7.4 communication matrix?

Hello everyone!

I'd like to know what is your approach for this clause. I have been told by my quality consultant (and some resources online) that you can use a communication matrix that contains columns with the information required (what to communicate, when to communicate, etc.) What do you think?

 

The only issue that i see tying yourself down to a documented communication schedule, is if you miss a communication meeting or a (whatever) meeting, it could be a minor non conformance, I prefer for communication to just show the records of said meeting. We have employee of the month meetings, daily weekly production meetings for production staff, weekly manager communication meetings. I would rather see and produce records, than a schedule.
remember your QMS is going to be as difficult as you make it, keep it simple.

 

Thanks a lot Andy!

 

Thank you KyleG!

 

I should also add my company is small, 55 people in total 5 of us being management.

 

One of the key elements that you will not be able to address in a single matrix is the detail (often ignored) of who needs to be communicated with in every task (activity) in every process, whether it is just being told that something has happened or getting a copy of a form or report. That is why the "C" of RACI is so useful (as are the other types of involvement). This may only be implied by 9001, but it is essential for effective and efficient operations.

 

In establishing the appropriate approach in fulfilling the requirements in clause 7.4, an organization should understand first its intent. Ensuring that internal and external communication needed for the QMS are in place is the intent. Most organizations have already established these communication mechanisms prior to their ISO journey (e.g. meetings, briefings, correspondences, circulars, bulletin boards, posters, electronic messages, news letters, report submissions, etc.). Organizations will only need to employ these mechanisms to disseminate the necessary information to relevant persons and interested parties.

The requirements in ISO 9001 mention things that must be communicated (e.g. quality policy, objectives, roles, responsibilities, etc.). There are also information that must be communicated as per the organization own requirements including regulatory requirements. Guidelines on who, how, and when these information are to be communicated are better maintained in procedures, job descriptions, policies or even the statements specified in the standards or regulations.

The "matrix", as a reference/guide, is just another documented information that an organization might choose to maintain and should be controlled as per clause 7.5. If an organization opted to document this matrix in the presumption that this is how clause 7.4 is to be fulfilled, IMHO, I believe they missed the intent.

 

Thank you all for your responses. This forum is one of the best resources online I've encountered.

Congratulations!!