Explain Quality Management Systems with Principles of BS EN ISO9001:2000

9 a] Explain Quality Management Systems with Principles of BS EN ISO 9001:2000

Answer:

A Quality Management System (QMS) is a structured system of procedures and processes that helps an organization ensure that its products or services consistently meet customer requirements and improve overall performance.

The QMS is centered around the concept of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

BS EN ISO 9001:2000 is an international standard that outlines the requirements for a QMS. It provides a framework that organizations can use to develop, implement, and improve the effectiveness of their quality management systems.

Principles of BS EN ISO 9001:2000

BS EN ISO 9001:2000 is based on eight quality management principles:

1. Customer Focus: Prioritize understanding and meeting customer needs and strive to exceed their expectations.
2. Leadership: Leaders should set a clear vision and direction, creating an environment where everyone can contribute to achieving the organization’s goals.
3. Involvement of People: Engage all employees. Their full involvement enables their abilities to be used for the organization’s benefit.
4. Process Approach: View activities as processes. Managing interrelated processes efficiently leads to desired outcomes.
5. System Approach to Management: Recognize, understand, and manage interrelated processes as a cohesive system, enhancing the organization’s effectiveness and efficiency.
6. Continual Improvement: Make ongoing improvement a permanent objective of the organization.
7. Factual Approach to Decision Making: Base decisions on the analysis of accurate data and information.
8. Mutually Beneficial Supplier Relationships: Develop strong relationships with suppliers, benefiting both parties and enhancing value creation.

Implementation of BS EN ISO 9001:2000

To implement ISO 9001:2000, an organization typically follows these steps:

1. Gap Analysis: Assess current processes and compare them with the standard’s requirements to identify gaps.
2. Documentation: Create or update documentation to align with ISO 9001:2000 standards.
3. Training: Educate employees on the new processes and the importance of the QMS.
4. Implementation: Put the new processes into action across the organization.
5. Internal Audits: Regularly audit the processes to ensure they comply with the QMS.
6. Management Review: Review the QMS performance regularly and make necessary adjustments.
7. Certification: Seek certification from an accredited body to validate compliance with ISO 9001:2000.

The BS EN ISO 9001:2000 standard helps organizations establish a QMS that focuses on meeting customer needs and improving organizational performance through systematic and consistent processes.