From food manufacturing to are engineering, quality assurance is high on the list of objectives for all Australian businesses these days. And this is a good thing – for it not only improves the quality of the products and services we buy, but it also serves to save businesses time and money.
Quality control has been with us for a long time – that’s the process of assessing the quality of products AFTER they have been produced. While still worthwhile, there’s an element of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted here!
It is far better to ensure that quality goods are produced in the first place, to avoid the wastage and poor customer service of returns and replacements.
Seeking ISO Accreditation
While attaining quality assurance has an element of finding the Holy Grail about it, it is, in fact, very straightforward and achievable for any sized organisation.
In short, once an organisation implements an ISO 9001 quality management system, it can then pursue ISO 9001 accreditation and certification.
However, there is a process to go through and, although off-the-shelf solutions are offered online, it is a far smarter move to go through specialist consultants. And for quality assurance training in Brisbane, most organisations choose SC Training Centre.
Training organisations such as this are able to take a business through the entire process, a kind of one-stop-shop for consultancy and training. And that ensures a far smoother transition than going through separate providers.
Assessing Goals and Risks
The process starts with a consultation about the organisation’s current systems and procedures. This looks at what’s working, and what isn’t, and assesses both risks and goals.
With this information, the consultants can then work with the business to formulate new management systems or, better still, an integrated management system, that covers key areas like quality assurance, environmental management, and health and safety.
Once the system is in place, training is provided. This can incorporate specialist training, like ISO 9001 lead auditor training, if required.
The reason many organisations look at putting employees through a QMS ISO 9001 lead auditor course, is because audit and assessment are key elements in achieving certification.
Competitive Global Market
Anyone who describes certification as just another hoop to jump through is completely missing the point. For starters, ISO accreditation is voluntary, and therefore a matter of choice. But it is a very smart choice, as it opens many doors to businesses in our competitive global market.
Certification shows that the organisation is using a system that meets the requirements of an International Standard. So straightaway, there’s an advantage for businesses hoping to export their products or trade overseas.
Furthermore, it sends a very clear message to existing and prospective customers that your products are of the highest quality, safe to use and are fit for purpose.
An ISO 9001 management system puts everything in place to monitor and improve performance, reduce costs, increase productivity and attract more customers.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
The simple process of having these highly trained consultants come through your organisation is beneficial in itself. Generally, a business owner is so entrenched in the day-to-day operation of the organisation, it can be hard to see the wood for the trees. It’s amazing the improvements that can be made when a fresh pair of eyes take a close look!
ISO 9001 can be used by any organisation, whatever its size, location or product. And that was no accident. The International Organization for Standardization is all about efficiency and effectiveness, and designs Standards that are useful to all types of organisations.
Businesses seeking ISO 9001 accreditation – and those with ISO 9001 already in place – should be seeking professional advice now, as the Standard recently underwent some important changes.
All International Standards are reviewed every five years, to reflect changes in the global market.
ISO 9001 Has Changed
ISO 9001:2015 is now particularly relevant to Australian businesses, with greater emphasis on change and improvement, and a greater focus on risk management. Greater leadership is also demanded, with improved communication.
Initiating or upgrading ISO 9001 is not compulsory, but it is a benchmark taken very seriously by clients and customers, investors, suppliers and government bodies.
Since its launch more than 30 years ago, ISO 9001 has been adopted by more than one million organisations worldwide. Pretty impressive for something that is not yet compulsory!
This has lead to a big increase in those seeking ISO 9001 lead auditor training, either to benefit their current employer, or to pursue a new career.
Exemplar Global Certified
An ISO 9001 lead auditor course covers all aspects of the ISO 9001 quality management system, using theory, practical skills and role-playing to learn the many skills required for auditing.
When choosing an ISO 9001 lead auditor course, it is very important to ensure that the training provider you select is supplying a course that is recognised worldwide. Ideally, this would be an Exemplar Global certified course.
One of the best providers of an Exemplar Global QMS ISO 9001 lead auditor training course is SC Training in Brisbane, so you may wish to get started by talking to one of their management system consultants.
BIO: Isobel Coleman is a journalist with many years’ experience in reporting industry news in Australia, particularly the growing importance of quality assurance training in Brisbane.
SUMMARY: Businesses wishing to establish a genuine point of difference from their competitors should seriously consider undertaking quality assurance training courses.
