies our pride in being measured and monitored to motivate continual improvement, for our business as well as that of our Clients business.

What ISO 9001Certification means to you

You as the client will have the assurance that we are prepared to practice what we preach, and place client satisfaction and internal efficiencies as our goal.

Auditing

A requirement of ISO 9001 is that regular internal audits are performed at planned intervals to identify areas of the Quality Management System (QMS) that do not meet the requirements of ISO 9001, as well as opportunities for improvement to continually ensure that the QMS remains effective and suitable to the needs of the organisation.  Placement Dynamics provides this service where consultants perform internal audits or assessment audits with an independent and objective perspective.  Once audits are completed, feedback is given by the consultants regarding the results of the audit and an audit report is written with details of the findings and improvement opportunities observed during the audit.  Follow-up audits can also be conducted if required to verify the effectiveness of the corrective actions / opportunities for improvement taken to resolve findings recorded during previous audits.

Audits can also be performed on behalf of an organisation on their existing suppliers or when selecting new suppliers.

FAQ’s

What will it cost?

All charges are calculated on a per day basis.  The daily rate varies depending on the scope of work and other relevant factors.  Audits such as implementation are planned over the number of working days estimated to be required in order to complete the audit.

After implementation, Placement Dynamics offers optional maintenance contracts at an agreed monthly rate that usually include 2-3 days per month where consultants make regular visits to plan, co ordinate and perform the activities regularly required in order to continuously maintain the effectiveness of the Quality Management System (QMS) such as updates to documentation, internal audits, management reviews and resolution of non-conformances (findings).

Will additional staff need to be employed?

Clause 5.5.2 of the ISO 9001 standard stipulates the following:

Top Management shall appoint a member of management who irrespective of other responsibilities shall have the responsibility and authority that includes;

      Ensuring that processes needed for the QMS are established, implemented and maintained;

      Reporting to top management on the performance of the QMS and the need for improvement; and

      Ensuring the promotion of awareness of customer requirements throughout the organisation.

Normally, there is no need to employ additional staff for the implementation of ISO 9001 but there are several functions that do need to be performed on a regular basis in order to maintain the Quality Management System.  In large organisations, these functions can become a full time job.   Some of the key functions required by the QMS are planning and performing internal audits, updating QMS documentation (policies, procedures and associated forms) as and when required, co-ordinating management review meetings and over-seeing the resolution of non-conformances (findings) within the Quality Management System.  As an additional service, Placement Dynamics can provide maintenance contracts after implementation where a monthly rate is established which includes regular visits from a consultant who maintains the QMS and handles the above-mentioned functions ensuring that they are carried out in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001.

Can an ISO 9001 Quality Management System generate more paperwork and admin functions?

One of the requirements of ISO 9001 is “Document and Record Control” and the need to maintain records for monitoring, measuring and data analysis.  However, when Quality Management Systems are implemented in accordance with ISO 9001 we aim to keep all processes as simple as possible. Document and Record control can be monitored in hard copy or electronic copy (depending on the preference of the business). The main area of audit in terms of Document and Record Control will be to ensure records are available, easily retrievable and stored safely away from damage.   Every effort is made to ensure that paperwork generated throughout the QMS is simplified and does not become excessively time-consuming or slow production unnecessarily.

Can I do it myself?

Any person may implement an ISO 9001 Quality Management System in their organisation but unless that person has a very good knowledge and understanding of ISO 9001, it can be a difficult and time-consuming process.  Hence the use of consultants to implement, audit and maintain your QMS is certainly advantageous.

The combined knowledge and experience of the Placement Dynamics Consultants (professional registration with SAATCA – South African Auditors Training Certification Association) ensures that implementation and maintenance of your Quality Management System is carried out efficiently, within a suitable time frame and, more importantly, that the QMS is value-adding and meets the requirements of ISO 9001.

How long will implementation take?

For an average sized company, implementation projects are usually spread out over 6-8 months. The time needed also depends of the degree of quality and process controls and the documentation that is already in place in the company before the start of the implementation.   An ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) involves all departments which have a direct impact on the quality or service provided by the company. Therefore, it is vital that the members of these departments are actively involved in the implementation as their input is required to ensure that the QMS is effective and value-adding throughout the organisation. This input and involvement will greatly affect the progress and duration of the implementation process.

What is the procedure to apply for certification for the business?

Placement Dynamics will now have implemented your Quality Management System and conducted 2-4 audit sessions to ensure the QMS is effective and working. Corrective actions from non-conformances (findings) issued at earlier audits have been monitored and re-audits have also been conducted where applicable.

Placement Dynamics can assist now with the application for certification through one of the certification bodies, e.g.: TUV Rheinland, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and SABS etc.