The key is in documenting your processes in such a way that the 
organisation remains flexible and is able to respond to changing 
circumstances.

One method of achieving this is to use an integrated process management 
software tool which allows you to concentrate on defining your processes 
because it takes care of the administration and document control. We are 
about to evaluate such a tool, which we are led to believe takes care of 
about 80% of the drudge involved in maintaining a formal quality 
management system. It uses a rules based flowcharting engine with which 
you draw and define your processes, and it then uses it's documentor to 
integrate this material into your quality documentation.

The company is Axion Australia in Adelaide, telephone +61 8 8395 0508.

Lothar Thole
Senior Manager - Technical Operations
QPSX Communications Pty Ltd
33 Richardson Street
West Perth  WA  6005 Australia
Tel: +61-9-262-2000
Fax: +61-9-324-1642
email: [log in to unmask]

> 
> We have been contacted by one of our member companies that has been 
> certified to ISO-9001 for over two years.  This member is looking to 
take 
> the next step to improve their processes and quality.
> 
> The concern is this:  now that everything is documented properly, how 
do 
> you gain flexibility in the process that will allow process change 
> without jeopardizing the certification?
> 
> The objective is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the 
> ISO-9000 process which will allow a more timely change to the process.
> 
> Has any of the Technet participants gone down this path?  Are their any
> 
> software or documentations solutions that companies have determined to 
be
> 
> successful?
> 
> Any feedback would be
> appreciated.
> 
> Regards
> 
> __________________________________________________
> 
> David W. Bergman, V.P. of Technical Programs
> IPC
> 2215 Sanders Road
> Northbrook, IL  60062-6135
> 847-509-9700 x340 Phone
> 847-509-9798 Fax
> email  [log in to unmask]
> www  http://www.ipc.org
> faxback support
> 800-646-0089
> ---------------------------------------------------
>  
> 
>