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API Spec Q2 is the first certification developed specifically to address industry and customer demands for service supply organizations in the oil and gas sector. While still relatively new compared to other API standards, it has rapidly become a critical requirement for service companies seeking to remain competitive.
With the release of the API Spec Q2 -2nd Edition, the standard has evolved to place even greater emphasis on risk-based thinking, service execution control, and continuous improvement across all operational processes.
The API Spec Q2-2nd Edition focuses heavily on risk assessment and management, contingency planning, management of change, service-related product control, supplier criticality, and the development of robust service quality plans. These elements are designed to ensure that service providers consistently deliver reliable, safe, and high-quality services in demanding oilfield environments. The updated edition further strengthens requirements around performance monitoring, competency, and operational execution, helping organizations proactively identify and mitigate risks before they impact service delivery.
At its core, API Spec Q2 aims to reduce nonconformities during service execution while enhancing overall operational integrity. Accupoint provides a flexible and scalable API Spec Q2 software solution that enables oilfield service suppliers to efficiently comply with the enhanced requirements of the 2nd Edition. The platform centralizes quality processes, automates workflows, and ensures full visibility into compliance activities.
Service companies utilizing the SAM™ API Spec Q2 software gain several measurable advantages. Similar to API Spec Q1 for manufacturing organizations, this solution delivers a structured and repeatable approach to quality management tailored specifically for service providers. It improves operational efficiency, enhances productivity, and increases service reliability..
Additionally, the software supports better decision-making through real-time data insights, helping organizations continuously improve performance and maintain compliance. As many companies in the oil and gas industry are already familiar with API Spec Q1, achieving API Spec Q2 certification demonstrates a strong commitment to service quality and risk management. This significantly boosts customer confidence and positions service providers to access new markets, expand their client base, and drive revenue growth.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help you attain certification to the API Spec Q2 standard, please schedule a demo or contact us today.
The API Spec Q2-2nd Edition focuses heavily on risk assessment and management, contingency planning, management of change, service-related product control, supplier criticality, and the development of robust service quality plans. These elements are designed to ensure that service providers consistently deliver reliable, safe, and high-quality services in demanding oilfield environments. The updated edition further strengthens requirements around performance monitoring, competency, and operational execution, helping organizations proactively identify and mitigate risks before they impact service delivery.
At its core, API Spec Q2 aims to reduce nonconformities during service execution while enhancing overall operational integrity. Accupoint provides a flexible and scalable API Spec Q2 software solution that enables oilfield service suppliers to efficiently comply with the enhanced requirements of the 2nd Edition. The platform centralizes quality processes, automates workflows, and ensures full visibility into compliance activities.
Service companies utilizing the SAM™ API Spec Q2 software gain several measurable advantages. Similar to API Spec Q1 for manufacturing organizations, this solution delivers a structured and repeatable approach to quality management tailored specifically for service providers. It improves operational efficiency, enhances productivity, and increases service reliability..
Additionally, the software supports better decision-making through real-time data insights, helping organizations continuously improve performance and maintain compliance. As many companies in the oil and gas industry are already familiar with API Spec Q1, achieving API Spec Q2 certification demonstrates a strong commitment to service quality and risk management. This significantly boosts customer confidence and positions service providers to access new markets, expand their client base, and drive revenue growth.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help you attain certification to the API Spec Q2 standard, please schedule a demo or contact us today.
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There are many incidents within the oil industry where adequate detection and mitigation could have reduced the impact of the incident. The goal of the API Spec Q2 standard is to define and control risks within your operating environment. In fact, the standard requires that service supply organizations “control risk throughout the execution of a service.” With this requirement in mind, we have outline 5 factors to consider when designing your Risk Management program:
1. Maintenance of equipment and machines
It is a fact that equipment will wear out at some point. It is of great importance to maintain equipment at standard levels. It the responsibility of the company to ensure proper safety measures are in place rather than waiting for regulatory agencies to spot-check their compliance.
2. Training and certification
Employees of should be trained on safety the safety management system. It is of no importance, for example, to have fire extinguishers on the rig if employees don't know how to use them.
3. Use of experts
When making operational decisions, experts can help the management by advising it on both short term and long term consequences. Safety engineers should be involved in decisions such as developing new operational workflows and documentation.
4. Observing industrial standards
Implementing and maintaining global quality, environmental and safety standard will provide a framework to identify and mitigate risks at the point of operation.
5. Change management
Risks are inherent whenever there is change. Changes that have safety implications should be to thoroughly evaluated, and have a comprehensive hazard analysis performed. It is also of great importance to document the management of change process so that a gap analysis can be performed subsequent to implementation.
It is a fact that equipment will wear out at some point. It is of great importance to maintain equipment at standard levels. It the responsibility of the company to ensure proper safety measures are in place rather than waiting for regulatory agencies to spot-check their compliance.
2. Training and certification
Employees of should be trained on safety the safety management system. It is of no importance, for example, to have fire extinguishers on the rig if employees don't know how to use them.
3. Use of experts
When making operational decisions, experts can help the management by advising it on both short term and long term consequences. Safety engineers should be involved in decisions such as developing new operational workflows and documentation.
4. Observing industrial standards
Implementing and maintaining global quality, environmental and safety standard will provide a framework to identify and mitigate risks at the point of operation.
5. Change management
Risks are inherent whenever there is change. Changes that have safety implications should be to thoroughly evaluated, and have a comprehensive hazard analysis performed. It is also of great importance to document the management of change process so that a gap analysis can be performed subsequent to implementation.
In short, managing risk requires proactive and preventive measures to protect your organization’s and customer’s interests. Detection and mitigation of risk potential should be at the core of your total risk assessment strategy.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help you manage your risk mitigation efforts, please email or call us at (800) 563-6250.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help you manage your risk mitigation efforts, please email or call us at (800) 563-6250.
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One of the requirements of the API Spec Q2 standard deals with supply chain quality management. Organizations, both large and small, have been spending time, talent and resources to address the supply chain control provisions outlined in the standard.
To help focus your efforts, we have outlined a number of best practices related to supply chain control:
To help focus your efforts, we have outlined a number of best practices related to supply chain control:
- Identify a list of metrics and KPI’s that are important to monitor
- Measure and track costs of supplier quality
- Maintain a corrective action plan
- Create a supplier risk scorecard
- Maintain a collaborative environment and enforce supply chain audits
Accupoint’s family of compliance solutions can help implement all of the best practices suggested above. To find out how Accupoint Software can help manage your supply chain requirements , please contact us today.
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Maintaining a management system that is effective, satisfactory and suitable is a requirement of the API Spec Q2 standard. In fact, section 6.5 states:
“The organization’s quality management system shall be reviewed at least annually by the organization’s management to evaluate the quality management system’s continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness.”
To that end, we thought we would discuss a couple of items to help streamline your Management Review planning.
When to Have a Review:
The standard requires that you review your system annually, at a minimum. However, best practice dictates that you schedule your reviews more often, say quarterly and focus on specific aspects during each session. Ultimately, this makes the process easier to manage and avoids duplication of efforts.
What to Include:
When you are setting up your Management Review agenda, make sure to compile data for use in the discussion. Include internal and third party audit results, customer complaints, non-conformities and corrective action requests. Develop a schedule that allows you to review each aspect of the management system by the anniversary date. Be sure to allow for a discussion period, to address areas for improvement as well as ways that the system should be monitored.
Upon completion, prepare action plans to address required changes to processes, resources, and other items identified in the review.
Documentation:
Per the standard, the results of the Management Review must be documented and maintained. In addition, top management must review and approve the summary assessment. Results should be communicated with appropriate individuals throughout the organization. Finally, the results should be used to drive continual improvement efforts within the organization.
To find out how Accupoint can help streamline your Management Review processes, please call toll free 800.563.6250 or visit us at accupointsoftware.com.
When to Have a Review:
The standard requires that you review your system annually, at a minimum. However, best practice dictates that you schedule your reviews more often, say quarterly and focus on specific aspects during each session. Ultimately, this makes the process easier to manage and avoids duplication of efforts.
What to Include:
When you are setting up your Management Review agenda, make sure to compile data for use in the discussion. Include internal and third party audit results, customer complaints, non-conformities and corrective action requests. Develop a schedule that allows you to review each aspect of the management system by the anniversary date. Be sure to allow for a discussion period, to address areas for improvement as well as ways that the system should be monitored.
Upon completion, prepare action plans to address required changes to processes, resources, and other items identified in the review.
Documentation:
Per the standard, the results of the Management Review must be documented and maintained. In addition, top management must review and approve the summary assessment. Results should be communicated with appropriate individuals throughout the organization. Finally, the results should be used to drive continual improvement efforts within the organization.
To find out how Accupoint can help streamline your Management Review processes, please call toll free 800.563.6250 or visit us at accupointsoftware.com.
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Managing field service contracts had never been easier with the arrival of Propel Field Service Management (FSM) solution from Accupoint Software.
Propel allows real time monitoring and management of all rig service work and corporate service contracts from a single interface. Propel manages all contract pricing and issues and tracks work orders, as well as, completion status.
When a technician arrives on site, Propel can handle site inductions and pre-work site safety checklists. Propel logs contractor time on site, tracks technician’s movements and provides real time location fixing, which is essential in case of emergency.
Propel is also a powerful audit tool and reporting platform. It will accommodate any form of audit, inspections, surveys and checklists and any scoring or rating system. All inspections are GPS located and photos can be attached easily. Rectification of hazards and sub-standard work can be tracked using Propel’s Inspection Workflow system.
Realtime data visibility is enhanced with unlimited custom dashboards that enable managers and employees immediate access to the current status of the work being performed and outcomes relative to their responsibilities. The Propel dashboard streamlines contract reporting with auto assembly of real time or set period data in multiple graphical and tabular formats with the ability to add text and tables of contents. Reports can be published to the Dashboard, viewed online or printed and emailed from within the application.
The Propel Messaging center handles and tracks all contract communications. Emails generated by Propel users will appear in both Propel and email client app and all responses are automatically logged. Users can open, close and track email trails and Propel keeps a permanent record of communications, even if deleted off of the email client server.
The Propel FSM System will change the way that contracts are managed and provides an end-to-end total service solution for oil and gas industry. For more information, or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration contact us today.
Propel allows real time monitoring and management of all rig service work and corporate service contracts from a single interface. Propel manages all contract pricing and issues and tracks work orders, as well as, completion status.
When a technician arrives on site, Propel can handle site inductions and pre-work site safety checklists. Propel logs contractor time on site, tracks technician’s movements and provides real time location fixing, which is essential in case of emergency.
Propel is also a powerful audit tool and reporting platform. It will accommodate any form of audit, inspections, surveys and checklists and any scoring or rating system. All inspections are GPS located and photos can be attached easily. Rectification of hazards and sub-standard work can be tracked using Propel’s Inspection Workflow system.
Realtime data visibility is enhanced with unlimited custom dashboards that enable managers and employees immediate access to the current status of the work being performed and outcomes relative to their responsibilities. The Propel dashboard streamlines contract reporting with auto assembly of real time or set period data in multiple graphical and tabular formats with the ability to add text and tables of contents. Reports can be published to the Dashboard, viewed online or printed and emailed from within the application.
The Propel Messaging center handles and tracks all contract communications. Emails generated by Propel users will appear in both Propel and email client app and all responses are automatically logged. Users can open, close and track email trails and Propel keeps a permanent record of communications, even if deleted off of the email client server.
The Propel FSM System will change the way that contracts are managed and provides an end-to-end total service solution for oil and gas industry. For more information, or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration contact us today.
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Many service supply organizations are using internal audits as a method to improve operations and impact their bottom line. In addition to being required by API Spec Q2, an effective audit program will highlight potential problems areas, identify failure points, and determine the effectiveness of controls.
Internal auditing provides the mechanism that organizations use to examine business processes and evaluate compliance with both internal and external requirements. Successful auditing incorporates best practices and other tools to provide maximum impact. To that end, we have outlined five useful tips to help advance your next internal quality audit.
1. Strong Attention to Detail
It is important for internal auditors to note and document evidence throughout the auditing process. These notes are used later to analyze events and reconstruct specific situations. This does not mean that auditors should focus on tiny, unimportant details through nit-picking, but rather components that are a part of a bigger issue that can be addressed.
2. Friendly Attitude
Stress levels are already high when employees are dealing with an audit. If an internal auditor is aggressive, hostile, or difficult to deal with, employers often minimally engage and will not share as much. If an internal auditor presents with a friendly attitude and is open, they will be more likely to get feedback. The last thing an auditor wants to do is put an employee on the defensive or make them feel ill at ease.
3. Reporting Supported by Checklists
Internal auditors use checklists to balance reporting and should ensure that they are clean and support numerical values and ratings. These checklists enable companies to report on growth as well as challenges that exist across various departments. These reports are essential and allow businesses to assess whether their improvement efforts are working, and what training is needed to reach their goals.
4. Generation of Auditing Teams
Internal auditing teams can be very successful, especially with all the documentation that goes into completing an audit the right way. While a single auditor would be responsible for actively listening while documenting their findings, a team can allocate responsibilities to various areas such as recording, listening, and documenting. This way, all team members can collaborate to ensure no information is overlooked.
5. Looking at the Whole Picture
When an internal audit is taking place, the auditor or team should be able to look at the picture as a whole, incorporating current situations as well as past audit results. Focus should take place on past issues to determine whether they have been corrected and closed before reassessments take place in the same area. This is a delicate balance that will prove most effective and time efficient.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help streamline your internal auditing program, please contact us today.
Internal auditing provides the mechanism that organizations use to examine business processes and evaluate compliance with both internal and external requirements. Successful auditing incorporates best practices and other tools to provide maximum impact. To that end, we have outlined five useful tips to help advance your next internal quality audit.
1. Strong Attention to Detail
It is important for internal auditors to note and document evidence throughout the auditing process. These notes are used later to analyze events and reconstruct specific situations. This does not mean that auditors should focus on tiny, unimportant details through nit-picking, but rather components that are a part of a bigger issue that can be addressed.
2. Friendly Attitude
Stress levels are already high when employees are dealing with an audit. If an internal auditor is aggressive, hostile, or difficult to deal with, employers often minimally engage and will not share as much. If an internal auditor presents with a friendly attitude and is open, they will be more likely to get feedback. The last thing an auditor wants to do is put an employee on the defensive or make them feel ill at ease.
3. Reporting Supported by Checklists
Internal auditors use checklists to balance reporting and should ensure that they are clean and support numerical values and ratings. These checklists enable companies to report on growth as well as challenges that exist across various departments. These reports are essential and allow businesses to assess whether their improvement efforts are working, and what training is needed to reach their goals.
4. Generation of Auditing Teams
Internal auditing teams can be very successful, especially with all the documentation that goes into completing an audit the right way. While a single auditor would be responsible for actively listening while documenting their findings, a team can allocate responsibilities to various areas such as recording, listening, and documenting. This way, all team members can collaborate to ensure no information is overlooked.
5. Looking at the Whole Picture
When an internal audit is taking place, the auditor or team should be able to look at the picture as a whole, incorporating current situations as well as past audit results. Focus should take place on past issues to determine whether they have been corrected and closed before reassessments take place in the same area. This is a delicate balance that will prove most effective and time efficient.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help streamline your internal auditing program, please contact us today.
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Companies relying on the traditional spreadsheet to manage their QMS often find it to be overwhelming to manage as the data volume continues to grow. Those using spreadsheets have to contend with issues like how best to collaborate when working within the same sheet or how to maintain data integrity. Accupoint's quality management system can be advantageous for organizations that want to save time and improve productivity when managing compliance data.
Top advantages of a quality management software solution
Companies are utilizing quality management software to answer the need for a better data management and process analytics. Both management and team members alike recognize the value in being able to better manage large volumes of data in order to improve their process information flow.
Benefits of an Integrated System
1. Accupoint’s quality management systems can automate your program updates based on parameters set. This means that you don’t have to worry about changing and overhauling your system because the solution evolves as your business needs do.
2. Accupoint improves data integrity. Redundancy of data, entry protocols, system updates and records maintenance can all be done conveniently from within the software solution. Pulling accurate reporting is easiest when information is consolidated and entered uniformly.
3. Detecting emerging trends across different areas of the organization is simplified with Accupoint’s quality management solution. The information is securely stored within the centralized system, which makes all of the data is available for review in real-time. Accessibility to real-time data enables smart, quick decision-making across the board.
4. While spreadsheets can hold a large amount of data, keeping information secure and reliable as data continues to grow presents its share of challenges. Scalable quality manage systems empower teams to seamlessly expand their solutions to accommodate growing customer and regulatory requirements.
5. Accupoint’s solutions offer flexibility in how data is entered. Individuals can choose to enter data traditionally or through other methods such as scanning or geo-tagging. These options facilitate collaboration and reduce error rates among those handling information.
6. User-friendly methods to track a range of information are an additional advantage to transitioning to Accupoint’s solution family. Tracking training progress, quality standard updates, testing cycles, and auditing results can all be done conveniently through one single user interface.
Cutting costs using accurate real-time data and improved collaboration are the most common reasons for making the switch to an Accupoint quality management software solution. Better reporting, collaboration, data integrity, and analysis become possible with the right system and solution in place.
For more information on Accupoint Software or to schedule a platform demonstration, please visit us at www.accupointsoftware.com.
Top advantages of a quality management software solution
Companies are utilizing quality management software to answer the need for a better data management and process analytics. Both management and team members alike recognize the value in being able to better manage large volumes of data in order to improve their process information flow.
Benefits of an Integrated System
1. Accupoint’s quality management systems can automate your program updates based on parameters set. This means that you don’t have to worry about changing and overhauling your system because the solution evolves as your business needs do.
2. Accupoint improves data integrity. Redundancy of data, entry protocols, system updates and records maintenance can all be done conveniently from within the software solution. Pulling accurate reporting is easiest when information is consolidated and entered uniformly.
3. Detecting emerging trends across different areas of the organization is simplified with Accupoint’s quality management solution. The information is securely stored within the centralized system, which makes all of the data is available for review in real-time. Accessibility to real-time data enables smart, quick decision-making across the board.
4. While spreadsheets can hold a large amount of data, keeping information secure and reliable as data continues to grow presents its share of challenges. Scalable quality manage systems empower teams to seamlessly expand their solutions to accommodate growing customer and regulatory requirements.
5. Accupoint’s solutions offer flexibility in how data is entered. Individuals can choose to enter data traditionally or through other methods such as scanning or geo-tagging. These options facilitate collaboration and reduce error rates among those handling information.
6. User-friendly methods to track a range of information are an additional advantage to transitioning to Accupoint’s solution family. Tracking training progress, quality standard updates, testing cycles, and auditing results can all be done conveniently through one single user interface.
Cutting costs using accurate real-time data and improved collaboration are the most common reasons for making the switch to an Accupoint quality management software solution. Better reporting, collaboration, data integrity, and analysis become possible with the right system and solution in place.
For more information on Accupoint Software or to schedule a platform demonstration, please visit us at www.accupointsoftware.com.
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Over the last decade, worldwide shale production has expanded, producing more than 40 billion cubic feet of dry shale gas per day, according to research from BP. The search for clean alternatives to coal has pushed demand for gas across the globe. Established shale producers may soon need to scale up in order to meet the demands of this growing market.
In order to ensure their place in this growing market, shale providers should consider the following industry problems and solutions:
1. Equipment and technology demands.
By developing advanced drilling technology and techniques small energy companies that wish to take advantage of the healthy shale market and scale up their workflows must pursue similar strategies. Tracking the cost and productivity of old and existing equipment can help companies make informed decisions about what should be upgraded, and when. When it comes to meeting customer expectation, equipment management is paramount, and centralized control of maintenance schedules and downtime tracking ensures that providers will meet production obligations and avoid costly downtime due to equipment failures.
2. Supply chain and vendor management.
Shale industry supply chains differ from those associated with more traditional energy products. Upstream workflow components center on complex infrastructure and require wide degrees of support, including specialized waste management and transportation services. The average shale pad contains more than 20 moving operational parts, all of which must operate together.
Configuring supply chains of this magnitude is no easy task. Constructing processes on an as-needed basis can institutionalize inefficiencies and cause problems down the road. Communications solutions that push for point of contact cooperation with vendors and suppliers go a long way to developing effective processes that foresee future growth, and management resources that build upon vendor feedback capitalize on provider expertise and promote mutually beneficial relationships.
3. Workforce training.
Specialists from a variety of industries must collaborate to get shale extraction sites up and running. From the construction teams to drill operators, these workflows are critical to operations. Companies ramping up their shale operations need to cultivate and expand their talent pools to meet the needs of this industry niche.
In the current employment market, upskilling existing talent maybe the only workable solution. Oil and gas organizations can divert workers from verticals with declining prospects and retrain them for work in shale production teams. This move allows energy firms to boost their shale output without investing immense amounts in hiring and recruitment. Internal solutions that standardize training procedures and ensure constant upkeep of current training demands can weaponize a company’s current employee pool to meet the market and consumer demands.
Together, these strategies can help businesses in the oil and gas industry take advantage of the continued acceleration and intensification of the shale gas revolution. To find out how Accupoint Software can help maximize your company’s growth potential, please contact us today.
In order to ensure their place in this growing market, shale providers should consider the following industry problems and solutions:
1. Equipment and technology demands.
By developing advanced drilling technology and techniques small energy companies that wish to take advantage of the healthy shale market and scale up their workflows must pursue similar strategies. Tracking the cost and productivity of old and existing equipment can help companies make informed decisions about what should be upgraded, and when. When it comes to meeting customer expectation, equipment management is paramount, and centralized control of maintenance schedules and downtime tracking ensures that providers will meet production obligations and avoid costly downtime due to equipment failures.
2. Supply chain and vendor management.
Shale industry supply chains differ from those associated with more traditional energy products. Upstream workflow components center on complex infrastructure and require wide degrees of support, including specialized waste management and transportation services. The average shale pad contains more than 20 moving operational parts, all of which must operate together.
Configuring supply chains of this magnitude is no easy task. Constructing processes on an as-needed basis can institutionalize inefficiencies and cause problems down the road. Communications solutions that push for point of contact cooperation with vendors and suppliers go a long way to developing effective processes that foresee future growth, and management resources that build upon vendor feedback capitalize on provider expertise and promote mutually beneficial relationships.
3. Workforce training.
Specialists from a variety of industries must collaborate to get shale extraction sites up and running. From the construction teams to drill operators, these workflows are critical to operations. Companies ramping up their shale operations need to cultivate and expand their talent pools to meet the needs of this industry niche.
In the current employment market, upskilling existing talent maybe the only workable solution. Oil and gas organizations can divert workers from verticals with declining prospects and retrain them for work in shale production teams. This move allows energy firms to boost their shale output without investing immense amounts in hiring and recruitment. Internal solutions that standardize training procedures and ensure constant upkeep of current training demands can weaponize a company’s current employee pool to meet the market and consumer demands.
Together, these strategies can help businesses in the oil and gas industry take advantage of the continued acceleration and intensification of the shale gas revolution. To find out how Accupoint Software can help maximize your company’s growth potential, please contact us today.
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A service validation is a comprehensive examination meant to confirm that an existing, new or changed service performs as intended. However, when we talk about section 8.5.1 of the ISO 9001:2015 the difference between service/design validation and service/design verification can be confusing.
Service/design validation processes, specifically, are quality control processes that demonstrate product/service consistency, quality, and durability. They ensure that the service/design does what it is intended to do.
This aspect of quality management is particularly important in situations “where the resulting output cannot be verified by subsequent monitoring or measurement.” One example of where service/design validation is critical would be a welding process where the strength of each individual weld cannot be tested without damaging the product.
These sort of real-world necessities create quite a bind; how do you test without testing? To resolve this, service providers need to create test environments where they can perform their service process, in spaces that duplicate the workspace and conditions where the service will be performed. Once the service environment is duplicated, the tests perform a full check on each step of the service, or creation of the product: You have to perform the service on a test platform, where each step of the service can be examined, measured, and evaluated.
In order to achieve this kind of testing, providers should consider adopting practices such as:
Service validation and testing ensures that the service or product delivers the expected outcomes for the customer. In addition to controlling quality, service validation testing provides opportunities to identify ways in which services and products can be improved, and efficiencies can be found.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help your business create and control service/product validation processes, please contact us today.
Service/design validation processes, specifically, are quality control processes that demonstrate product/service consistency, quality, and durability. They ensure that the service/design does what it is intended to do.
This aspect of quality management is particularly important in situations “where the resulting output cannot be verified by subsequent monitoring or measurement.” One example of where service/design validation is critical would be a welding process where the strength of each individual weld cannot be tested without damaging the product.
These sort of real-world necessities create quite a bind; how do you test without testing? To resolve this, service providers need to create test environments where they can perform their service process, in spaces that duplicate the workspace and conditions where the service will be performed. Once the service environment is duplicated, the tests perform a full check on each step of the service, or creation of the product: You have to perform the service on a test platform, where each step of the service can be examined, measured, and evaluated.
In order to achieve this kind of testing, providers should consider adopting practices such as:
- Service validation tests designed and carried out by the people who haven’t been involved in the design and development process.
- The criteria for passing/failing of a test should be documented in an SDP before any testing.
- Each test environment should be restored to its original state before starting a new test.
- A risk-based testing approach should be adopted to reduce the risk to the service or product. This means stress testing until failure, in order to record and report failure thresholds.
- Service validation and testing need to create, catalog and maintain a library of test models, cases, and data which can be re-used. This is important for being able to re-perform service/product validation during the service lifetime.
- The creation of a quality management system that ensures consistency across all platform and personnel, in order to ensure test conditions can be adequately recreated.
Service validation and testing ensures that the service or product delivers the expected outcomes for the customer. In addition to controlling quality, service validation testing provides opportunities to identify ways in which services and products can be improved, and efficiencies can be found.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help your business create and control service/product validation processes, please contact us today.
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Corrective and preventive actions are important parts of a quality management system (QMS) , but sometimes it can be difficult to tell these two processes apart.
A corrective action deals with a nonconformity that has occurred, and a preventive action addresses the potential for a nonconformity to occur. Section 8.5.2 of the ISO 9000 standard says corrective action eliminates the cause of nonconformities to prevent recurrence, and section 8.5.3 says preventive action determines and eliminates the causes of potential nonconformities to prevent occurrence. In a nutshell, one deals with what has happened and the other attempts to stop something from happening.
Many auditors recommend using separate procedures and forms to document each type of action. The standard doesn’t say this must be done, but there is a heavy implication that it should be done.
One way to understand these processes is to break down what is required for each one:
Corrective Action Process
Preventive Action Process
Both corrective and preventive actions require effective communications. In addition, both require clear documentation of actions taken and lessons learned. Documenting, controlling and communicating corrective and preventive actions ensure appropriate action is taken within a reasonable timeframe and the resulting changes are effective.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help your organization manage the corrective and preventative action process, please contact us today.
A corrective action deals with a nonconformity that has occurred, and a preventive action addresses the potential for a nonconformity to occur. Section 8.5.2 of the ISO 9000 standard says corrective action eliminates the cause of nonconformities to prevent recurrence, and section 8.5.3 says preventive action determines and eliminates the causes of potential nonconformities to prevent occurrence. In a nutshell, one deals with what has happened and the other attempts to stop something from happening.
Many auditors recommend using separate procedures and forms to document each type of action. The standard doesn’t say this must be done, but there is a heavy implication that it should be done.
One way to understand these processes is to break down what is required for each one:
Corrective Action Process
- Locate and document the root cause of the nonconformity.
- Audit the system to ensure no other nonconformity could occur. (impact analysis)
- Analyze the effect the nonconformity may have had on a product or service before it was discovered.
- Which may require taking action by either recalling the product, notifying the customer, downgrading or scrapping product.
- Establish thorough follow-up to ensure the correction is effective and recurrence has been prevented.
Preventive Action Process
- Take proactive steps to detect a potential nonconformity before it can occur.
- Use system analysis to create built-in safeguards and process changes to prevent nonconformance.
- Example, use of a failure mode and risk analysis to identify potential deficiencies and create priorities for improvement.
Both corrective and preventive actions require effective communications. In addition, both require clear documentation of actions taken and lessons learned. Documenting, controlling and communicating corrective and preventive actions ensure appropriate action is taken within a reasonable timeframe and the resulting changes are effective.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help your organization manage the corrective and preventative action process, please contact us today.
