Management Systems
Many clients are in need of a systemized process to handle their sophisticated operations. We are compatible with management systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, SERI R2, NIST, NAID, and others. The firm also provides custom management systems that are keyed to the exact needs of our clients. We take the most efficient components of the popular ISO systems and deliver them to our clients. Primary components include the following:
- Document Control. Document control is the process of controlling documentation. It is documented as a procedure or a policy. A document may be assigned a release date, effective date, document identification number, revision number, author, control method, and other operation specific information. Document control depends on the level of sensitivity, regulatory and operations importance, and other business factors.
- Records Management. Records management is a process of controlling company records. It is documented as a procedure or a policy. Records management addresses access to records, retention, destruction, and other management requirements. Records management, with varying levels of intensity, is required for all who have employees and is highly advisable for all business owners.
- Process Change. A process change is a process of addressing business change. In a nutshell, it is a fancy checklist that factors in various business elements upon a proposed change. Upon proposed process change, a checklist is used to assess change in operational documents, records, staffing, compliance, safety, and many, many other factors that a business might have. Complexity of a process change and varies depends on the complexity of a business.
- Corrective Actions. A corrective action is a formal action by the company to address a non-conformity. When a citation, violation, or internal non-conformity is found, a formal correction action is filed to determine the root cause of the non-conformance with an objective to prevent its reoccurrence. When implemented of this process is in place, the corrective process prevents the business from making the same mistake twice.
- Industrial Equipment Management. Businesses who operate industrial equipment (forklifts, compactors, lasers, shredders, lathes, saws, etc.) must maintain the equipment for safety and operational reasons. A business must implement a process change in order to integrate the equipment into the process flow. Part of the process change is to review any documentation from the manufacturer. When documentation is absent, the business must inquire the manufacturer about operation, maintenance, and safety of the equipment. The business then must document the findings in a written procedure.
- Facility Maintenance. Facility maintenance is the process of maintaining your facility in compliance with various laws, regulations, and OSHA standards. This involves fire code compliance (fire sprinklers, fire extinguishers, exit signs), maintenance inspections (daily, weekly, monthly, annually, depending on operations), pathways, storage, process flow maintenance, and other facility related elements, depending on the operations.
- Vendor and Supplier Management. Vendor and supplier management is a process of management of suppliers and vendors to be in conformance with certain output or quality standards. This is particularly important to manufacturing businesses where a defective batch finds its way into the manufacturing stream.
- Quality Control. Quality control is a process (documented into a procedure) of controlling and overseeing the quality of a product being produced or service being rendered. The objective of the system is to prevent a defective batch from a supplier from getting into the manufacturing stream and the service falling below a certain measurable standard.
FAQs
Who manages the management system?
A compliance officer usually manages the system. For smaller companies, it’s the employee most qualified for the job, depending on the business operations.
When do I need a management system
A management system is strongly recommended when a business operates in a heavily regulated industry and when a business owner wants things done a certain way every time. On a practical note, when a business retains our firm, we can usually tell the business, after a comprehensive compliance assessment, whether a management system is warranted.
Do I need a lawyer for a management system?
Yes and no. Most businesses retain a consultant that specializes in business operation. The consultant works with us to address legal issues while working on the non-legal issues. The business gets the best of both worlds – our legal expertise and the expertise of the consultant.
What's the cost of a management system? Is it worth it?
A management system is a cost. It does not bring a profit. However, it ensures the product and/or service is consistent, uniform, and most importantly – compliant. The actual cost depends on the business operation, the cost of the consultant, our fee, internal resources, government fees, etc.
When do I need a record management procedure?
A records management procedure is advisable when a business handles any kinds of records. All businesses have a procedure. For most it’s informal and undocumented. Most businesses need a simple process that will ensure that records are adequately maintained. When we work with the business, we recommend a structure for use. For more sophisticated and regulated businesses, a consultant will work with the business to establish the correct system.
Why do I need a process change procedure?
A process change procedure is needed to ensure that the business remains compliant with legal and other requirements. If a business does not have a system to address process changes, certain business aspects are not considered and missed. When installing a compactor, for example, in addition to installation of the actual equipment, you must ensure that it will be operated in a safe manner, regularly maintained, as well as compliant with any OSHA standards, local ordinances, and the fire code.
At what point do I need a corrective action system?
A corrective action system is highly recommended for businesses that cannot afford a mistake – typically in heavily regulated industries. We recommend a corrective action system as a concept for all businesses.
What do I need for industrial equipment maintenance?
Industrial equipment maintenance depends on the type of equipment. For some, manufacturers provide operating and maintenance manuals while others don’t – typically for custom manufactured equipment. Regardless, at the end of the day, a business with industrial equipment must provide a process (typically a procedure) to maintain the equipment.
Why is facility maintenance important?
Failure to maintain a facility in compliance with the laws, regulations, and OSHA standards may result in facility shutdown by the government. For some, it may not severe. Some businesses, without knowing, are suffering from mismanagement of inventory, loss if productivity from improper process flow management, unsanitary facilities, dissatisfied employees, and other problems related to a facility that has not be maintained.
Do I need a quality control system?
Yes. Most businesses have one, but they are usually informal and undocumented. It is needed when you want to make your customers happy, delivering the same great product or service every time.