ASQ - American Society for Quality

	ASQ Q9004 Quality management systems - Guidelines for performance improvements Buy ASQ Collections Online subscriptions to multiple documents on various subjects Info To speak with an IHS Subject Matter Expert call 1-888-752-0334, outside the US/Canada call 303-397-2892. More Top ASQ Standards...

ASQ Q9004 - Quality management systems - Guidelines for performance improvements

General
The adoption of a quality management system should be a strategic decision by the top management of an organization. The design and implementation of an organization's quality management system is influenced by varying needs, particular objectives, the products provided, the processes employed and the size and structure of the organization. This International Standard is based on eight quality management principles. However, it is not the intent of this International Standard to imply uniformity in the structure of quality management systems or uniformity of documentation.

The purpose of an organization is

• to identify and meet the needs and expectations of its customers and other interested parties (people in the organization, suppliers, owners, society), to achieve competitive advantage, and to do this in an effective and efficient manner, and
• to achieve, maintain, and improve overall organizational performance and capabilities.

The application of quality management principles not only provides direct benefits but also makes an important contribution to managing costs and risks. Benefit, cost and risk management considerations are important for the organization, its customers and other interested parties.

These considerations on overall performance of the organization may impact

• customer loyalty,
• repeat business and referral,
• operational results such as revenue and market share,
• flexible and fast responses to market opportunities,
• costs and cycle times through effective and efficient use of resources,
• alignment of processes which will best achieve desired results,
• competitive advantage through improved organizational capabilities,
• understanding and motivation of people towards the organization's goals and objectives, as well as participation in continual improvement,
• confidence of interested parties in the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization, as demonstrated by the financial and social benefits from the organization's performance, product life cycle, and reputation,
• ability to create value for both the organization and its suppliers by optimization of costs and resources as well as flexibility and speed of joint responses to changing markets.

Scope
This International Standard provides guidelines beyond the requirements given in IS0 9001 in order to consider both the effectiveness and efficiency of a quality management system, and consequently the potential for improvement of the performance of an organization. When compared to IS0 9001, the objectives of customer satisfaction and product quality are extended to include the satisfaction of interested parties and the performance of the organization.

This International Standard is applicable to the processes of the organization and consequently the quality management principles on which it is based can be deployed throughout the organization. The focus of this International Standard is the achievement of ongoing improvement, measured through the satisfaction of customers and other interested parties.

This International Standard consists of guidance and recommendations and is not intended for certification, regulatory or contractual use, nor as a guide to the implementation of IS0 9001.

Normative reference The following normative document contains provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this International Standard. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent edition of the normative document indicated below. For undated references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of IS0 and IEC maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.

• IS0 9000:2000, Quality management systems - Fundamentals and vocabulary,