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ISO 9001 Process Variables

Everything You Need To Know About ISO 9001 Process Measurables

QMS Process	Metric/Measurable
Sales	- Incomplete inquiry checklist - Late cost estimates - Revisions to proposals - Incorrect order information - Incomplete/inaccurate database - Sales order entry errors
Production	- Rework & repair - Excessive cycle time - Unscheduled machine downtime - Excessive variation - Inefficient set-ups/changeovers - Lost time waiting for work - Waste of materials & labor - Lost materials & tools - Excessive handling & storage - Poor capacity utilization - Non value-added use of floor space - Rejects and scrap
Engineering	- Design errors - Drawing & revision errors - Bill of material errors - Late or incomplete design information - Engineering changes - Equipment problems - Technology problems - Bill of manufacture errors - Long design cycle time
Purchasing	- Late or incomplete P.O. requests - Purchase Order delays - Purchasing errors - Vendor non-conformances - Incomplete/inaccurate specifications - Physical inventory errors
Human Resources	- Poor/inadequate training - Health & safety incidents - Team work and communication - Labor disputes - Scheduling & line balancing - Absenteeism
Finance	- Credit notes & RMA’s - Contract release delays - Returns, claims & warranties - Credit approval delays - Accounts receivable overdue - Financial metrics - Late/incomplete financial reporting - Non-payment of vendors
Other	- New product development cycle - Delivery performance - Customer satisfaction/dissatisfaction - Environmental reporting - Order to delivery response time - Inventory turnover - Number of new products - Compliance to regulatory requirements

These metrics are a good representation of the types of problems that typically occur within an organization. So a good way to improve your QMS and get good payback on your QMS investment is to track and measure these problems. Measure not just the frequency of occurrence, but also the cost of these problems on a monthly or quarterly basis. This way you will know how much you have saved and contributed to your profitability, by systematically eliminating these problems.

How To Use These ISO 9001 QMS Process Metrics:

Determine which of these processes in the left hand column are included in your QMS.
Determine which of the metrics in the right hand column would be meaningful to apply in your business.
Establish realistic measurable objectives for each metric you have selected.
Track your performance to each metric you choose to apply in your QMS
Take corrective action on any metric that fails to meet stated objectives.

Where can I get further help?
This article is an excerpt from my eBook, “Understanding ISO 9001:2008”. This book provides a complete and in-depth coverage of all ISO clause requirements and well as key quality management principles and concepts. It is an excellent guide for QMS development, maintenance or improvement.

Need Training or Consultancy help?
Ask Art Solutions has significant expertise in all of the implementation steps and can help you fast track your way to an effective and profitable QMS.
If you need help in developing or implementing your ISO 9001:2008 QMS, please call us at 905-593-8867 for a no obligation review of your needs.

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