An IMS is when an organization uses one single management system to manage multiple aspects of organizational performance. An organization must have integrated documentation, including work instructions to a good level of development as appropriate. This system must also include an integrated approach to internal audits, policy and objectives, systems processes, and to improvement mechanisms, such as corrective and preventive action.

What are the benefits of an IMS?

• Streamline business processes and improve efficiency
• Potential for reduced onsite audit time and reduction in auditor travel and living expenses
• Consistent management goals and objectives
• Continually improve your business management system as a whole more easily

DQS Audit Approach:

Where integrated audits are designed and allowed by each individual standards certification scheme, DQS will assign audit teams competent across the standards.  Where possible, all auditors on the team will be competent in all standards.  Where not possible, DQS will assign a combination of auditors across the disciplines who will coordinate with joint opening, wrap-up and closing meetings as well as audit common elements jointly.  Common examples for DQS:

• Assignment of audit team with single audit agenda where all team members are competent in ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
• Assignment of separate audit teams at the same time with coordinated agendas where some team members are competent in ISO 13485 and other team members are competent in AS9100

While the second approach does not result in reduced audit time, our customers have provided positive feedback on the reduction in minimized disruption and reduction in internal management resources allocated to third party audit conduct.

How do I get started?

If you think your organization would qualify for an integrated audit with DQS, please contact your Customer Service Professional or submit for a quote. We would be happy to help your organization move to integrated audits.

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Process audits are relevant for many business sectors because they can be tailored to a client’s specific needs. Some typical areas that are addressed during a non-certification process audit include:

• Product quality and process capability analysis and enhancements
• Initiation and review of process improvements
• Production planning and analysis, which improves on-time delivery of products or services
• Merger and acquisition quality assessments
• Product warranty management
• New product launches and process/facility qualifications

Benefits

DQS Inc. process assessments are designed based on input from the client. We provide assistance during the planning stages using our global network of industry experts and best practices. Typical benefits include:

• Global resources for performing process audits
• Large selection of SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) in a number of standard industry classifications and product standards
• Assessments by a recognized industry leader in product safety and quality

Supplier Audits:

Companies are dependent on good business relations with their suppliers to attain added value. Therefore, transparent communication and understanding of common targets is essential. A strategic partnership with suppliers leads to the improvement of products and services as well as competitive advantages.

Benefits

Recent surveys indicate that most clients would like to work with their suppliers on a long-term basis and not be burdened with re-qualifying a new supplier due to their existing supplier’s inability to meet their needs and expectations. An answer to that would be supplier audits. Some typical benefits of supplier process assessments include:

• Improved supply chain management of key suppliers, critical material and components.
• Measurable key supplier data that can be validated and is meaningful
• Process and product quality improvements
• Cost reduction
• Improved supplier feedback and relationships

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If your organization manufactures feed additives and/or supplies components to the feed industry, you need to comply with FAMI-QS.

Benefits of FAMI-QS:

• Demonstrating the safety of your processes to the world
• Fulfilling the requirements if FAMI-QS and safeguarding corresponding markets
• Rise in customer and retailers confidence about the organization’s ability to perform
• Integration of state-of-the-art procedures regarding hazard analysis, risk appraisal, and preventive strategies into the existing management system
• Increased product safety
• Reduced risk of product liability

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Who does ISO 22000 apply to?
ISO 22000 food safety management systems are required for any organization in the food chain, which can be applied to organizations ranging from feed producers, primary producers through through food manufacturers, transport and storage operators and subcontractors for retails and food service companies. It is also applicable to producers of food processing equipment, materials that are used to package food, cleaning products, food additives and other ingredients.

The most effective food safety systems are established, operated and updated within the framework of a structured management system and benchmarked against a proven standard and independently verified by a third-party assessment firm like DQS Inc. This provides maximum benefit for the organization and interested parties. Through certification, you can show your customers that you have a strong commitment to managing food safety and improving processes.

ISO 22000 can be applied independently of other management system standards or integrated with existing management system requirements. ISO 22000 requires that all hazards that many be reasonably expected to occur in the food chain, including hazards that may be associated with the type of process and facilities used, are identified and assessed. Thus it provides the means to determine and document why certain identified hazards need to be controlled by a particular organization and why others need not.

Benefits

• Less risk of product liability through demonstrated fulfillment of product safety obligations
• Improved confidence of consumers and retailers in the organization’s ability to perform
• Systematic analysis and implementation of safe and efficient processes in the interest of food safety
• Evidency that due diligence is used in respect of product safety, quality and legality
• Provides a common language for producers and suppliers and solidifies partnerships

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Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc.– Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc. was honored with a plaque celebrating 20 years of partnership and ISO 9001 certification from DQS Inc.

General Microcircuits– DQS Inc. Vice President of Market Access and Stakeholder Relations Lisa McCall presented General Microcircuits with a plaque in honor of 20 years of partnership and ISO 9001 certification.

L&J Technologies– DQS Inc. presented L&J Technologies with a plaque in honor of 20 years of partnership and ISO 9001 certification through DQS Inc.

ANSYS, Inc.– On March 17, 2016, DQS Inc. gave ANSYS, Inc. a plaque to commemorate 20 years of partnership and ISO 9001 certification.

Smalley Steel Ring Company– On April 18, 2016, DQS Inc. presented Smalley Steel Ring Company with a plaque for 20 years of partnership and ISO certification.

DuPont– DQS Inc. was proud to present DuPont, one of the most successful science and engineering companies in the world , with a plaque for 20 years of partnership and ISO certification in July 2015.

Schenk Process– Schenk Process, a manufacturing leader, was presented with a plaque on July 29, 2015 to commemorate 20 years of partnership and ISO certification with DQS Inc. Schenk 
Process has been supplying world class train scales, weighfeeders, pulverized coal feeding systems and more to a variety of industries.

Panduit– On July 14, 2015, DQS Inc. presented Panduit with a plaque commemorating 20 years of ISO 9001 certification and partnership.

Marvel Group– On Thursday, February 26, 2015, Marvel Group, Inc., a Chicago-based metal fabricator of nearly 70 years, was presented a plaque commemorating 20 years of ISO 9001 certification from DQS Inc.

Capital Program Management – In November of 2014, Capital Program Management (CPM) was recognized for being certified to ISO 9001 for more than 20 years. This kind of dedication to quality takes a lot of time and effort. Mike Caruso, VP Global Accreditation at DQS Inc., and Jeff Spizuco, Regional Account Manager, awarded CPM with a plaque commemorating this achievement.

Steiner Electric – Steiner Electric is within the top 30 largest electrical distributors in the country and has been ISO 9000 certified with DQS Inc. for more than 20 years.

Plitek – Plitek is the leading manufacturer of precision die cut components and converted materials and has been ISO 9000 certified with DQS Inc. for more than 20 years.

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Advantages of SQF include but are not limited to:

• SQF is recognized worldwide by retailers and food service providers as a credible food safety management system.

• Using the SQF certification program will assist in reducing assessment irregularities as well as reducing the need for multiple assessments.

• The SQF Program is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and links primary production certification to food manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and retail certification.

• Administered by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), SQF benefits from continual retailer feedback about consumer concerns. These benefits are passed on to SQF certified suppliers, keeping them a step ahead of their competitors.

• SQF is the only audit scheme to integrate a quality component as well as a food safety management system

Gap Assessments to SQF benefits include:

• Early identification of missing records and documentation
• Early evaluation of the organization’s risk based approach
• Minimize and manage food safety risks
• Minimize the potential for recalls
• Evaluate the changes from Edition 7.2 to Edition 8

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The Independent Association of Accredited Registrars (IAAR) and the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) are writing those customers certified to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 to explain the benefits of transitioning to the 2015 versions of these standards well before the deadline of September 15, 2018.

We realize by now your organization is well underway internally with changes necessary to conform to the revised standard.  However, it is now time to work with your certification body to complete the process before the deadline.

It all comes down to planning efficiency and cost minimization, with the key advantages of having the new certificate in hand prior to the deadline as follows:

• Starting earlier may allow your certification body sufficient lead-time to schedule an audit in conjunction with other clients and auditors in your geographical area which may reduce travel expenses.
• Starting earlier will reduce risk and anxiety in the event there are non-conformities. It is not just required that your audit is conducted by the deadline. If nonconformities are identified during the audit, they must be addressed with corrective action and approved by the certification body then a decision must be made by the certification body.
• Starting earlier will make it easier to conduct integrated audits.
• Starting earlier will improve your management processes and will drive a risk-based approach to the management of your business. This will ensure that your organization will be able to identify risks and opportunities more effectively therefore improving operational efficiency, reducing duplication, saving both time and money.
• Starting earlier will reduce costs and investment to maintain a management system conforming to both the old and new versions throughout the time of transition.
• Starting earlier may give you a marketing advantage over your competitors that have not transitioned yet and will minimize questions from your customer base about your certification status as the deadline draws near.

Based on informal feedback of the IAAR accredited member certification bodies, more than 80% of certified organizations have not completed the transition process.  With less than 15 months to the final deadline, organizations wishing to transition into 2018 are highly likely to experience difficulty in arranging desired audit dates and audit teams.  As with previous transitions; the transition period will not be extended by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).   Unfortunately, organizations that do not complete the transition process with their certification body by the deadline will no longer be certified.

We hope you take advantage of these earlier start benefits and avoid any potential for a certificate lapse by contacting your certification body soon to start the transition process.

Sincerely,

Milton M. Bush, JD, CAE                                                         John Knappenberger

Executive Director                                                                  President and CEO

IAAR                                                                                        ANAB

The post The Benefits of Transitioning to ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2015 ASAP appeared first on DQS Inc..

• 5.2. C.1 – Customer relationship development
• 6.4.C.2 – Work area
• 7.1.V.1 – Service delivery plan
• 7.2.2.C1 – Closure tracking
• 7.3.2.S.1 – Identification of software requirement
• 7.5.1.C.1 – Customer service resources
• 7.5.1.S.1 – Replication
• 8.5.1.C.1 – Continual improvement program

• 9.1.3.C.3 – Sustainability assessment: The organization should assess the status of its sustainability efforts as appropriate to its organization, products, and services.  QuEST Forum has also provided a sample sustainability assessment model in the TL9000 website (tl9000.org).
• 9.2.2.C.1 – Internal Audit Program Planning: Internal audit program shall include all applicable Requirements and Measurement Handbook requirements. This has been an implicit requirement till now, but this adder made it explicit.

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Changes of this latest version of ISO 9001 compare to its previous version of year 2008 are significant and accommodate to current management system trends. Previous focus in identifying core processes and ensuring effectiveness of these processes so as to achieve customer satisfaction, are now talking about the assessing and evaluating the risks and also opportunities of key processes in the context of each organization.  The organization is now required to determine those interested parties who are relevant to the management system and identify the needs and expectations of these interested parties.

Top management in any organization is always the key factor to drive to success. This new version therefore emphasizes active involvement and participation of top management to ensure effective implementation & maintenance of quality management system. This is clearly described in clause 5 Leadership in the new Standard. Also significant change from previous clause of 5 Management commitment and responsibility, the position of Management representative has been removed from this revised Standard. The roles & responsibilities of MR are now part of clause 5.3 of the revised Standard.

In clause 6 Planning, Risk based thinking or Risk analysis is introduced in year 2015 version. This may not be new for some organizations especially those ISO 13485, ISO/TS 16949, AS 9100, etc. certified organizations who has implemented risk management using FMEA, ISO 14971 etc. tool. But it is definitely a very significant change in the development of ISO 9001:2015. There is no requirement to have a specific tool nor method to determine the risks. However, the organization is expected to demonstrate how the risks and opportunities in all identified processes are analyzed and evaluated. In association with these identified risks and opportunities, the management shall plan relevant actions to address these risks and opportunities as well as how to integrate and implement these actions into the processes and evaluate effectiveness of these actions. As per previous versions, quality objective remains as it is and now the 4W1H approach is introduced to plan the achievement of set quality objectives.

Previous clause of 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 & 4.2 are now restructured and rephrased in clause 7 Support. Document and record are now redefined as Documented Information. Clause 7.6 Calibration of 2008 version is now addressed in Clause 7.1.5 Monitoring & Measuring Resources.

Previous clauses of 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 & 7.5 are now addressed in Clause 8 Operation. The revision of this 2015 Standard does not allowed any of the requirements/clauses to be excluded. Nevertheless, some of the elements in clause 8 may be not applicable to certain organization business nature.

Clauses 9 & 10 of this revised ISO 9001 are basically clause 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 & 5.6 of 2008 version. Management Review is now under clause 9 Performance Evaluation which reflects the nature of this requirement as CHECK activity in PDCA cycle. The review inputs have been expanded to ensure items to measure effectiveness of quality management system, such as achievement of quality objectives, performance of external providers, customer satisfaction & feedback from interested parties etc., will be reviewed effectively.

With all these changes, thorough an in-depth readiness review for our existing certified clients towards smooth transition of ISO 9001:2015 is deemed necessary. Explaining to the client about this onsite readiness review will be a challenge ahead considering other certification bodies are basically reluctant to practice so. Nevertheless, as a preferred certification partner, DQS’s approach towards upgrading to this ISO 9001:2015 shall be valued. This is very much similar to patient and doctor kind of scenario. Doctors will never diagnose nor prescribe “Offsite”. He/she for sure will see the patient face-to-face (“Onsite”) to ensure clear and unambiguous information obtained to support his diagnosis and prescription. Hence DQS’s on-site readiness review for our certified clients towards the transition of revised ISO 9001 serves the same purpose.

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We are changing our company name to DQS Inc. effective August 3, 2015. This project was put in place in response to feedback from our valued clients, shareholders, and other industry stakeholders. The aim of the branding project was to simplify our company names and our global logo. This project also yielded another significant benefit; enabling us to align our certificates and reports with the expectations of the industry oversight bodies (IATF, ANAB, ANSI, etc.).

Our new brand logo will:

• Focus our marketing and outreach programs on Auditing, Assessments, and Certification of Management Systems and Business Processes, providing a distinct identification as a leading global certification body,

• Improve market clarity by representing our services to our global clients through our new logo, and create a unique brand for our harmonized global business success, and

• Be available for client use in association with marketing initiatives.

Our core values will continue to lead our new brand: competency, integrity, superior services. Further, our re-branding initiative has no effect on our shareholder structure; we will continue to have the commitment of our present shareholders: UL, DIN, and DGQ.

Please do not hesitate to email us at customerservice@dqsus.com should you have questions or need more information. You can also post your questions and read about our new logo at https://dqsus.com.

Simplify – Clarify – Energize

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