Basics Relating To Quality Management Systems

By Marcia Marks


quality management systems or QMS can be defined as a collection of business processes aimed at meeting certain goals. QMS entails establishment of organisational structure and responsibilities, qualities manual, procedures, policies resources and many other aspects of a company or business entity. In contrast to the earlier systems which focused on predictable outcomes, current systems emphasise on group cooperation and dynamics. In addition the present century employs transparency and sustainability in the various initiatives.

To attain certification and compliance, an organisation needs to embrace a key element, specifically a QMS process. Order processing, internal audit, calibration, production planning and preventive and corrective action are some of the examples of such processes. ISO 9000, one of the most widely used tools focuses on integration, sustainability and quality. Another major system, Natural Step, focuses on documentation, systematic thinking, diagnostic discipline and transparency to minimise organisational problems.

There are many industries for which the use of QMS plays a vital role. These systems are widely used for medical equipment to ensure safety and efficacy to the satisfaction of clients. Manufacturers of medical devices have the responsibility of using good judgement coming up with their quality systems. Design, production and distribution in a business entail key elements that have to be strictly applied. Such include product acceptance, validating processes, personnel training and qualification and control of purchasing and documentation.

Before designing a QMS the business needs to understand its environment. There is need to know what is expected of the business by the clients. The main objective of the process should be to fully meet the client expectations. The benchmark is to set the standards that are required by the clientele. Whenever the consumer demands change, the business is supposed to readjust accordingly.

Proper leadership ensures that there is unity of purpose. A good leader is one who not only states the direction that should be taken by an organisation but also participates actively by offering a good example. Communication should be clearly both vertically and horizontally between employees, customers, financiers and suppliers.

To achieve a desired outcome, resources have to be handled using what is popularly known as the process approach. Such a process ensures that there is better individual responsibility and accountability. Moreover, risks and consequences of every activity that takes place in an organisation can be fully evaluated. The overlap of key undertakings in the company can also be identified through the process.

One of the most effective management approaches to use is the system approach. This approach requires proper identification and understanding of all the components of a given system. It is an approach that is associated with high levels of efficacy, consistency and effectiveness. There is continuous improvement through constant evaluation and measurement.

Ideal quality management systems need to have a factual approach to decision making. This is based on a thorough analysis of data and information. The organisation needs to ensure that data is accessible whenever it is needed. Valid methods have to be employed to ensure that data is accurate and reliable.




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