Defined as a formalised system that documents procedures, processes and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives, a quality management system (QMS) helps coordinate and lead an organisation’s behaviour to keep in line with customer and regulatory requirements. Improving its efficiency and effectiveness on a continual basis.
The most prominent approach to quality management systems is ISO 9001:2015, the international standard which specifies requirements for a QMS. Often, many people use the term ‘QMS’ to describe the ISO 9001 standard or the group of documents that make up the QMS, however, it actually refers to the system as a whole. The documents only serve to describe the system.
Organisations choose to implement quality management systems for a range of purposes; such as:
- Reducing costs
- Improving systems and processes
- Decreasing waste
- Engaging employees
- Enabling and identifying training opportunities
- Creating organisation-wide goals
Elements of a Quality Management System
Each element of QMS helps to achieve the overall goals of reaching the requirements set by the organisation and its customers. Despite quality management systems needing to address an organisation’s individual needs, each one should consist of the following:
- Organisations quality policy and objectives
- Quality manual
- Data management
- Internal processes
- Procedures, instructions and records
- Improvement opportunities
- Quality analysis
- Customer satisfaction
For professional advice on quality management systems and guidance through the ISO certification process, call NPT Management Systems today on 02380 659 867 or contact us via our online enquiry form.
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