What is a Quality Management System?

What is a Quality Management System?

A quality management system (QMS) is a framework of policies, procedures, and processes that organizations use to ensure that their products and services meet or exceed customer and regulatory requirements. Implementing a QMS can bring many benefits to an organization, including:

1. Improved customer satisfaction: By consistently meeting or exceeding customer requirements, organizations can build customer trust and loyalty, leading to increased repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

2. Increased efficiency and productivity: A QMS can help organizations identify and eliminate inefficiencies and redundancies in their processes, leading to cost savings and increased productivity.

3. Enhanced competitiveness: Organizations with a QMS in place can demonstrate to potential customers and partners that they are committed to quality and have a proven track record of delivering it.

4. Compliance with regulations and standards: Many industries are subject to specific rules and standards (such as ISO 9001). A QMS can help organizations meet these requirements and avoid costly non-compliance penalties.

5. Continuous improvement: A QMS is not a one-time implementation but a constant improvement process. By regularly reviewing and updating their QMS, organizations can identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to stay ahead of the competition.

What are the origins of QMS programs?

Quality management systems (QMS) programs have evolved, but they originated from the need to improve the manufacturing industry’s quality of products and services. In the early 20th century, Frederick Taylor introduced the concept of “scientific management,” which focused on increasing efficiency and productivity through studying and analyzing work processes. Later on, Walter Shewhart, an American engineer and statistician introduced the idea of “quality control” by emphasizing the need for statistical methods to control and improve the quality of products.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the Japanese began to implement the concept of “quality control” into their manufacturing processes, which led to the development of the Total Quality Control (TQC) philosophy and the Deming Prize, named after American statistician W. Edwards Deming who had been working with Japanese industry. TQC was based on involving all employees in the quality control process, which significantly improved the quality of Japanese products, leading to Japanese companies becoming major exporters of quality goods.

In the 1980s, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed the ISO 9000 standards for quality management systems. Based on the TQC philosophy, these standards provided a framework for organizations to implement a quality management system and achieve certification.

Quality management system (QMS) programs have their roots in the manufacturing industry, where the need to improve the quality of products and services led to the development of various quality management philosophies and methodologies, such as scientific management, quality control, total quality control, and ISO 9000 standards.

There are various types of QMS Programs!

There are several different types of quality management systems (QMS) programs that organizations can implement, including:

1. ISO 9001: This is the most widely recognized QMS standard and is based on the principles of customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and relationship management. Organizations implementing an ISO 9001-compliant QMS can earn certification from a third-party certification body.

2. Six Sigma: This is a data-driven approach to quality management that uses statistical methods to identify and eliminate process defects. Six Sigma is focused on improving process efficiency and reducing variability.

3. Total Quality Management (TQM): This is a philosophy of continuous improvement that involves all employees in the organization in the quest for quality. TQM focuses on the involvement of all employees in the improvement process and encourages the use of tools such as quality circles and process mapping.

4. Lean Six Sigma: This combines the Six Sigma and Lean methodologies. Lean Six Sigma is focused on both the elimination of waste and the reduction of defects in processes.

5. Kaizen: This is a Japanese term for “improvement” and refers to a philosophy of continuous improvement based on all employees’ involvement in the improvement process. Kaizen is often associated with the Toyota Production System (TPS) and is used to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

6. Statistical Process Control (SPC): This is a method of measuring and controlling the quality of a process by using statistical methods to monitor and control process variables. SPC is typically used in manufacturing environments to ensure that products meet specified quality standards.

Each of these QMS programs has its strengths and weaknesses, and organizations should choose the one that best fits their specific needs and goals.

 

Who controls a QMS?

A quality management system (QMS) is typically controlled by an organization’s management team, which ensures that the QMS is implemented and maintained effectively. The management team is responsible for setting the overall direction and objectives for the QMS, as well as providing the necessary resources and support for its implementation and ongoing operation.

However, the day-to-day management and operation of a QMS are typically the responsibility of a designated quality management representative (QMR), who is usually a member of the management team or a senior-level employee. The QMR is responsible for coordinating the implementation and maintenance of the QMS and ensuring that the QMS meets the needs of the organization and its customers.

Additionally, all employees of the organization are responsible for adhering to the policies, procedures, and processes defined in the QMS and for identifying and reporting any issues or non-conformances that may arise. This means that QMS is a shared responsibility of the whole organization, not just the management.

In the case of a certified QMS, there is an external body responsible for verifying the compliance of the QMS with the standard, and the organization will be audited by the certifying body periodically to ensure the QMS is maintained and is effective.

 

How often should QMS systems be evaluated?

The frequency of review for a quality management system (QMS) depends on the specific requirements of the organization and the standard to which it is certified, if any. However, it is generally recommended that a QMS be reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if significant changes occur within the organization.

ISO 9001, which is the most widely recognized QMS standard, requires organizations to conduct internal audits at least once a year to ensure that the QMS is being effectively implemented and maintained. Additionally, organizations that are certified to ISO 9001 must also undergo a surveillance audit by a third-party certification body at least once a year to ensure that the QMS continues to meet the requirements of the standard.

Other QMS programs may have different requirements for review frequency. For example, Six Sigma programs typically involve regular reviews of process performance to identify and eliminate defects. In contrast, Total Quality Management (TQM) programs involve regular inspections of the entire quality management system to identify areas for improvement.

 

How’s your QMS system?

In conclusion, a QMS is a powerful tool that can help organizations improve customer satisfaction, increase efficiency and productivity, enhance competitiveness, comply with regulations and standards, and continuously improve their products and services. Cascade QMS believes it is essential for any organization looking to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. QMS is our passion. Our consultants are well seasoned with nearly every global QMS plan. Let’s connect and discuss ways to boost your business through a Quality Management System!