QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Introduction
This chapter describe about the ISO in general. It also describes about the requirement of ISO 9001:2008 in quality management system that related to preparing of tender document. It then explains the important of being accredited with the ISO 9001:2008 certification.
The Concept of ISO
ISO is an international recognized standard for the quality management system of business. According to Department of Standards Malaysia (2009), this international standard is used to assess the organization’s ability to meet the customers, statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the product or service supply and the organization own requirement. It applies to the processes that create and control the products and services supply by the organization. It also prescribes the systematic control of activities to ensure the needs and expectations of client are met.
The ISO does not define the actual quality of the product or service supply by the organization but the market (client) will ultimately decide whether the product or service of this organization is good or otherwise. Therefore this standard is only as guidance for the organization to achieved consistent result and continually improves the process.
Besides, there are many series of ISO available nowadays. Because of this study is focus on the series of ISO to be accredited to the quantity surveying firm, thus, only the requirement of ISO 9001:2008 standard is discussed in this study.
The ISO 9001:2008 Standard (Quality Management System)
This standard is produce to specify the requirements for quality management system of an organization. It also promotes the adoption of a process approach when developing, implementing and improving the effectiveness of a quality management system. If the organization conforming to this standard, there will be structured management system applied in this organization. This is will help the organization to consistently meet the customer and regulatory requirements and achieve the continual improvement of its process.
The ‘process approach’ is referred to a system of process that applied by an organization together with the identification and interactions of these processes and their management to produce the desired outcome. Therefore, to make an organization function effectively, it has to determined and manage the numerous linked of activities.
In this ISO 9001:9008 standard, the process of preparation the tender document is fall under Clause 7.5.1. This clause describe about the control of production and service provision. It emphasizes that the organization need to plan and carry out production and service provision in the controlled conditions. According to this clause, the control condition is including:
- a) The availability of information that describe the characteristics of the product.
b) The availability of work instructions as necessary.
c) The use of suitable equipment.
d) The availability and use of monitoring and measuring equipment.
e) The implementation of monitoring and measurement
f) The implementation of product release, delivery and post-delivery activities.
Therefore, in order for the quantity surveying to be accredited with this ISO certification, their procedure for preparation of tender document must take into consideration of these requirements.
Differences between ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2000
According to International Organization for Standardization, the ISO 9001:2008 is introduce to clarify the existing requirements of ISO 9001:2000. It is also developed to improve the compatibility with ISO 14001:2004. This ISO 9001:2008 does not introduce the additional requirement. It also does not change the intent of the ISO 9001:2000 standard. The certification of ISO 9001:2008 is not an “upgrade” from the ISO 9001:2000 certification. The organization that is certified with ISO 9001:2000 should be provided with the same status as the organizations that have already received a new certificate to ISO 9001:2008.
The differences between the ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008 regarding to clause that need to take into consideration in making the procedure for preparation of tender document is describe in figure below. The deleted text of ISO 9001:2008 is indicated by strikethroughs while the new ISO 9001:2008 text is highlighted an underlined.
ISO 9001:2008 Certification Scheme
This certification scheme is offered to organization that wants quality in their management system. The participation in this scheme is by voluntary. However, the government regulatory authorities may require mandatory certification for certain products and services.
The Important of Quantity Surveying Firm in Acquire ISO 9001:2008
Clients have an increase expectation of the service offered by quantity surveying firm and this couple with the competition from every quantity surveying firm and has result in challenge to get the project from client. To meet these challenges, the quantity surveying firm needs to enhance the quality of their services. Therefore, to increase the quality of the firm, they can use the ISO 9001:2008 standard and get the accreditation by certified body.
If a firm gets the registration of ISO 9001:2008 by an accredited certified body, it will show that the firm is committed to quality and willing to work towards improving efficiency. It also demonstrates the existence of an effective quality management system applied in this firm and that management system satisfies the rigours of an independent external audit. With this ISO certification, the firm can enhance their image in the eye of customers, employers and shareholders alike. It also give a competitive edge to the firm’s marketing.
Besides, by implementing the quality management system, it will motivate staff by defining their key role and responsibilities. Cost saving can be made through improved efficiency and productivity as product or service deficiencies will be highlighted. Therefore, improvements can be developed and effect in less waste, inappropriate or rejected work and fewer complaints. The client also will notice that the firm’s service is satisfying their requirement with correct specification. As the result, this can open up the market place to increased opportunities.