MBC, Inc. Quality Tips
Internal Audit
ISO/TS 16949, ISO 9001
“What are the Top Management Responsibilities from Clause 5.0?”
In the past two Quality Tips I have discussed some of the requirements of ISO/TS 16949:2009 Clause 4.0, now it is time to move on to Clause 5.0.
This week’s edition of clause 5.0 will be brief as the subject of interest is quite straightforward and pointed directly at Top Management. Clause 5.0 has many requirements forTop Management; however, I only intend to address two of these requirements. This week I am addressing clause 5.4.2.a, Top Management’s role in Quality Planning.
Often we hear of a plant manager, CEO or President when they are asked, “Are they are committed to quality”. There is only one possible answer to this question “YES”. To answer any other way would be unwise. Whether the person is committed or not is unknowable and indefinable. The problem is not with the answer the problem is with the question. The question should not be “are you committed to quality” the question can only be “are you involved in quality”. The involved manager is the manager that is more likely to bring success.
It is quite simple to be;
Committed and not involved,
It is quite impossible to be involved and not committed.
Let’s take a look at clause 5.4.2 Quality Management System Planning
“Top Management shall ensure that
The planning of the quality management system is carried out in order to meet the requirements given in 4.1, as well as the quality objectives,…”
4.1 “The organization shall establish, document, implement and maintain a quality management system…”
This requirement of 4.1 defines the need to “Document” your QMS plans. 5.4.2.a requires Top Management to ensure plans are in place to meet the objectives of the QMS and the processes of the QMS. This is quite a task and is often overlooked by many organizations. Few registrars question or enforce this requirement. Fewer internal auditors even question this section.
The point here is quite simple the internal auditor must ask the Top Management questions such as. “What are your plans to achieve the goals and/or objectives of the business processes that support the QMS? The manager must produce a “written” plan that leads to the successful obtainment of the quality and business objectives. Planning is such a basic business process but so often neglected, so often past over by auditors both internal and external.
Why a written plan, because the business processes of ISO/TS 16949:2009 and ISO 9001:2008 both are required by clause 4.1.f require plans “…implement actions necessary toachieve planned results…”. Since the standards both require the “documentation” of the QMS requirements, the plans must be in writing and as a result of the actions of Top Management. When this step is followed, the result is the involvement of Top Management not just the commitment of Top Management.
When you have the involvement of Top Management, you have a very proactive manager directing the activities that bring about continuous improvement.
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For additional information about the Internal Audit Process, you may contact the President of MBC, Inc. at anytime; Phone 931.637.1446, or E-mail –Bmartin@MBCIncorp.com
Thank You
Bill Martin – President
MBC, Inc.
