Category: Consultant

Why doesn’t the auditor like our QMS?

Why doesn't the auditor like our QMS?

My auditor does not like my Quality Management System (QMS)

Your company has been certified to ISO9001, AS9100, ISO13485, and IATF16949 for several years then you get a new auditor and they say you need to make changes. Don’t let any auditor tell you your system is wrong and you need to change it. If there is an issue with your QMS ask your auditor to write a nonconformance report with the section of the standard that is non-conforming. If they don’t write a nonconformance it is because there is NOT a nonconformance just their opinion. Don’t change your QMS because the auditor says there is an issue, challenge them but say it nicely.

Make your auditor understand your QMS

Here is a great example – you do a complete audit of your system once a year then an auditor tells you internal audits need to be done every 6 months. Immediately pick up a copy of your standard (ISO9001, AS9100, ISO13485, IATF16949) and ask them nicely “What section of the standard are they looking at?” Then say I am looking at section 9.2 (8.2 in ISO13485) Internal audit and it says ‘the organization shall conduct internal audits at planned intervals, Not every 6 months.

Now if you have several nonconformances during your internal audits the auditor might suggest you do your internal audits every 6 months but it is up to the company to decide how often you do your internal audits.

Get out a copy of your standard

Once you bring out a copy of your standard (ISO9001, AS9100, ISO13485, IATF16949), ask your auditor what section they are referring to, believe me, they will back down really quick. I have enough experience with auditors that every time I have a copy of a standard and ask them what section they are looking at their attitudes changes quickly. If you don’t have a copy of the standard your company is certified to buy a copy today. Finally, contact us today for all your QMS needs.

 

 


Beware if Your Consultant Wants You to Sign a Contract

So, if you need help implementing or updating your Quality Management System (QMS) who are you going to call? Well, before you call anyone, do some research. Even if you receive a referral from a customer, supplier, or registrar, beware of signing a contract, especially with a large consulting firm. Regardless if you find them from a Google search for ‘ISO9001 consultant’, social media site, or get a referral there are things you need to know before you commit.

Know Your Payment Terms

Once you sign a contract you are legally bound. If you don’t receive the services the company promised you or you just do not get along with the consultant you will be STUCK. When you interview your consulting candidates let them know your payment terms – once they have performed the service, they will be paid 15 or 30 days later, do NOT agree to 50% upfront then the balance after the service is complete. Not every consultant is greedy, but there are a lot of them that take retainers and then generously bill for their time.

In that regard, if you are certified to ISO9001, AS9100, ISO13485, or IATF16949  – BEWARE of the consultant that comes in and needs to change everything because it is wrong. If you are already certified then your system only needs to be tweaked. Many consulting firms like to change documents so they can charge you more money. A good independent consultant with years of experience and good references will be clear and concise when it comes to billing their services.

Consultant Referrals and References

One way to hire a consultant is to get a referral. Even if one of your customers refers a consultant to your company you should call and interview the consultant over the phone. After you speak with them and think you feel comfortable with them invite them to come to your facility. Be sure to ask them for references from companies that they have worked with, then call those companies and find out if the consultant helped them.

Getting a referral may not be convenient and not the only way to go. Just do a little homework, and get references, then you won’t be sorry later.