Management System
Every company must have a system of procedures that is followed. The procedures provide the basis for making sure that the company covers all the managerial requirements. Sometimes a management system is informal, undocumented, disorganized and inconsistent.
Many companies with this type of management system say they want flexibility, simplicity and freedom. Nevertheless, even if they don't admit it, they have a management system. The management system evolved form the management's experience. It may even be pretty good, but it won't cover all aspects of management unless it has been described and evaluated.
The first step to a good management system is to describe the management procedures in use. This means writing down the procedures being used.
Once the procedures are written down, the managers can evaluate the effectiveness of the system.
Is anything missing? Controls? Improvements? Non-conformance procedures? Customer Satisfaction? Management Reviews? Procedure Audits?
If nothing is missing, are the procedures effective in controlling the work and providing continuous improvement?
When the effort is done, the company will have a management system that fits their management style and provides a well thought out basis for running the company.
ISO 9000 is a management system that can be fit to many companies' needs. It is not the only management system but it is the only management system that has been developed by a group of management experts from around the world. So, unless your company has access to another discipline, this is the place to start.
