- 1. Introduction
- 2. What is a QMS and ISO 9001 standard?
- 3. Why is it important to implement a QMS and obtain ISO 9001 certification?
- 4. How can BPM software help implement a QMS and get ISO 9001 certified?
- 5. Conclusion
Introduction
Implementing a Quality Management System (QMS) is a challenging process that requires commitment from all levels of the organization. This process can become even more complex if the goal is to obtain certification in ISO 9001, the most recognized international standard for quality management. In this context, incorporating Business Process Management (BPM) software can be a great ally in achieving your quality goals.
What is a QMS and ISO 9001 standard?
As discussed in the article Quality Management Systems, what are they and how to manage them?, a QMS is a set of processes and procedures implemented to ensure the quality of an organization’s products and services. The ISO 9001 standard establishes requirements that organizations must meet to obtain certification.
Why is it important to implement a QMS and obtain ISO 9001 certification?
Implementing a QMS can provide organizations with significant benefits, such as:
- Improving the quality of products or services
- Increasing customer satisfaction
- Enhancing collaboration with employees
- Strengthening relationships with other stakeholders
- Reducing costs
In the article How to implement a Quality Management System in your company, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to achieving this goal.
The ISO 9001 standard provides a framework for organizations to strengthen their constantly improving quality management system and achieve operational efficiency. Additionally, ISO 9001 certification is international recognition that gives organizations a competitive advantage in the market, perceived as quality guarantee within an organization.
How can BPM software help implement a QMS and get ISO 9001 certified?
BPM software can be a valuable tool for organizations looking to implement a QMS and obtain ISO 9001 certification. The advantages offered by this tool can help streamline the implementation process and improve organizational performance.
Advantages of BPM software for ISO 9001 implementation
BPM software can offer the following advantages for ISO 9001 implementation:
Task Automation
BPM software can automate various administrative tasks necessary for ISO 9001 implementation, such as document creation and distribution, progress tracking, and audit management. This frees up time and resources for employees to focus on more strategic activities.
Performance Monitoring
BPM software can help collect and analyze data on process performance, facilitating the identification of improvement opportunities and enabling real-time decision-making.
Improved Communication and Collaboration
BPM software can facilitate communication and collaboration among different departments of the organization, contributing to a more efficient and effective implementation.
Process Standardization
BPM software can help organizations create standardized processes that align with ISO 9001 requirements, ensuring that processes are carried out as stipulated.
Enhanced Decision-Making
BPM software can provide organizations with information on process performance, aiding in evidence-based decision-making.
Compliance with Requirements
ISO 9001 requires organizations to demonstrate compliance with requirements. BPM software can help collect and analyze data on processes, facilitating evidence of compliance.
Process Auditing
BPM software can streamline the tasks of internal and external auditors, as information is available and centralized in one tool. This can expedite the audit process and ensure all requirements are met.
How to choose BPM software for QMS implementation?
When choosing BPM software for QMS implementation, it’s important to select software that suits the organization’s specific needs and considers the following factors:
- Ability to model and document processes: BPM software should allow organizations to model and document their processes clearly and easily.
- Ability to automate tasks: BPM software should enable organizations to automate administrative tasks related to ISO 9001 implementation.
- Ability to manage regulatory compliance: BPM software should allow organizations to manage compliance with ISO 9001 requirements.
- Ability to facilitate communication and collaboration: BPM software should facilitate communication and collaboration among different departments of the organization.
- Ability to measure and analyze performance: BPM software should enable organizations to measure and analyze the performance of their processes, helping identify improvement opportunities.
Why choose Qflow as BPM software for QMS implementation?
Qflow is a comprehensive and powerful BPM tool that can help organizations implement and manage their QMS effectively. Among the series of features that Qflow offers, which you can explore in detail on our website, the following can be particularly beneficial for QMS implementation:
100% auditable
This feature provides organizations with proof that processes have been implemented and followed correctly, crucial for QMS as processes must be auditable to ensure compliance with requirements. It can significantly contribute to and simplify the internal and external audit process.
Automatic delegation rules
These rules can help ensure that processes are completed as planned, even in the absence of the usual responsible parties. This is important for QMS, as processes must operate continuously, even in the absence of key collaborators.
Time controls
This functionality can help identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in processes. This is important for QMS, as processes must be efficient and effective to meet quality requirements.
Automatic notifications for temporary actions
These notifications can help ensure that tasks are completed on time and that deadlines are met.
Customizable control panels
These dashboards can help organizations visualize process performance, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and make evidence-based, real-time decisions.
Process Versioning
Qflow allows organizations to create new versions of their processes without losing information from previous versions. This can help organizations implement changes to processes in a controlled and effective manner, supporting continuous improvement.
Integration with external services
Qflow can integrate with other systems, allowing, for example, the automatic publication of QMS documents created, reviewed, and approved using Qflow on the organization’s intranet.
Process Design
Flowcharts are a visual representation of an organization’s processes, and Qflow allows organizations to create and design their processes intuitively and easily, facilitating this task and making it easier to share with other users for validation and documentation, even before automation.
In addition to these features specifically tailored for ISO 9001 implementation, Qflow offers a range of general advantages that can be beneficial for any organization, such as:
- User-Friendly: Qflow is an intuitive and user-friendly tool that can be used by individuals without technical knowledge.
- Flexibility: Qflow is a flexible tool that can adapt to the specific needs of each organization.
- Support: Qflow offers a technical support team that is available to help organizations use the tool effectively.
Conclusion
BPM software can be a valuable tool for organizations looking to implement a QMS and obtain ISO 9001 certification. The advantages offered by this tool can help streamline the implementation process and improve organizational performance.
Are you interested in learning more about how Qflow can help you implement ISO 9001? Contact us today to schedule a free demo!