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Subject:ISO-9000 certification From:eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Mon, 5 Aug 2002 15:08:49 -0400
ISO 9000 implementation is often a crock and the registration process does
little to enforce the true spirit of the standards. The idea behind ISO 9000 is
a good and sound one that could be applied in many areas.
ISO 9000 is only useful if the procedures documented and followed are the actual
procedures in use. Unfortunately many document ideal procedures and then
continue following the same awful work process as before.
We've already heard Andrew's opinion on the subject. Check the archives. To
paraphrase, I believe he said something along the lines that GM was ISO 9000 and
they still built crap cars.
I wholly agree with that. ISO 9000 is not meant to create perfect product. It is
meant to create repeatable output. In other words, it ensured that process is
followed and each and every car produced is exactly as bad as the previous and
next. What ISO 9000 ensures is that when as a purchasing company you are
presented with the first article for inspection you also have a process that
produced that article. If the article is acceptable, each and every article
produced with the same process should be the same. ISO 9000 principles of
documenting process also allow the manufacturer to progressively track whether
changes in process create improvements or worsen the output. Without documented
processes, it is difficult to repeat good results and each item becomes a hit
and miss gamble as to whether it is acceptable or not.
Eric L. Dunn
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