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KEY WORDS
Process Approach, Transition, Training
SUMMARY
Transitioning to ISO 9001:2000 requires the adoption/enhancement of the process approach to managing human resources within a QMS. The nature of this impact and the methodologies used by two very different companies (size and type) are compared and contrasted as a basis for discussion.
INTRODUCTION
The recently released revision of the ISO 9001:2000 standard and it's expanded requirements regarding employee competence, awareness and training has prompted a company to review its processes, procedures and methodologies in an attempt to not only meet the new requirements but also to improve it's systems in general. Using the model presented in last year's session "The 7-Step Transition Plan", this paper describes how an identified gap is being addressed.
The steps within this plan include:
1. Identify gaps between where the company stands currently and where it needs to be
2. Identify the timeline and prioritize the gaps accordingly
3. Develop several alternatives to correct each gap (be careful to identify co-dependencies at this stage)
4. Evaluate the alternatives (using a weighting system based on objectives, customer requirements, time, cost and other factors relevant to the particular organization) and identify the best alternative for each gap
5. Develop an implementation plan
6. Implement the plan using project management tools
7. Analyse implementation (post-mortem) & start next cycle of review
Part of the research to overcome this gap was done by searching the environment for best practices and 'benchmarking' other companies. The overall structure of this presentation will carry over the basics of the transition model from last year's paper, identify the specific gap area (competence, awareness and training) and compare and contrast how the case study company and it's major benchmark source (Dofasco) are addressing this element.
BACKGROUND
The case study company is a medium sized manufacturing company. As a leading supplier of construction equipment, specifically aerial work platforms, products can be customized to suit a variety of environments outdoors and indoors. Potential environments for product include standard above ground construction, underground construction, extreme temperature (high & low) and other high-risk environments requiring adaptations for chemical resistance and prevention of explosion. All design work for the product is done internally. Manufacturing processes include fabrication, welding, assembly and a...