BIZPHYX: The TL 9000 Experts | TL 9000, ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Quality Management Education

Tagged: TL 9000 audits Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  support 11:26 am on August 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 7.3.1.C.6 Estimation, BIZPHYX TL 9000 Support ( 2 ), TL 9000 audits, TL 9000 categories ( 5 ), TL 9000 data ( 2 ), TL 9000 measurements ( 13 )   

  TL 9000 Clause 7.3.1.C.6 Estimation: Defined and How To Document 

  We were recently asked an excellent question about 7.3.1.C.6 Estimation.  Here is a definition of that clause and support on how to document that the requirement is being met:

  Estimation is usually led by a program or project management function before a project can begin to evaluate how much development or delivery of a service will cost and what risks are involved, along with staffing, schedules, cost, quality, reliability, and productivity estimates.  The responsible manager obtains input from other functional organizations and so the evidence for conformity can come from many places.

  Therefore, many companies will use a program or project management plan template to create specific project plans in order to record variables including estimation requirements.  Using the template, the responsible program manger will complete a specific project plan containing the appropriate factors including those required by 7.3.1.C.6 Estimation.  The manager will require functional departments to provide specific estimates for the plan along with the sources of data for recording performance against that plan.  The plan is updated with the estimates and once they are all recorded, the plan is submitted for approval.  Then it is reviewed at various stages using the data.

  Again, because the estimate sources and data are normally diverse, having them recorded in a central place like a project plan is a necessity.  To the question, the completed project plan becomes the main body of evidence for conformity along with the data from the various sources called out in the plan.  This method is not the only method in use so when auditing, you may need to ask where the project estimates and data are recorded and follow that audit trail.

  If you have any more questions on TL 9000 clauses, please feel free to contact blancy@bizphyx.com.

   

  Reply Cancel reply

  Required fields are marked *

  Name *

  Email *

  Website

• 

  support 3:45 pm on March 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: QuEST Forum ( 38 ), TL 9000 audits, TL 9000 measurements ( 13 )   

  Do I need a documented procedure for reporting the data to QuEST Forum? 

  Not exactly.  QuEST Forum requires that you use documented processes (Measurements Handbook 3.5.2 a) to capture and validate applicable measurement data such that source data records are available”.  Many organizations will combine this with a step by step procedure for reporting the data but that is not required.

   
• 

  support 3:09 pm on March 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: ISO 9001 auditing ( 3 ), QMS ( 7 ), TL 9000 audits   

  How do I show that I have planned my audits? 

  The best way to show that you have “planned your audit programme” as required is an audit schedule.  Audit schedules should indicate the standard requirements that will be audited, when they will be audited and when the audit was conducted.  Audits can be conducted on various part of the QMS throughout the year or all at once.  Many certification bodies require that the QMS be audited internally once a year.

   
• 

  support 2:27 pm on March 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Internal Audit ( 2 ), ISO 9001 auditing ( 3 ), ISO 9001 auditors, TL 9000 audits   

  What is the required training to be an internal auditor? 

  ISO 9001 does not have required training only indicating that auditors must ensure objectivity and impartiality and cannot audit their own work.  What this means for each company may differ.  To ensure an effective program, auditors need to be able to interpret the meaning the clauses in the standard, review the ISO 9001 or TL 9000 processes, as well as associated supporting procedures.  You must be able to demonstrate the auditors are qualified through education, skills, and experience. You will also need to be able to show that you are asking thorough questions in order to conduct a comprehensive audit. Training on these procedures, auditing techniques and documenting results is critical to a long term successful QMS.

   
• 

  support 4:40 pm on March 16, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: TL 9000 audits   

  What are the different types of audits and how often do we need them? 

  A: First, there are certification audits and surveillance audits, which are performed by a third party registrar.  Once you have successfully completed your certification audit, you are issued a certificate that is good for three years by the registrar.  Each year thereafter for two years, the registrar will conduct one or more surveillance audits of your system, depending on your contract with your registrar.

  In addition to your registrar reviewing your system, ISO 9001 requires your system be internally audited as well.  You should do an internal audit of all of the TL 9000 clauses at least once a year.  You can conduct these audits internally with your employees once they are trained or you can outsource this to a consultant.  For many companies outsourcing is most effective, as you must be independent of the process you are auditing.  BIZPHYX conducts internal audits for clients.  In you need further clarification on audits, contact me directly: bclancy@bizphyx.com.