Introducing a Standard
While the support of all employees and company representatives is needed, responsibility for compliance should be assigned to a senior manager, who can:
- act as a boardroom 'champion' for the benefits of standardization
- thoroughly understand all internal requirements
- produce a 'gap analysis', identifying the changes necessary to comply
- devise a plan that details how compliance will be achieved
Resources Available to Support Implementation
There are many resources available to support the successful implementation of standards and best practice, such as:
- publications, training and software tools
- interpretative guides, books and online information
- training, seminars and workshop programmes
Independent Certification of Compliance
Some companies seek independent verification that they have introduced a standard correctly, and product testing is sometimes necessary to compete in particular markets. Organisations requiring certification of product compliance may need to purchase test equipment, or to contact an independent testing organisation.
Implementing a Management System
Implementation of a Management System standard, such as the ISO 9000 Quality Management series is a more complex process than that required for compliance with other types of standard.
An independent registrar undertakes assessment of compliance with Management System standards. An organisation will be issued a certificate of conformity if internal processes consistently and demonstrably meet the requirements of the standard.
Certification of conformity to Management Systems standards is an ongoing process and compliance will be periodically checked by a registrar, to ensure that the Quality System continues to meet the requirements of the standard.
