How is your compliance policy? Is it an all-consuming mission at your organization?

With great uncertainty comes great reward. If you’ve planned for the unknown, when something unexpected happens you’ll be that much more prepared. 

With the quarantine phase of the COVID-19 outbreak reaching an end in many areas, organizations have started planning their return-to-work initiatives, with some having already launched them.

This spring have presented no shortage of hurdles. While many industries are facing new challenges, for those in manufacturing, this may mean continuing production despite supply chain disruptions, health and safety concerns, and economic impact.

Many of today’s organizations use management systems to establish policies and procedures for achieving their objectives. Most frequently, organizations have management systems to support quality, health and safety, environment and sustainability, and data privacy.

If ever there was a time for risk-based thinking, it would be now. During this strange season, the entire world seems to be shutting down as the pandemic disrupts lives and businesses.

The importance of auditing should not be overlooked. As longtime Quality columnist Jim Smith writes, “It’s rare that managers, or even most quality auditors, discuss how closely tied the findings of manufacturing audits are to the long-term ability of their companies to compete in this highly competitive market.”

Decisions are required all the time, both small and large. How to run a business? What to do about customer complaints? What should you have for lunch?

Spend time on any manufacturing floor and you will realize that relationships between suppliers and partners are critical. Rather than considering them as an entity outside of your organization, suppliers should be treated as trusted partners.

Good products don’t just happen. Quality depends on processes, and a process approach outlines the steps for success. Like so many elements of quality, it requires methodical attention to detail and planning.