The management system can also help to keep your staff safe in a COVIDsecure workplace .
MAINTAINING QUALITY IN A POST- COVID WORLD
To combat these issues , manufacturers and engineering companies need the right processes in place to ensure they get it right first time , every time .
With these processes in place , these businesses can ensure that their output remains at a consistent quality , that their suppliers are carefully chosen based on suitability and availability , and that the most talented candidates are attracted to their company to work .
It can even put businesses in the right place to explore new markets and attract new business in the post-COVID world .
One way of ensuring that quality is maintained throughout the business , in every operation , is by implementing a quality management system such as ISO 9001 .
Quality management systems create a robust framework of processes for leadership , planning , support , operation , and monitoring and improvement to maintain and develop quality and customer satisfaction .
This helps businesses to :
• Reduce errors
• Improve customer retention
• Increase efficiency for lower costs
• Improve supplier relations
• Create a more factual approach to decision-making
• Boost employee morale
By implementing a renowned quality management system such as ISO 9001 , business can also improve the reputation of the company , attracting both new business and the best talent .
The management system can also help to keep your staff safe in a COVIDsecure workplace . One of ISO 9001 ’ s requirements focuses on the environment for operations . This means you need to have the right processes in place to keep your staff safe and productive .
RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Quality management systems also develop risk-based thinking , which can help businesses to cope with uncertainty – something that has become increasingly important in the wake of the pandemic .
ISO 9001 ’ s Plan , Do , Check , Act Cycle can help manufacturers and engineering businesses to identify risks , develop strategies to deal with them , monitor and evaluate the results , and create improvements for even stronger performance .
Quality management systems can also highlight new opportunities and give manufacturers and engineering companies added clout when it comes to exploring new business in the post-pandemic world .
During the pandemic , Efinity Labs recognised the importance of implementing best practice processes to produce quality products and enter the new market of alcohol sanitiser . They therefore went on to implement ISO 9001 .
By doing this , they have gained traction in other previously unexplored markets , such as the cosmetics sector . “ The ISO is very much working in our favour at the moment ,” reported Efinity Labs ’ Operations Director . “ All the new markets we are looking at will ensure that we will be busy .” Indeed , the company estimates that their new business will increase their turnover by three or four-fold .
This article was authored by Claire Price from QMS International , one of the UK ’ s leading ISO certification bodies .
For further information , please visit www . qmsuk . com
Issue 51 PECM 19