A Quality Management System (QMS), when properly designed and implemented, provides great benefits to companies in the oil service industry. It enable the companies to do a better job of meeting customer demands while also improving the ability to deal with health, safety, and environmental issues. If you are given the responsibility of helping to design, evaluate, or implement a quality management system, here are some items to consider.

Be sure to include all parties in the process, not just the Quality Control Manager or Supervisors. Including members of all work groups and departments insures that various perspectives are considered in the creation of training and procedural manuals. This structure also insures that all of the final documentation is easily understood by the end users.

Avoid the downfall of creating paperwork just for the sake of having some type of documentation on file when the results are not really used or implemented. Instead, consider adding control plans, flow charts, and work procedures that are continually evaluated, revised when needed and put into practice. These documents can help to simplify the operations in a variety of locations throughout the company.

Finally, when designing your preventive maintenance program, don't just go by the manufacturers recommendations. Be sure to include the input of the operators who are actually using the equipment on a regular basis. Input from "real world" application can prove to be extremely valuable.

These are just few of the issues to consider when designing and implementing a QMS. The benefits of a well-designed QMS are numerous and include easy-to-access documentation, elimination of unnecessary documents, fewer on-the-job mishaps, more customer recognition, and of course, a benefit to the bottom line.

To learn more about how Accupoint Software can provide solutions to develop and simply your quality management system, call  us toll-free at 800.563.6250 or visit us on the web at www.accupointsoftware.com.

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One of the requirements of the new API Q2 standard deals with supplier quality management. Organizations, both large and small, have been spending time, talent and resources to address the supply chain control provisions outlined in the new standard.

To help focus efforts, we have outlined a number of best practices related to supply chain control:

1.      Identify a list of metrics and KPI’s that are important to monitor at your organization

Key performance indicators and defined metrics are important to monitor because most companies are dependent on suppliers and the global supplier network makes it difficult to manage and track supplier performance. As a result, failure to manage and monitor supplier performance can lead to major supply chain disruptions, delivery problems, poor quality, and other issues that damage a company’s credibility, as well as the bottom line. 

2.      Measure and track costs of supplier quality

Tracking the costs associated with supplier quality helps to determine business productivity and measure the impacts associated with doing business with a supplier.  By tracking costs, companies reduce risk associated with doing business with certain suppliers, maintain a competitive business advantage, and track ROI.  

3.      Maintain a corrective action plan

Maintaining a corrective action or preventative action plan is very important in dealing with any potential problems or future incidents. The results of the corrective action process should be to implement a corrective action to remove identified problems, improve product quality and improve the overall effectiveness of the quality management system.

4.      Create a supplier risk scorecard

Companies can configure a scorecard to meet specific needs. Set thresholds for acceptable, moderate, and severe risk levels. With multiple categories to choose from, companies can measure and view overall supplier risk.

5.      Maintain a collaborative environment and enforce supply chain audits

With so many different and new suppliers in the oil and gas industry, the risk associated with doing business has increased and it is more important than ever to reduce that risk in the supply chain by increasing the number, frequency, and duration of audits performed. By maintaining awareness and collaboration creates effective relationships to minimize and track risk.

Accupoint’ family of compliance solutions help track all of the best practices suggested above.  Supplier information and data can be entered and analyzed from any web enabled device, via the cloud.  To find out how Accupoint Software can help your organization implement effective supply chain controls, give us a call at 800.563.6250 or visit us at www.accupointsoftware.com

Youngstown, OH—August 25, 2014.   Accupoint Software, LLC a global provider of compliance management software solutions, is pleased to announce our association with the Wollam Petroleum Advisory Group (WPAG), LLC.   WPAG is a world recognized consulting firm that supports the oil and gas industry by working with operators, service providers, regulators and the American Petroleum Institute on the development of industry standards, training, and certification.

The change in focus on quality systems requires companies to rethink their approach to compliance. The distribution agreement between Accupoint Software, LLC and WPAG, LLC will utilize the specialties of both companies to assist manufacturers and service providers in meeting the ever-changing market demands as well as build progressive compliance management programs.

 “Accupoint Software is extremely pleased to be working with such a progressive and successful organization, said Jeff Cianciola, CEO of Accupoint Software, LLC.  Oil & Gas product and service providers are under increasing pressure from customers to comply with new compliance standards and regulations.  We believe that this agreement creates a synergistic effect for our customers by combining leading edge technology with best practice consulting.”

"The combination of Accupoint and WPAG, LLC creates an exciting opportunity for the Industry," said Bryan Wollam, CEO, WPAG, LLC. "In addition to creating world-class products and services, this is a compelling strategic partnership which ensures the mitigation of risk and process optimization for both company’s clients. This agreement will yield many synergies and benefits to the industry today and in the years ahead. Jeff Cianciola and his team have created an innovative, comprehensive integrated platform, meeting the intent of API Q1 and Q2. Accupoint and WPAG, LLC will work together to deliver the most innovative IT solutions and services, which guarantees a superior customer experience within the highly competitive and dynamic marketplace in which we operate."

The agreement benefits client companies by delivering an innovative structure of consulting, training and solutions to provide a foundation for success.

About Wollam Petroleum Advisory Group, LLC

The Wollam Petroleum Advisory Group specializes in the development, implementation and sustainment of management systems that improve efficiencies while minimizing risks. WPAG has international experience with the development of industry standards, consulting, training, auditing, and inspection of both large and small operators, manufacturers, and service providers. 

The Wollam Petroleum Advisory Group is a privately held corporation headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, go to: http://www.wollampag.com

About Accupoint Software, LLC

Accupoint Software LLC is a global provider of innovative compliance management systems.  Our solutions empower companies of all sizes to make optimal decisions that improve profitability and positively impact operations.  Our integrated platforms streamline business processes, increase customer satisfaction and help organizations to navigate today’s complex regulatory requirements.

Accupoint Software LLC is a privately held corporation headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio. For more information visit: http://www.accupointsoftware.com