February 2007

OPINION

• ISO 9001: Could It Be Better? (PDF, 159 KB)
  Providing a high quality product or service proves the worth of an organization’s quality system. Preparing for audits and certifications can pull valuable resources away from activities that increase quality and improve business performance.
  Jack Dearing, quality manager, Otto Environmental Systems, Charlotte, NC

STANDARDS

• Know and Follow ISO 19011's Auditing Principles (PDF, 181 KB)
  For auditors, it’s critical to stay on top of the five principles of auditing to ensure audits are effective. Auditors must always remember to be ethical, fair, professional, independent and factual when examining an organization.
  J.P. Russell, president, J.P. Russell & Associates, Lake Wylie, SC

GLOBAL QUALITY

• The International Growth of Quality (PDF, 96 KB)
  The growth of quality around the world and an emphasis on customer value continues to change the marketplace’s playing field. To keep pace with the economic, social and technological advances present in the global economy, organization leaders must focus on five key quality process areas.
  A.V. Feigenbaum, president and CEO, General Systems Co., Pittsfield, MA

BEST PRACTICES

• Merging Quality Cultures in Contract Manufacturing (PDF, 107 KB)
  When two companies combine, many elements must meld together, including their respective quality cultures. Being open to change, standardizing processes and incorporating best practices helped one manufacturer overcome the challenges of a merger.
  David M. Jones, quality manager, EPIC Technologies LLC, Johnson City, TN

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