An in-depth, accessible guide to the intricacies of QS-9000 With QS-9000 certification deadlines just around the corner, you want to be sure your company is on the right track to meeting requirements. This timely and indispensable guide answers the most commonly asked questions about QS-9000 compliancy, offering in-depth explanations as well as "capsule answers" for quick reference. What are the characteristics of a QS-9000 quality system? A QS-9000 quality system is a documented, self-improving union of resources and activities that governs every aspect of a process that affects quality. What firms are required to register with QS-9000? Direct suppliers of production materials, parts, or key finishing services—and certain other suppliers—must register. What are the advantages or benefits of QS-9000 registration? It improves customer confidence, provides access to markets, improves competitive standing, and reduces supplier quality assurance program costs. What quality tools and techniques are mandated by QS-9000? QS-9000 requires the use of mistake-proofing methods, disciplined problem-solving methods, and the use of cross-functional teams for decision making. What are some of the common perils and pitfalls to effective system implementation? Pitfalls you should avoid include trying to implement "from the bottom up," doing "just enough" to get registered, getting carried away with documentation, and springing the system on the work force all at once.

This detailed reference was the first of its kind to discuss the requirements for QS-9000 certification. Written for automotive suppliers and manufacturers responsible for developing a quality strategy for achieving high quality standards, this book serves as an overview and critical interpretation of the ISO 9000 quality standards and the QS-9000 requirements. In this revised and expanded edition to his best-selling book, Integrating QS-9000 with Your Automotive Quality System, D. H. Stamatis explains the changes to the QS-9000 requirements. the author also introduces some issues regarding the applicability of audits and auditors to the industry perspective. Two new chapters dealing with auditors and auditing have been added to address concerns most often expressed by those involved with an evaluation. A new chapter discusses the environmental impacts relating to QS-9000 and the role ISO 14000 plays in the QS-9000 arena. the VDA 6 German requirement is also introduced. You'll find a full quality manual (QM) to demonstrate how a QM can be written in a paragraph format combining the elements with the subelements of the standard. Two revised appendices offer an overview of the production part approval process (PPAP) and the advanced product quality planning process (APQP).

Offering a model, an implementing strategy, as well as traditional and nontraditional methods for the successful enhancement and maintenance of quality, this work establishes a rationale for the continuation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in all organizations. It considers leading quality-related topics, such as unusual charts, supplier-organization-customer relationships, customer needs and expectations, instructional design, adult learning, advanced quality planning, and reliability.

Since the publication of the third edition in 1989, changes in quality control/assurance have affected the construction industry. This new fourth edition includes revised and new material relating to Section A, specifically Total Quality Management, ISO 9000, and quality control. The Codes and Standards Section, Contract Documents, and Legal Documents Sections have also been extensively updated. Construction Inspection Handbook systematically reinstates the importance of quality by providing you with a comprehensive quality assurance plan. At the same time, this ensures that your construction projects meet contract specifications, comply with Construction Specification Institute standards, and conform with safety requirements and legal codes.

This ready reference surveys the discipline of standards and standardization, defining common terms, clarifying descriptions, describing how standards could be used to restrain trade, and explaining how international trade is stimulated by the due process provisions of standards writing organizations. Containing real-world examples provided by experienced standards professionals, Standardization Essentials is a vital, forward-looking reference for mechanical, civil, electrical and electronics, materials, chemical, mineral, cost, quality, reliability, industrial, developmental, safety, forensic, and consulting engineers; standards managers; architects; project managers; upper-level undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students in these disciplines. Crystallizes the essential role that standards play in strategic standardization management, purchasing, contractual agreements, and international trade! Covering costs, benefits, limitations, uses, and abuses of standardization programs, Standardization Essentials Considers whether standards build or bar trade and the use of international standards to leverage world markets Presents a case study of conformity assessment related to international technical trade barriers Focuses on consumer safety standards for automobile tires and other products Addresses implementation of ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 management system standards in industry Highlights voluntary (nongovernmental) and mandatory (governmental) standards and regulations developed by a variety of organizations Reveals competition, incongruities, and harmonization among national and international standards

As the global marketplace imposes increasing demands on companies to minimize the environmental impact of their products, it is becoming of utmost importance that organizations integrate a sound environmental management system (EMS) into their overall business structure. Crucial to this initiative is ISO 14000, regarded as the most far-reaching series of quality management standards released to date. In the ISO 14000 Answer Book, three experts in the field explain and clarify the numerous intricacies and unique requirements of ISO 14000 by providing quick and reliable answers to commonly asked questions. Intended to organize and restructure a company's environmental systems to foster continuous improvement, ISO 14000 offers various benefits —reduced regulatory oversight, increased management efficiencies, easing of command and control requirements —to organizations that comply with its guidelines. Though compliance and subsequent certification are not mandatory, lack of certification can mean the potential loss of market share —both here and abroad —to corporations that have embraced the new management standards. Written and structured to help you understand the implications of ISO 14000 international environmental management standards on your business, this concise and user-friendly reference addresses 250 crucial questions about ISO 14000 and ISO 14001, a specific standard in the series. With clear, concise explanations, you'll find details on: Planning your environmental management system —drawing up an implementation plan, determining your company's "environmental aspects," identifying legal requirements Implementing an EMS under ISO 14001 —early considerations, the role of top manage-ment, developing an environmental policy, evaluating your EMS EMS audits —objectives, audit policy and audit privilege, auditing and the ISO 14001 certification process Standards for evaluating environmental performance —selecting indicators, collecting the necessary data, reporting and communicating your EPE information Going through the certification process —deciding when to seek certification, selecting a registrar, certifying your company's EMS Cross-referenced and packed with "capsule answers" for quick access, the ISO 14000 Answer Book has the information and guidance you need to get up to speed fast on this all-important series of environmental management standards. ". . . an excellent tool for professionals to gain insight into ISO 14000." —Susan Malette, Quality Manager, Digital Equipment Corporation. "Slowly we've learned that no one can afford to treat environmental protection as a spectator sport. This book gives top corporate managers the critical information they need to make environmental protection part of their everyday operations." —Doug Costle, Former Head, US EPA. ". . . a valuable mechanism to understand the implications of specific aspects of ISO 14001 and make informed decisions." —J. Eldon Rucker, Deputy Director, American Petroleum Institute "This book is being used by a wide variety of organizations wishing to learn more about ISO 14000 standards and their potential use worldwide." — Amy Schaffer, American Forest & Paper Association. "The ISO 14000 Answer Book is a must for environmental and business managers seeking to improve environmental performance and gain a competitive advantage." — Paul T. Robbertz; Manager; Environmental, Health, Safety and Regulatory Services; Hampshire Chemical Corporation. "Business leaders who want to improve their environmental stewardship and corporate citizenship will find the ISO 14000 Answer Book a valuable reference." — Andrew E. Lietz, President and CEO, Hadco Corporation.

If you are switching from using MIL-Q-9858 to ISO 9000 and don't want to become an ISO 9000 expert, this book is for you. Easily read in an hour or two, the book provides managers and engineers with a quick basic understanding of these important international standards.