Overview
Ongoing support for a management system begins after its build-up or initial certification. ADLER CertConsulting can support internal staff with document maintenance, key figures, actions, training, internal audits and management reviews. The scope and division of work are agreed with management. Decisions, resources and responsibility for the effectiveness of the system remain within the company.
Ongoing system maintenance
A management system changes along with the company. New activities, staff, locations, customer requirements or legal conditions can affect processes and records. At the same time, results from audits, complaints, error analyses and improvement actions must be handled in a traceable way.
ADLER CertConsulting can provide plannable specialist support for this. Options include regular coordination with management and system owners, maintenance of selected documents and registers, action tracking, preparation and conduct of internal audits, facilitation of the management review and training of the staff involved.
Operational quality management tasks
Depending on the agreed scope, operational quality management tasks can also be included: preparing and facilitating improvement and quality meetings, structuring supplier evaluations, supporting agreed supplier audits and maintaining relevant overviews of standards or requirements. This keeps ongoing support from being limited to document maintenance before the next audit and instead supports specific decisions in day-to-day operations.
External support for the quality management representative
Where needed, ADLER CertConsulting also supports an internally appointed quality management representative or takes on operational tasks that are clearly described in the contract. However, ISO 9001:2015 does not generally require the appointment of a quality management representative. Top management remains responsible for the leadership, integration and effectiveness of the quality management system.
Preparation for surveillance and recertification audits
Before surveillance and recertification audits, open actions, changes and required records are reviewed. ADLER CertConsulting can support the company in the preparation and during the audit appointment. The certification body remains independent and decides on the certification status.
Fields of service
- regular coordination with management and system owners
- maintenance of agreed process and system documentation
- updating of action lists and record overviews
- planning and conduct of internal audits
- preparation and facilitation of the management review
- support with root-cause analyses and corrective actions
- preparation and facilitation of continuous-improvement and quality meetings
- support with supplier evaluations and agreed supplier audits
- maintenance of agreed overviews of standards and requirements
- training and involvement of those responsible and staff
- preparation for surveillance and recertification audits
Frequently asked questions
What does ongoing support for a management system include?
The scope is agreed individually. Typical tasks are document maintenance, action tracking, internal audits, management review, training and preparation for external audits. Continuous-improvement and quality meetings, supplier evaluations, agreed supplier audits and the maintenance of selected overviews of standards and requirements can be added.
Can ADLER CertConsulting act as an external quality management representative?
ADLER CertConsulting can take on agreed operational quality management tasks or support an internal representative. The role, authorities and interfaces must be clearly defined. The leadership responsibility of management remains in place.
Does ISO 9001 require a quality management representative?
ISO 9001:2015 does not generally require a person with the title of quality management representative. However, the company must effectively assign responsibilities and authorities for the quality management system.
How often should support take place?
That depends on changes, risks, level of maturity, the audit programme and internal resources. Options include regular appointments or clearly defined engagements before audits and management reviews.