ISO 9000 Quality Organization

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ship building and maintenance have been called the most complex of construction and manufacturing processes. In the United States, the primary customer of this complex activity is the U. S. Navy, which is vitally concerned with the quality of the product. Some standard of quality that can ensure consistent customer satisfaction is required.Concurrent with the Navy's desire for an efficient quality standard is an international search for the same. In order to establish a level playing field in this global arena, common standards of quality of manufactured products need to be established.The ISO 9000 standards enhance stability of process and are highly adaptable to the ship repair environment. An ISO program is very tolerant of the characteristics of any industry and can be applied broadly, but it is very specific about its rules of evidence. An ISO standard can be described very briefly: “Say what you do; Do what you say; Prove it.” In addition, there are specific criteria, and although they can accommodate any industry, the burden of adapting is upon the candidate for certification.This paper approaches ISO certification with a broad, systems perspective, building a quality system with a closed loop in mind: customer, mission, policies, objectives, procedures, processes, and customer. This top down approach ensures integrity throughout the quality system and allows divergence to the many ISO criteria. But in addition to strategy, a tactical approach is also needed. There is a need to identify control variables, measure system effectiveness, and provide the documentation that proves it. ISO 9000 absolutely requires this paper trail. In the end, an ISO standard measures stability. By integrating mission, customer, and process, the requirements of an ISO standard are easily met and enhance the ability to satisfy the customer.