Why does one become an auditor? What makes a good auditor? These are some of the questions that one may have in mind when it comes to auditing.  “ISO auditors can’t look at everything. As a result, they’ve been trained to look for key indicators that reflect the overarching quality standards for an entire organization. Optimizing for these indicators will ensure that your audit goes smoo...

ISM Code has now stood the test of time, as the fundamental in implementing the process-based management system approach in the maritime industry. All too often, major accidents are the catalyst for change in the maritime industry.  Evidence of this is seen in the development and implementation of maritime conventions and codes in existence today. The International Safety Management (ISM...

AS 9100 aerospace quality management systems enable organizations a framework for using a process-based approach to meeting customer requirements. AS 9100 in clause 5.1.1h requires the leadership to show their commitment to the system by “engaging, directing, and supporting persons to contribute to the effectiveness of the quality management system.” Further clause 7.3 asks organizations...

Management systems should enable the continual improvement of an organization. Even with a well-documented and resourced system, managers find it challenging to gain buy-in from the workforce. Users are looking for the answer to “what’s in it for me?” It is only when this question is answered that the workforce will raise non-conformities, audits will not be perceived as policing and peo...

Overwhelmed by the amount of documentation within your organization. Don’t worry, you are not alone! As organizations and their systems grow so does the amount of system documentation to include procedures, instructions, checklists, SOPs etc. At times, the documentation is not created because it is needed. It is created to resolve a non-conformity, to ensure a process error does not o...

There is often confusion about the difference between audits and inspections. The purpose of each may seem the same, but they are slightly different.  Audits focus on why, while inspections focus on what. The purpose of an audit is to get the confidence that processes are working well.  An audit involves various layers to answer a “why” question. It involves exploratory reviews involving...

Quality Management International President and CEO, Dr. IJ Arora presented on the topic "Why Safety Management Systems Fail-The Cost of Non-Compliance" at the Passenger Vessel Association MariTrends. The presentation was well received and applauded by the packed room. The PVA Anual Convention was held at Northern Kentucky Convention Center this year on March 4-7. The convention featur...