Introducing a system of quality management inside your organization is an indicator that you are aware of the importance of providing your clients with the highest quality service possible. Having an ISO certificate, therefore, says a lot. However, depending on the size of your organization, it can be a complicated process, so it is never a good idea to do it alone since the process, in that case, can last even longer and frustration can be built among employees.
Those who have gone through the process know-how time-consuming and tiring it can be, and there is really no way something can be skipped. The process goes in every detail, in every pore of the business. After all, is prepared, the process of certification comes, and you want to make sure you pass on your first try, otherwise, it will be even more tiring.
This is exactly why you should always hire external help, a company who is specialized in this area of consultancy. certifiedqualityauditor.com is an important step for the organization because it makes sure the system of the management is capable of fulfilling the planned goal of the organization most successfully and efficiently.
Here are some guidelines to consider when hiring an ISO consultant.
1. Reference
How to choose good consultants is a question that plagues many organizations. Every year the number of consulting companies grows and it is not easy to identify consultants who will satisfactorily help the organization to establish a quality management system. Of course, there are some tricks you can use, to make sure you avoid as many troubles as possible.
Reference tells a lot about a consultant. Think of a couple of organizations you know deal with this process and gather as much info as possible on them. Like, how many certifications have they done in the past and for what kind of organizations. Some organizations tend to undergo certification only to brag about it. Some really care about clients taking them seriously, and do this for the quality and nothing else.
Therefore, the type of organization they did their process with is very important. Secondly, the size of those organizations is of great importance. Establishing such a system in a small organization that only offers a couple of services, and has not more than 5 employees, is not such a complicated thing. But establishing the system in a big organization with a lot more complicated structure is another story.
If a consultant company has more references from bigger companies, it clearly shows their ability to into details and provides a structural solution to the management system. Regardless of the fact that you might be a small business, go for this kind of consultant to ensure you pass the certification from the first try.
Engage an expert consultant who specializes in certification preparation to maximize your chances of success and ensure a smooth certification process.
2. Decide on your expectations
When the decision that certification is needed for your business is made, aside from searching for the references like we described in the previous point, a good idea is to open a call or ask for offers from different consulting companies. This is a great way to compare what each offers and is also one of the ways to see how competent each is in the area.
Prior to this, sit together with your team and decide on the goal you wish to achieve and what expectations do you have from a consultant. Does your organization want the consultant to only draft the documentation or to guide you through the entire process of introducing the system and prepare you for the final certification? If the complete process is what you seek, then here are some expectations you might have from a consultant:
- development of a program for the establishment of the system
- education of employees of your organization
- training of internal auditors
- preparation and assistance in the drafting of complete documentation
- application of the management system in practice
- check that the applied system works
- conducting and assisting in conducting internal audits
- resolving possible non-compliances, if the certification fails after the first try.
Consultants should monitor the organization throughout the entire certification process until the end of the organization’s certification as proof that it has successfully established a management system.
3. Personal attributes and knowledge of the consultant
Since the consultant can either be a company or an independent individual offer his expertise in the area, there are some personal qualities you want to consider. They refer to the level of knowledge and skills needed for reaching the goals of the organization, as well as experience.
Qualities we mentioned can include the following: ethics, care, versatility, perseverance, determination, practicality, responsibility, and so on. An important condition in hiring a consultant is avoiding the conflict of interest, keeping the confidentiality of the information given, independence, impartiality in the selection of certification bodies.
A quality consultant must have a general knowledge of standardization, accreditation, and certification. The important things that a consultant should master are the legal regulations in the field of work of the organization, knowledge of the requirements for the product, process, or service of the organization.
After all, this certain someone will have to go through all the important things of your business, including stuff you would not normally share with outsiders. He’ll have to dig, so to say. Therefore, it should be someone you can confide in.
4. High-quality training skills
The last, but not the least important point are the training skills a consultant must have. During the work on drafting the papers, internal regulation, and other things, a consultant is required to provide all employees with the ISO training. Once everything is established, each and every member of the organization has to be aware of the quality standards within the company and how they are implemented. Therefore, their knowledge will depend on the training provided.
As you could see, choosing a good consultant is a serious job, many of the operations afterward will depend, not. Not only whether you’ll get the certificate or not. The most important thing is making sure all the procedures are relevant and applicable to your organization.
