There’s a great discussion regarding QMS going on over at the ISO 9001 LinkedIn boards. Unfortunately, we’re still seeing the mindset that QMS software can’t or doesn’t add value to companies, much less create a competitive advantage or generate profit. Our friend Dave Gentile even goes so far as to suggest that Word documents are sufficient for navigating today’s complex quality control operations. At Accupoint, however, we believe QMS is more than compliance or preparing for quality audits. QMS is about creating better prepared, more agile organizations.

It’s an old cliché that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” Yet, like all clichés, hidden just beyond its inanity is its truth: the first step to making decisions that positively impact your organization is possessing high-quality information. Furthermore, to set yourself apart from your competitors, it’s imperative that you find new and innovative ways of collecting that information, provide enterprise-level access to that information, and then use that information correctly. An effective QMS, particularly Accupoint’s solutions, can help you do just that.

All across the manufacturing and oil & gas sectors, Accupoint’s family of knowledge management solutions have given our clients the power to transform information into knowledge that gets results. Our intuitive user-interface integrates quality, health and safety, and environmental management modules into one seamless application. This results in less training, less hassle, and more accurate reporting. Furthermore, our solutions are cloud-based and designed specifically for point-of-operation use. This means everyone from your production managers to control/compliance officers to your c-level executives can access our application on any mobile device. By making it easy to report quality issues and access real-time data, our application helps organizations emphasize prevention, rather than crisis management.

QMS isn’t just about compliance. QMS is about creating progressive, flexible, adaptable organizations that are always seeking improvement. The fact that you’ve found us is the first step. Let us help you make the next one.

For more information on how Accupoint can help streamline your Quality Management Software needs, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250

The benefits of an effective Quality Management System (QMS) are significant.  A well planned and maintained QMS serves as a vehicle for future growth, expanded markets, customer satisfaction, waste reduction and continuous improvement leading to phenomenal ROI.  The returns simply outweigh the cost.

With API Spec Q2, we are using quality management as a catalyst to prevent a recurrence of the devastating loss of life, environmental damage and economic turmoil that we witnessed in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon incident.

API Q2 is designed to manage risk and improve business operations. As such, the supply chain and ultimately, the Majors will demand adherence from those below. Over time, all players in the industry will be forced to adopt API Q2 if they wish to continue supplying the sector.

In the past, many suppliers were grandfathered into the oil and gas industry based on the past performance.  In the future, certification to one or more quality standards will become the norm.

That being said now is the time to formalize your QMS, and if already in place, consider making application for third party recognition.

To find out how Accupoint Software can help streamline the implementation and maintenance of Quality Management Systems, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250.

There have been many rumblings about the lack of knowledge and initiative regarding the API Q2 Specification. But the wheels are already in motion for the big oil companies.

API has been performing beta tests with drilling service companies this year. Thus far, Baker Hughes, Schlumburger, Weatherford and Halliburton have all completed their beta tests.

These site assessments were attempting to find gaps, hurdles and milestones for auditing to Q2. The information gathered from this process allows API (as well as the drilling service companies) to identify competencies in the specification. With this knowledge, API is able to better train their staff and auditors on the practical application of the new standard. The more API knows before the January 2014 deadline, the more equipped auditors will be to perform effective audits.

If there are any parts of API Q2 that are lacking, API will identify them in the beta test stages. Any additional resources that are needed will be identified and provided to ensure a smooth implementation.

These large drilling service companies found it necessary to be proactive in their pursuit of API Q2. What are you waiting for?

To find out how Accupoint can help ready your organization for the upcoming API Q2 Spec, call us toll-free 800.563.6250.

There are several challenges that will come along with the implementation of the API Q2 Specification. The first of which is the general comprehension and application of the standard. Your organization will be required to read the new standard and understand  the requirements. Then you will need to determine how to blend the requirements into your operations.

Another challenge that Q2 presents is the transition from a process-based to a risk-based management system. Your organization is likely familiar with the process approach (i.e. ISO 9001), but API Q2 requires you to focus more on risk. Not only will this alter operations, but a risk-based system also requires a different workplace mentality.

Your organization likely has many compliance requirements already, and integrating API Q2 with those can present a unique challenge. You will need to devise the most efficient way to comply with API Q2 while adequately managing numerous other requirements.

There will also be some challenges for your organization with respect to supply chain and geographical differences. Complying with new API Q2 requirements will likely alter how your organization operates throughout the supply chain. Organizations in different portions of the world may have different regulatory and cultural differences, which may cause confusion.

It is important that we understand the challenges that the new standard presents. If we are proactive, we can mitigate the impacts and have a smoother transition to compliance.

To discuss how Accupoint Software can help you navigate the challenges of API Q2 compliance, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250.

[Youngstown, Ohio, August 13]—Accupoint Software today announced it will join more than 100 exhibitors at the YOUNG 2013 Conference & Expo taking place in Youngstown, Ohio, Sept. 12 and 13, 2013. YOUNG 2013 is the premier Utica Shale show in Ohio and will be packed with exhibitors, experts and attendees from the shale industry and related industries and suppliers.

Accupoint Software will exhibit its flexible, cloud-based solutions in booth #113 on the YOUNG 2013 show floor.

In addition to the exhibition, Accupoint will be presenting an informational session on the API Q2 Specification. Jeff Cianciola, of Accupoint Software, will provide insights on how API Q2 differs from previous compliance standards and how it will affect industrial professionals.