What is Certification?

Certification is a process where an independent body verifies that your business is meeting the necessary or appropriate standards. These standards might be regionally, nationally, or internationally regulated. Your business or organisation may have a variety of aspects certified –  for example its management system, or products, or both.  Certain products sold in Australia must be certified to a Standard. The purpose of a mandatory standard is to make particular safety or information features on products compulsory for legal supply into the Australian market. It is an offence to supply these goods if they do not comply with [...]

Would the Trump Administration Pass an ISO 9001 Audit?

If asked the question “should Donald Trump be certified?” I think many people would answer with an unqualified “YES!” But what about a slightly different question: “Would the Trump Administration pass an audit to be certified to ISO 9001?” Let’s have a look at that question from an auditor’s perspective, and see if we can give an educated answer… Clause 5 Leadership Clause 5 of the ISO 9001 standard calls for “leadership and commitment...by taking accountability…ensuring resources are available…and supporting [...]

5 things a business needs to provide, to succeed at Process Improvement

We all know that process improvement in a business will increase efficiency and productivity, while also driving profits. We also know that if we can implement process improvement properly, our lives and the lives of our staff will be easier and our careers more fulfilling. So why is it so hard to do? Actually, it doesn't have to be difficult.

How do I get ISO certification? Follow these 10 steps

Need ISO management system certification? Click to see an infographic showing a simple summary of the 10 steps — from identifying key drivers, through to development, implementation and auditing. They apply whether your focus is on Quality, Safety, Environment, Food Safety, or any other ISO standard.

When Must I Transition to ISO 9001:2015? Now!

A new version of ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems – Requirements was published in September 2015. This update is not only the first since ISO 9001:2008, it is also the first major revision since ISO 9001:2000 which essentially consolidated three previous standards - ISO 9001, ISO 9002 and ISO 9003. In other words . . . this change is a biggy! All transition activities must be completed by 15 March 2018, so it's time to act NOW.

The Death of Innovation?

When it comes to processes, the introduction of new ideas and improvements can cause conflict within the organisation and inconsistent customer experiences outside the organisation. But documenting your knowledge succinctly and accessibly can help you make the case for change and foster innovation.

4 Ways to Reduce Complexity

Complexities caused by poor processes, confusing role definitions, or unclear accountabilities can be damaging to growth, performance and innovation. Follow these tips to reduce the complexity that leads to unnecessary costs and organisational friction.

Increase Accountability to Improve Performance

Accountability in any organisation is the cornerstone of good governance and ultimately, good performance. Without process accountability, organisations have no means of ensuring that their organisational goals are likely to be met. So here are 3 situations to avoid.