Quality Policy or Quality Objectives – what comes first?

The quality policy is considered to be the driving force of the QMS as it commits your organization to meeting its objectives

. Itis also one of the key documents against which the performance of your QMS is measured.

Once you have a set of measurable quality objectives which suit you and your customers, you can drop the vague word 'quality' and focus yourenergies and your quality system on achieving those objectives.

Your Quality Policy should drive continual improvement

You will be required to ensure that you continually improve the degree to which your products and services meet customer requirements and tomeasure effectiveness of your processes. To this end the continual improvement principle implies that you should adopt the attitude thatimprovement is always possible and that organizations should develop the skills and tools necessary to drive improvement.

Quality Objectives

The translation of the quality policy into practice is made by defining the supporting quality objectives but ISO 9001 does not specify howquality objectives are documented; they may be documented in business plans, management review output, annual budgets, etc.

Quality objectives are now a clear requirement in their own right as opposed to being just a part of quality policy. They must beestablished in support of the policy and must focus on meeting product requirements and achieving continual improvement.

Incorporate your Quality Objectives into reporting

When your quality objectives are defined they must reflect the quality policy, be coherent, and align with the overall corporate objectivesand customer expectations. Clearly defined quality objectives should also be closely linked to your key performance indicators or otherpre-existing indicators; otherwise they become meaningless. They must be set by Top Management and be incorporated into reporting.

Keep your objectives up-to-date

Objectives are not static and need to be updated in view of the prevailing business climate, customer expectations and continualimprovement activities. Don't be afraid to revise your quality objectives (either up or down) but ensure that personnel are made aware thatthey have changed!

It's worth remembering that even partial achievement of you quality objectives demonstrates continual improvement.

Once you have a set of measurable quality objectives which suit you and your customers, you can drop the vague word 'quality' and focus yourenergies and QMS on achieving those objectives.

Summary

There are many formal definitions of quality but for all practical purposes you can ignore all of them since the only definition that countsis the one on which Top Management agree and communicate via the quality policy.

Remember that there is a clear link between the dynamic aspect of revising the quality policy and the quality objectives and the commitmentof the organization to continual improvement.

Quality Policy or Quality Objectives what comes first?

By: Justin Knightley

POST COMMENT

Improve The Quality Of Face Take High Quality Fish Oil Omega3 Daily And Increase Your Longevity Quality Camp Locations on California State Beaches Finding High Quality, Cheap Poker Chips Cheap Wholesale Rotary Tattoo Machines - How to Get Quality When You Purchase One Changing the Appearance of Bedroom with Quality Comforters Stainless Steel Tank Quality Out Shines Fabriglass The Advantages Of Good Quality Topsoil for your Vegetable Garden Hong Kong Clothing Wholesale: Check Out This Cheap Source of Quality Clothes! Three elements for managing ADHD in the workplace The Importance of a Quality RV Mattress Quality Tool Knife From The Name You Can Trust Shoe Stores Portland - Understanding The Importance Of Quality