ISO 9001 Implementation frequently runs into difficulties when addressing the requirements of Clause 6.2. Here's how we think it should be done.
But, first things first...
What are Quality Objectives?
Quality Objectives is defined in ISO 9001 : 2015 as: objective related to quality. Not very helpful. as documented in fulfilment of
ISO/TS 9002 is better. It says… ‘Quality objectives should be established at relevant functions, levels and processes, as appropriate, to ensure the effective deployment of the organization’s strategic direction and its quality policy.
For example, quality objectives might be set at an operational level, for the procurement function or the design process.’
Our Advice: Top management may establish quality objectives at the strategic level, the tactical level or the operational level.
The strategic level includes the highest levels of the organization, and the quality objectives can be applicable to the whole organization. The tactical and operational levels can include quality objectives for specific products, processes, units or functions within the organization and should be compatible with its strategic direction.
Choose Quality Objectives within the scope of the QMS and communicate these to the persons working under the organization’s control who have the ability to influence the achievement of quality objectives.
Quality Objectives do not have to be quality assurance related; although if this were a problem area, top priority should be given to it in choosing objectives. Objectives such as increasing sales while maintaining the QMS or the introduction of automation to reduce costs would be acceptable.
The chosen objectives must be measurable and stated clearly. Aspirational statements are not acceptable.
In addition to setting Quality Objectives, you must also have a plan for achieving them. This must include:
Results:
A set of Quality Objectives chosen by top management. Also, the documentation of the actions that have to be taken within the QMS to achieve the chosen Quality Objectives, and these documented in a series of Improvement Projects or similar.
Here we address the commonly-made errors that lead to non-compliances being found during ISO 9001 Audits. Some typical errors include:
Here's an example of Quality Objectives as documented in a Management Review…
Continual Improvement & Quality Objectives
The QMS continues to work satisfactorily.
Current Quality Objectives:
Action By: M Cahill & Donald Smyth
Due Date: May 2017 (carried forward)
New Quality Objectives:
This is primarily for training purposes.
Action By: M Cahill
Due Date: May 2017 (carried forward)
Action By: M Cahill
Action By: M Cahill
Due Date: May 2016 (carried forward)
In due course, targets will be assigned to each.
Reference to these KPIs as Quality Objectives will be added to the Quality Manual.
Action by: Omar Ahmed
Due Date: May 2016
Note that the Objectives are not just set when implementing ISO 9001, They are not ‘set in stone’ and will change in time in line with changes to customer and other business requirements.
Quality objectives are a very sensible requirement of ISO 9001. They keep the QMS grounded in reality. The need to ensure the effective deployment of the organization’s strategic direction and its quality policy is the foundation of this reality.
And, whatever you do, do not choose objectives just to meet the standard’s requirement – choose objectives that are meaningful for the organization and aid it in achieving its strategic objectives. Be sure that this will be checked during your ISO 9001 Certification Audit.
ISO 9001 Courses mage map. Click on any course you are interested in to see the full course overview.
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We have chosen ISO 21001 certification because, unlike IRCA and Exemplar badges (which in our opinion are commercially compromised), it is based on independent third-party assessment. It is a ‘university grade’ standard in use globally by schools, colleges, and universities to demonstrate their competence.