Frequently Asked Questions
What will it cost?
All charges are calculated on a per day basis. The daily rate varies depending on the scope of work and other relevant factors.
Projects such as implementation are planned over the number of working days estimated to be required in order to complete the project.
After implementation, EQS offers optional maintenance contracts at an agreed monthly rate that usually include 2-3 days per month where consultants make regular visits to plan, co ordinate and perform the activities regularly required in order to continuously maintain the effectiveness of the Quality Management System such as updates to documentation, internal audits, management reviews and resolution of non-conformances.
Will additional staff need to be employed?
Clause 5.5.2 of the ISO 9001 standard states the following:
Top Management shall appoint a member of management
who, irrespective of other responsibilities, shall have
responsibilty and authority that includes
a) ensuring that processes needed for
the QMS are established, implemented and maintained,
b) reporting to top management on the
performance of the QMS and the need for improvement,
c) ensuring the promotion of awareness
of the customer requirements throughout the organisation.
Normally, there is no need to employ additional staff due
to the implementation of ISO 9001 but there are several functions
that do need to be performed on a regular basis in order to maintain
the QMS and, in large organisations, these functions can become a
full time job.
Some of the key functions required by the QMS are planning
and performing internal audits, updating QMS documentation
when required, co-ordinating management review meetings
and over-seeing the resolution of non-conformances within
the Quality Management System.
As an additional service, EQS can provide maintenance
contracts after implementation where a monthly rate
is established which includes regular visits from a
consultant who maintains the QMS and handles the above-mentioned
functions ensuring that they are carried out in accordance
with the requirements of ISO 9001.
Will an ISO 9001 Quality Management System generate
more paperwork?
One of the requirements of ISO 9001 is document
and record control and the need to maintain records
for monitoring, measuring and data analysis.
However, when we implement ISO 9001 Quality Management
Systems we aim to keep all processes as simple and user-friendly
as possible. Paperwork is only generated where the need
is identified for data analysis or to prevent errors
due to lack of information. Every effort is made to
ensure that paperwork generated throughout the QMS is
simplified and does not become excessively time-consuming
or slow production unnecessarily.
Can I do it myself?
Any person may implement an ISO 9001 Quality
Management System in their organisation but unless that
person has a very good knowledge and understanding of
ISO 9001, it can be a difficult and time-consuming process.
In the same way that we make use of accountants to manage
our book-keeping, the use of consultants to implement,
audit and maintain your QMS is certainly advantageous.
The combined knowledge and experience of the EQS consultants
ensures that implementation and maintenance of your
Quality Management System is carried out efficiently,
within a suitable time frame and, more importantly,
that the QMS is value-adding and conforms to the requirements
of ISO 9001.
How long will implementation take?
For an average sized company, implementation projects
are usually spread out over 6-8 months. The time needed
also depends of the degree of quality and process controls
and the documentation that is already in place in the
company before the start of the implementation.
An ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) involves all departments which have a direct impact on the quality or service provided by the company. Therefore, it is vital that the members of these departments are actively involved in the implementation as their input is required to ensure that the QMS is effective and value-adding throughout the organisation. This input and involvement will greatly affect the progress and duration of the implementation process.