| Introduction | Program | Benefits | Implementation | Timelines | Versatility | Support |
The Fast Track is not a cookie-cutter program. Rather, it is a tailored, well-balanced set of activities that seamlessly integrates a QMS or EMS into your organization . Following is a brief description of each of the components in our methodology.
Kickoff/Mapping Session
This initial interchange gathers together all the stakeholders and serves two important purposes. First, it includes a candid discussion of individual and management responsibilities. Second, it serves as an objective study of your current business processes to determine what you have in place and what needs to be created or upgraded and documented. We identify the internal customer/supplier chain as well as the key process owners. As we go through the elements of the standard, we construct a customized QMS/EMS Map . The QMS/EMS Map lists all ISO-procedures related to your company, the procedure's process owner by name, the procedure's document control number, and the development status of that procedure. Armed with this information, an Alamo Director will prepare a project plan with you, which lists all of your project milestones and dates for successful completion. Once approved, the plan becomes the primary project management tool that identifies potential roadblocks and ensures things don't fall through the cracks.
Registrar Selection Assistance
Alamo will use its familiarity with many of the leading registrars to help you choose the one that best suits your organization. We initiate the selection/recommendation process early in the project to ensure a smooth transition to the registration audit. We can also provide a whole range of registrar assistance services, including appointment scheduling, background research, mediation, and interpretation of the registrar's findings. Even if you have a preferred registrar, we can still streamline the process and reduce the demands on your resources.
Document Control System
Your documentation is only as good as the system that controls and maintains it. The Alamo Director will work with your project manager to establish a document control system, or upgrade the existing one, for maximum effectiveness. This includes creating a review and approval process, developing a document numbering convention, selecting a document format and structure, and developing a systematic method for removing obsolete documents.
Developing Level 1 Documentation
The Quality or Environmental Manual (Level 1 document) is management's definition of the quality or environmental management system, its relationship to the requirements of the standard, and the policies that govern their application. In facilitated meetings , the Director helps to review and prepare the Quality or Environmental Manual with key process owners. This approach promotes speedy consensus and ensures that the final product is an accurate top-level representation of your quality or environmental management system
Developing Level 2 Procedures
Using the QMS or EMS Map as a to-do list, Alamo conducts separate facilitated meetings to capture the content of the Level 2 procedures. In most cases, two meetings are held for each procedure - the first to draft the process, and the second to finalize it. Our objective is to promote clarity and consistency by using a format style that suits your system and your staff. Alamo provides expert process recommendations and can also provide model documents to assist in filling any gaps in your procedures. The end result is a set of clear, user-friendly, easily maintained procedures that both anchors and supports your QMS or EMS.
Awareness Training
Studies show a definite correlation between an employee's understanding of the standard and their active participation in the QMS or EMS. For this reason, Alamo feels it is vitally important to provide awareness training throughout your entire organization. Our training focuses on three areas: a summary of the QMS or EMS implementation project, an overview of the basic requirements of the standard, and a description of the audit process. We incorporate information that is specific to your company to ensure that the training addresses the unique needs of your business. Attendees gain an understanding of the standard and how it applies to the organization and to their jobs; they also learn what to expect during an audit and how to prepare for it.
Optionally, Alamo can provide Awareness training in a web-based format . This delivery system enables participants to select the timing of their training and to learn at their own pace. The training addresses the elements of the standard and its impact on the quality system, identifies the groups or departments that will likely be responsible for implementing the standard, describes tasks typically required to achieve compliance, discusses the auditing approach typically used by registrars and reviews the questions that may be asked during a third-party audit.
Internal Quality Auditor Training/Mentoring
Ongoing adherence to the QMS/EMS can be effectively maintained only with regular auditing. Alamo provides two days of quality audit training followed by real-world experience. The classroom training teaches the how-to of the audit process and provides an in-depth study of the standard's requirements. Participants then apply their newly acquired skills in an actual audit that is supervised by the Alamo Director. This combination of theory and practice speeds and reinforces the learning process and bolsters the confidence of your audit team for future audits.
Pre-audit/Final Audit Support
Some companies elect to have the registrar perform a pre-audit to assess their readiness for the registration audit. Alamo can help you prepare for the audit and can also be present if you prefer. The final audit is normally completed within two months after the pre-audit. Again, the Alamo Director will prepare you for this important event and can be there with you throughout the proceedings.
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