60 Seconds with Chris Smith
WHAT STANDARDS DO YOU AUDIT?
ISO 9001:2015 & progressing into ISO 27001
MOST MEMORABLE AUDITING MOMENT:
My second day training in the field- I was observing my mentor and we arrived at a company where my Mum was the Quality Co-ordinator!! Thankfully, it had been arranged beforehand and as I wasn’t having any input into the audit, so I could continue with my training. It’s the first time in 20 years that I realised what my Mum did!!!
GREATEST CLIENT BENEFIT GAINED FROM ISO CERTIFICATION:
I’ve seen many benefits in a short period of time however the most common benefit I see is the elimination of duplication. For example; where a company is inputting the same data into different forms, multiple times. I have seen organizations totally transform their computer system to streamline the process, plus I have also seen some simply change the way that the data is recorded. The increased efficiency is instantly recognised and coming from a military background I’m a big fan of efficiency!
TOP TIP FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM:
Make it work for you and not the other way around. Yes there is work involved in adopting an effective Management system, but if you can see the system as a way to improve then it will be a truly worthwhile addition to your organization.
MOST COMMON NON-CONFORMANCE
I would have to say the most common non-conformance is regarding document changes. For example, when an organization makes changes to and updates the quality policy statement, then forgets to change the dates to the header/footer and document register. Using older forms and not updating them also causes issues (The dreaded Copy & Paste!) It’s brilliant to see an organization taking time and interest to constantly update the quality manual, then letting themselves down with small administrative mistakes.