Latest Posts
Feb. 5, 2025
Someone skips a small step in the process while under pressure to "just-get-it-done". What could go wrong??... Plenty!
Jan. 7, 2025
This is a story about how a small problem turned into big trouble for a manufacturer, and shows why incoming goods inspection is so important.
Oct. 2, 2024
Meeting requirements for competent personnel in a testing and calibration laboratory for ISO 17025, or for ISO 9001 and other related standards.
July 26, 2024
Compiling a risk register might make an organisation feel better, but does not provide protection. Controls must be implemented and maintained.
June 27, 2024
What is a KPI, and how is it relevant to a quality management system and business goals
May 21, 2024
ISO 9001 has multiple places where it talks about “scope” and they are not all the same. This article looks at all the different definitions of "scope" in a QMS.
April 29, 2024
ISO 9001 was amended in February to include requirements related to climate change. The update is effective immediately, so auditors will be looking for it already.
March 20, 2024
An effective business management system can significantly boost your business success, and increase business value. We talk about how to start capturing your business knowledge, and implementing systems to manage, protect, and share the information.
Sept. 15, 2023
Management review is an essential process in maintaining ISO 9001 certification. What topics need to be covered?
Aug. 15, 2023
Suppliers have a big effect on your own quality performance so it is important to have controls in place, and a process to assess supplier performance.
July 25, 2023
Regular meetings are a powerful tool for workplace communication and consultation in managing safety and quality, but to avoid the talkfest trap, you must log the actions arising from the meeting and hold people accountable.
Jan. 17, 2023
What is Industry 4.0, some examples, and how it works for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
June 13, 2022
A PQP is a blueprint for how you will maintain quality from beginning to end as products are developed, tested, manufactured, and shipped to your customers.
March 14, 2022
Failure to address your legal and regulatory issues could lead to a range of consequences. This article talks about what you can do to reduce the risks of non-compliance.
March 7, 2022
In this article, Ian takes you briefly through some of the key aspects of quality planning to ensure you get the best results.
Feb. 7, 2022
Everyone is familiar with QR codes after Covid19 checkins, and they can be incredibly useful in many manufacturing and operational processes across a wide variety of industries.
Jan. 27, 2022
Many businesses fail to implement a quality system because they feel they simply don't have the time to do so. The irony is that an efficient and effective quality system can free up time.
Dec. 10, 2021
How to get back on track when things go wrong - step by step process to follow for effective corrective action in response to quality issues in your organisation.
Dec. 1, 2021
Use remote internal audits to test the health of your compliance management system and get valuable information that helps you to optimise your business processes.
May 3, 2019
Fulfilling safety responsibilities is part of your quality management system - as legal and regulatory requirements.
May 18, 2018
ISO 9001 specifies responsibilities for top management in the quality management system.
Sept. 1, 2017
Emergency Response Plans are a requirement for all Australian businesses. It's more than just an evacuation plan. So what's in one?
Aug. 17, 2017
Business Victoria says that Systems are a key step for business growth
Feb. 19, 2016
It's not just assessments!
Feb. 8, 2016
What are the kinds of evidence to look for? What's expected to be in place? Guidance for beginner auditors.
Nov. 5, 2015
In the 2015 release of the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard, references to 'documents' and 'records' have now been replaced by "documented information". Requirements have also changed.
Oct. 7, 2015
Under the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, it's recognised that safety and quality of care will be at risk if the workforce does not have the appropriate level of skill or experience. You must closely track credentials.
Sept. 28, 2015
This plain english guide to the auditing criteria for the "FSC Safety Scheme for Government Construction Projects" is a useful resource for other safety systems too.
July 14, 2015
Used to analyse Environmental Aspects and impacts, and to look at how different activities influence those impacts. This will help set the direction for developing measurements and then targets/ objectives for reducing your environmental impacts.
May 6, 2015
Many businesses choose to handle minor and major nonconformities differently to help direct resources appropriately. But many small issues add up to a major problem, so they can't be ignored.
May 4, 2015
In order to maintain the quality of your product or service, you need to look after the equipment that helps you provide it!
March 2, 2015
The quality management standard states that you have to ensure your product or service meets both customer and legal requirements. To keep all the 'red tape' under control, you'll need a system.
Jan. 6, 2015
Businesses have a duty of care to their workers and are required to manage risks to health and safety, including 'Managing Risk of Hearing Loss from Noise' contained in the 'Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011'
Jan. 5, 2015
While the popular press is awash with various weight loss strategies for achieving a common personal New Year's resolution, you might like to try the business version - reducing waste (rather than 'waist') to become more "Lean".
Nov. 25, 2014
Australia has state-based as well as national prequalification schemes for government construction work tenders. Pre-qualification schemes are also used in the UK for government procurement.
Nov. 13, 2014
Which documents should be reviewed regularly? Are there any that don't need it? How can you manage periodic reviews for important documents with QSToolbox?
Nov. 4, 2014
Inspection and Test Plans set out critical control points or 'hold points' where you will conduct an inspection or check in order to verify that things are progressing as they should be. For ISO 9001, it's part of Monitoring and Measurement.
Sept. 24, 2014
Taking on the role of Management Rep? What's required? What is expected? Here's a list of responsibilities that you might see in the description for the role of Quality System "Management Representative"
Sept. 10, 2014
Manage your workplace inspections, insurance renewals, etc using QSToolbox.
March 5, 2014
If a picture tells a thousand words, can you use one instead of words for procedures and work instructions? What about videos? Have a look at how to include this kind of "non-written" documentation in QSToolbox in a way that's best for mobile users
May 3, 2013
Using revision dates and revision numbers are both common document control methods for identifying the current version of the document. Some companies use both dates and numbers. What is actually required?
March 14, 2013
When is a form a controlled document and when is it a record?
Nov. 2, 2012
Have a look at a worked example of managing calibration of measuring and test equipment using QSToolbox - a recent addition to our support resources.
Sept. 14, 2012
Ian shares a recent experience of explaining calibration management to a client, and why you need to review the calibration report.
Aug. 14, 2012
Tips and tricks for stress free internal quality system audits
Aug. 14, 2012
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has an online safety benchmarking tool.
Aug. 14, 2012
ISO 9001 has a real impact on the on-going development and success of your organisation when all employees participate in the quality system. Here's some ideas on where to get started.
Aug. 14, 2012
When implementing a new ISO9001 Quality Management System, it is sometimes difficult to know where to begin. A common question is 'which procedures do I need to document?". Here's a path to follow.
Aug. 13, 2012
Ian observes that small / medium companies across Australia struggle to maintain paper-based quality systems. With key tasks neglected, there's no value for the business and certification is lost or abandoned.