|
Ponedjeljak, 09 Veljača 2009 16:05 |
- When will the new ISO 9001:2000 be published? Answer: The new Standard was published on December 15, 2000!
- After the release date, will all certificates issued to the old Standard be null & void? Answer: No. The IAF has released a Communique which addresses this issue. The document states that a certificate is valid for up to three years after the release of the new Standard; depending on the life of your company's current certificate.
- Will registrars be able to issue certificates to the 1994 revision of the Standard after the release of the 2000 Standard? Answer: Yes, for up to three years following the release of the new Standard. However, certificate validity cannot extend past three years past the release date.
- Are the rumors true that registration to ISO 9000 costs $30,000-$50,000 and $20,000 per year to maintain? Answer: Absolutely not, unless your company is a large corporation with 1000-6000 employees. Actually, the average certification costs $10,000-$30,000 for a 3-year period depending on the size, configuration of the company, and the registrar program requirements.
- Can a company switch Standards in the middle of their certification validation period? Answer: Yes. Depending on the registrar, modification can be made during the registration period. It is most important to advise your registrar of your plans, so the registrar will know what to expect, e.g., logistics and impact of changes to the scope of certification.
- What are the different types of registration programs? Answer: Typically you will see two different programs: a) a 3-year certification program that requires a recertification audit at the end of the validation period with surveillance audits conducted at 6 to 12 month intervals (depending on the registrar). b) The continuous certification program allows for certification to be maintained based on continually acceptable results of the 6 month surveillance audits.
- If during an audit a finding is written for an issue with which the company does not agree, is there a mechanism for appeals? Answer: Yes, ALL registrars, whether US or European, must have a documented formal process to handle appeals; see EN45012 & ISO Guide 48.
- Do registrars perform unannounced or surprise audits? Answer: Not typically, however, most have written agreements that allow them to perform unannounced audits based on cause (meaning evidence of poor quality or impropriety, e.g., customer complaints, etc.).
- How often do the ISO 9000 series Standards change? Answer: The ISO 9000 standards are required by the by-laws to be reviewed every 5 years. The next change should be in 1999. A committee draft is available from American Society of Quality (ASQ).
- When the Standards change, is there a grace period for compliance? Answer: Yes, depending on the registrar. The time periods usually range from 3-9 months from the date of official release.
- If the end of the grace period falls in between scheduled surveillance audits, will the registrar perform an audit especially for review of the changes and how they impact the company's quality system? Answer: Yes, depending on the registrar and the timing.
- How can a company assure that confidentiality is maintained by the registrar? Answer: The registrar, in order to be accredited, must have a formal written procedure for maintaining confidentiality. Usually a confidentiality agreement is signed between the registrar and the company. Each auditor must sign an agreement as well.
- Are all preassessments the same? Answer: No. Preassessments vary depending on the source, registrar or consultant. Preassessments come in several packages, full system or limited scope. Be sure to check with your consultant or registrar before signing the agreements. You may not get what you expect!
|
