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Timeline for ISO9001:2015 Certification?

Discussion in 'ISO 9001:2015 - Quality Management Systems' started by xrat86, Apr 11, 2017.

  1. xrat86

    xrat86 Member

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    Don't know yet. If it is anything like finding out information on the certification process (players, roles, responsibilities, scope, etc...) we may need several consultants. :)
     
  2. Jennifer Kirley

    Jennifer Kirley Moderator Staff Member

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    Most will want to have a customer service representative (CSR) talk with you. They should be able to supply you with a timeline so you know what to expect.

    You have been plopped into a new world. It looks terribly confusing but a good CSR and auditor can help you understand the process.
     
  3. Andy Nichols

    Andy Nichols Moderator Staff Member

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    What specifics are you looking for? A CB I'm very familiar with has this on their website: https://www.nqa.com/en-us/certification/our-process

    A CB which doesn't even offer the basics like this is probably best to ignore. They likely hide vital information which could affect your relationship later in the small print of their contract. Finding a CB without knowing more about the industry can be detrimental later. As with many supplier relationships, you should start off by knowing more about them, their service, position in the market, suspensions of accreditation, customer service and a host of other details - before you get a quote.
     
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  4. Jennifer Kirley

    Jennifer Kirley Moderator Staff Member

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    I agree with Andy. You are starting the process from scratch, so part of your decision on whom to hire as a CB can be based on their availability of information, transparency of the process (explanation they provide to you) the customer service availability, accuracy, how soon they return your calls, etc. You might as well, since this is the sort of thing in asked for clause 8.4 of the standard.
     
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  5. Andy Nichols

    Andy Nichols Moderator Staff Member

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    I'd suggest the following:

    Gap Analysis: 3 days incl report
    Management Overview: 1 day including debrief of the results of the Gap Analysis
    Planning Event: 2 days
    Preparation Phase: 30 days duration
    System Design/Documentation Phase: 30 days
    System Implementation Phase: 30/45 Days
    System Audit and Review Phase: 30/45 Days
    Certification Phase: 30/45 Days
     
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  6. Paul Simpson

    Paul Simpson Member

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    Hopefully not. The thread seems to have gone into a bit of a confrontational loop. I'm sure Andy would like to be able to give you a simple answer to what you believe is a simple question but, as with most things to do with ISO 9001, there are layers of complexity.
    • ISO 9001 is a generic standard that can be used by organizations of any size from the 'mom and pop' shop to huge multinationals
    • It can be applied to all industry, commercial and not-for-profits
    • It can be used by organizations to self-certify, by customers to audit / assess suppliers and by third party organizations operating certification schemes
    • There are some rules and some generic guidance - Andy's latest post gives some good advice
    • The 3rd party certification industry writes its own rules for CBs and ABs to follow - here is a listing of documents around certification
    • Andy mentioned ISO IEC 17021, this is the 'ISO 9001' for CBs and will tell you the rules they work under, just to give you a flavour (flavor) of why you can't get a straight answer to a straight question here is an excerpt of what the CB has to get from you before they start auditing:
    • a) the information about the applicant organization and its management system is sufficient to develop an audit programme (see 9.1.3);
      organization is resolved;
      b) any known difference in understanding between the certification body and the applicant
      c) the certification body has the competence and ability to perform the certification activity;
      d) the scope of certification sought, the site(s) of the applicant organization’s operations, time required to complete audits and any other points influencing the certification activity are taken into account (language, safety conditions, threats to impartiality, etc.).​
    You've made a good start in talking to a local CB. The assessment is a two way process. Once you have given them some information they will be able to give you a much better idea of timelines for 'their' bit. If you keep a record of what they say to you, you can then play that back to another CB and get their views. As with all these things it is good to shop around for a couple of quotes.

    'Good ole boys' like me / Andy can help with guidance and advice but in the end it is your QMS and you have to find a CB you are comfortable working with.