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Whether prepping for an audit, updating your company processes with new best practice information, or simply checking up on employee training, gage calibration (or lack thereof) should be taken seriously. Lack of compliance, regardless of which standards is being applied, can bankrupt a company. Gage calibration best practices really consist of 2 main parts, which should be checked periodically:
Of course, keeping on top of gage calibration can be tedious, and easily lost among other, more pressing issues. Having one system set in place that can handle all compliance management efforts streamlines the process and makes it easier for the whole company, as otherwise compliance efforts get split among different individuals and departments. This inevitably leads to something getting lost in translation, or through the cracks. For the best compliance management solutions that optimize your business practices while improving customer satisfaction, contact us today.
- Calibration certificates-Bureaucratic red tape gets a bad rap, but keeping important files and paperwork in order can save a lot of time and hassle. A monthly check of calibration certificates can alert you to bring in any gage from the field that needs calibrated ahead of its expiration date.
- Employee Training. When employees do not know how to properly operate equipment, problems arise. Misuse of gages can cause them to no longer be in calibration. It can lead to incorrect readings, damage due to not taking the environment into consideration when applicable, or even cause accidents to happen. In the event of an accident, employees should feel comfortable reporting inaccurate, damaged, or otherwise malfunctioning gages to the proper authority.
Of course, keeping on top of gage calibration can be tedious, and easily lost among other, more pressing issues. Having one system set in place that can handle all compliance management efforts streamlines the process and makes it easier for the whole company, as otherwise compliance efforts get split among different individuals and departments. This inevitably leads to something getting lost in translation, or through the cracks. For the best compliance management solutions that optimize your business practices while improving customer satisfaction, contact us today.
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Depending on the industry under discussion, there are varying levels of incidents that can occur which make having an effective incident management plan a necessity. The petroleum industry most certainly falls into the category of operations where establishing and consistently maintaining an effective incident management response is of paramount importance. Understanding that there is no way to completely prevent incidents -- only to successfully and completely prepare for them when they do occur -- is often the difference between a brief interruption in operations and a long-lasting, expensive situation that negatively impacts a firm's reputation. Read on as we outline four basic steps in any solid effective incident management plan.
Develop a communication plan
This pertains to internal and external communication. Internally, the specifics of the plan are dependent on different factors unique to your organization (size, location, company culture), but whatever form the communication plan takes, it should be well-defined and able to be acted upon immediately. All internal employees should refer questions to your company spokesperson, with no exceptions.
Externally, an honest assessment with a realistic timeline is the best course of action. Ensuring stakeholders and the public in general that you are taking every step necessary to deal with the incident in the timeliest manner possible is vital at this point.
Understand how to classify (and respond to) the incident
At this juncture, the severity of the incident is quantified. Will it affect operations in just one location, or at multiple company locations? Obviously this step will no doubt be drastically different depending upon the circumstances, but the key here is to understand what threats can result from the incident, and gauge the response accordingly.
Formulate a basic framework for costs
There's no question that any incident needs a successful resolution. However, a cost analysis is necessary to ensure that the response and recovery to the incident are not out of proportion to the severity of the situation. As with any business decision, a budget helps immensely for this step.
Ensure your team is complete
Probably the most important step in any effective incident management plan, having the right people in the right places is of utmost importance. The key here is to have a clearly defined plan of action, where all the members of the incident management team understand their role -- without any ambiguity -- and are ready to jump into action immediately.
Developing an effective incident management response is certainly an important consideration, especially for companies operating in the petroleum industry. As is the case with any successful concept, ample planning will ensure that your organization is ready to respond -- and act quickly -- should an unexpected incident occur.
If you have any questions about developing or maintaining your incident management plan, please don't hesitate to reach out to us -- there's a reason why our compliance management solutions are so highly touted!
Develop a communication plan
This pertains to internal and external communication. Internally, the specifics of the plan are dependent on different factors unique to your organization (size, location, company culture), but whatever form the communication plan takes, it should be well-defined and able to be acted upon immediately. All internal employees should refer questions to your company spokesperson, with no exceptions.
Externally, an honest assessment with a realistic timeline is the best course of action. Ensuring stakeholders and the public in general that you are taking every step necessary to deal with the incident in the timeliest manner possible is vital at this point.
Understand how to classify (and respond to) the incident
At this juncture, the severity of the incident is quantified. Will it affect operations in just one location, or at multiple company locations? Obviously this step will no doubt be drastically different depending upon the circumstances, but the key here is to understand what threats can result from the incident, and gauge the response accordingly.
Formulate a basic framework for costs
There's no question that any incident needs a successful resolution. However, a cost analysis is necessary to ensure that the response and recovery to the incident are not out of proportion to the severity of the situation. As with any business decision, a budget helps immensely for this step.
Ensure your team is complete
Probably the most important step in any effective incident management plan, having the right people in the right places is of utmost importance. The key here is to have a clearly defined plan of action, where all the members of the incident management team understand their role -- without any ambiguity -- and are ready to jump into action immediately.
Developing an effective incident management response is certainly an important consideration, especially for companies operating in the petroleum industry. As is the case with any successful concept, ample planning will ensure that your organization is ready to respond -- and act quickly -- should an unexpected incident occur.
If you have any questions about developing or maintaining your incident management plan, please don't hesitate to reach out to us -- there's a reason why our compliance management solutions are so highly touted!
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A well-designed continual improvement program is the key to a company’s growth within the petroleum industry. In addition to providing the framework for attaining the highest quality of product and service, a continual improvement program helps petroleum companies target inefficiencies and reduce waste. The result is a company that has the resources to weather challenging market conditions and thrive in favorable markets. Below is a look at 10 elements of effective continual improvement programs.
Seeking the Guidance of an Expert in Continual Improvement
Not all continual improvement programs are created equal. The best way for you to design a sound continual improvement program is to enlist the expertise of an industry expert. Accupoint Software has been facilitating continual quality programs for companies in the petroleum industry for nearly a decade. Please contact us to learn how we can help you launch an effective continual improvement program. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Link continual improvement programs to your company’s mission or goals. Employees need to understand why a continual improvement program is being implemented. By linking the program to your company’s mission, you will be more likely to garner support and participation at all employee levels.
- Communicate goals and program benefits to employees. Identifying and relaying goals for improvement is critical to a program’s success. Goals should be specific, attainable and actionable to produce ideal results. If incentives will be offered to employees for exceeding performance goals, these incentives should be specified before a program’s inception.
- Stress the participation of managers and supervisors. Involvement of upper management is necessary to lead and engage front line employees. Managers should model desired behaviors and highlight the specific ways that continual improvement programs will value specific employees within a company. Managers and supervisors must make sure that employees remain on track and focused on performance goals.
- Regularly monitor program performance. Evaluating the effectiveness of a continual improvement program is impossible without regular performance monitoring and results tracking. Real-time, accurate program results are vital to the ability to a program’s success because companies can target under-performing areas of their organization.
- Develop strategies to reduce waste. In the petroleum industry, strategies for waste reduction serve a dual purpose. They target supply chain inefficiencies and reduce the environmental effects of petroleum operations. Non-value added processes should be minimized and recycling should be considered when appropriate.
- Focus on the prevention of common problems. In the petroleum industry, front-line supervisors are often unable to effectively manage employees or procedures because they spend much of their time reacting to problems and tackling exception reports. A continual improvement program focuses on the prevention of injury, waste, and supply chain bottlenecks.
- Identify key inefficiencies. An effective program identifies and targets opportunities for improvement. This process can target sluggish activities at refineries, subpar sales performance, ineffective marketing, and bottlenecks in supply chain activity. Quality control and testing procedures should be evaluated for effectiveness and amended to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
- Enhance employee training programs. A training program should be thorough and engaging for all employees. Safety and compliance should be key program focal points, and employees should be encouraged to develop new skills. Finally, employees should receive continuing education and ongoing training.
- Link employee bonuses to performance improvements. Tying rewards or bonuses to performance improvement is a great way to keep employees engaged and interested in program outcomes. Periodic internal audits are an effective means of assessing program results.
- Develop a long-term mindset. The most effective continual improvement programs are future-oriented in their approach. They stress preservation of the environment, conservation of resources, continued education, and long-term company growth. Finally, long-term solutions are valued more than short-term strategies.
Seeking the Guidance of an Expert in Continual Improvement
Not all continual improvement programs are created equal. The best way for you to design a sound continual improvement program is to enlist the expertise of an industry expert. Accupoint Software has been facilitating continual quality programs for companies in the petroleum industry for nearly a decade. Please contact us to learn how we can help you launch an effective continual improvement program. We look forward to hearing from you!
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The foundation of a profitable petroleum company is sound training management. This is best achieved through a customized training management program and continuing education for managers. Effective training management programs should cover quality assurance, workplace safety, risk assessment, and the importance of ongoing education.
Key Areas of Focus to Cover for Training Management
Designers of training management programs for companies in the petroleum industry realize that trainers are often solely responsible for ensuring that all company employees are effectively trained in the following areas:
Accordingly, training management programs should be comprehensive in design to help managers achieve excellence in these areas. Managers, in turn, can use newly acquired information and skills to provide training to their staff. The end result is more competent employees and a higher level of customer satisfaction.
Critical Platform Design Components
Not all training management participants possess the same degree of experience and learning speed. Additionally, compliance training material can be dry, making it difficult to stimulate the interest of employees. Accordingly, an effective training management program should be flexible and should engage trainees. Effective platforms are typically marked by the following features:
The Importance of Ongoing Education for Training Managers
The fields of medicine and law are notorious for emphasizing the importance of continuing education and training. Other industries, including the petroleum industry, have not kept pace in this area. This provides a significant opportunity for improvement, especially since training managers are often responsible for training senior sales staff and entry-level personnel. Participation in ongoing training will help your company gain an edge in the petroleum industry by arming your managers with the latest knowledge and tools to maximize profits.
Choosing the Best Training Management Solution
Selecting a training management solution that meets or exceeds all of the qualities outlined above can be challenging. Since 2007, Accupoint Software has been a global provider of management solutions that help companies streamline their training management and improve their efficiency.
Please contact us to find out how we can help you increase your company's profitability by enhancing your training management. We are delighted to provide you with a free demonstration of our innovative training management solutions and will answer any questions that you may have about our tools for success. We look forward to hearing from you!
Key Areas of Focus to Cover for Training Management
Designers of training management programs for companies in the petroleum industry realize that trainers are often solely responsible for ensuring that all company employees are effectively trained in the following areas:
- Compliance education
- Workplace safety training
- Petroleum sales techniques
- Product characteristics
- Quality assurance
- Risk assessment and management
- Finance and insurance solutions
- Customer service skills
- The need for continuing education
Accordingly, training management programs should be comprehensive in design to help managers achieve excellence in these areas. Managers, in turn, can use newly acquired information and skills to provide training to their staff. The end result is more competent employees and a higher level of customer satisfaction.
Critical Platform Design Components
Not all training management participants possess the same degree of experience and learning speed. Additionally, compliance training material can be dry, making it difficult to stimulate the interest of employees. Accordingly, an effective training management program should be flexible and should engage trainees. Effective platforms are typically marked by the following features:
- Easy to access. People can participate in training at any time by accessing online program materials.
- Flexible. Participants are able to receive training online using their device of choice.
- Affordable. A training management program should be cost-effective and yield a strong ROI.
- Engaging. Programs should incorporate a variety of media, such as photos, videos and interactive features.
- Easy to monitor. Program operators can track training participation and monitor progress and completion.
- Simple to update. The petroleum industry is changing every day and training management programs should be kept current.
The Importance of Ongoing Education for Training Managers
The fields of medicine and law are notorious for emphasizing the importance of continuing education and training. Other industries, including the petroleum industry, have not kept pace in this area. This provides a significant opportunity for improvement, especially since training managers are often responsible for training senior sales staff and entry-level personnel. Participation in ongoing training will help your company gain an edge in the petroleum industry by arming your managers with the latest knowledge and tools to maximize profits.
Choosing the Best Training Management Solution
Selecting a training management solution that meets or exceeds all of the qualities outlined above can be challenging. Since 2007, Accupoint Software has been a global provider of management solutions that help companies streamline their training management and improve their efficiency.
Please contact us to find out how we can help you increase your company's profitability by enhancing your training management. We are delighted to provide you with a free demonstration of our innovative training management solutions and will answer any questions that you may have about our tools for success. We look forward to hearing from you!
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The use of continuous improvement provides a process for an organization to develop and grow. Use of continuous improvement efforts can provide distinct advantages to a company relative to its competition. That being said, the objective is to develop a set of targets that require us to rethink new goals and focus our efforts on business productivity. There must be a unity of persistence, as well as an understanding by the team that there are always opportunities for improvement.
In order for continuous improvement to be effective, it must promote a sense of urgency, perfect skill sets in problem resolution and focus on strategic concepts; fast response, quick adaptation, and the exceptional communication that needs to be incorporated as a way of doing business.
Continuous improvement activities should be conducted by the whole company. Upper management must create and foster an atmosphere that will encourage any person to point out problems or raise questions freely. The goals of the continuous improvement program should be defined and progress should be reported periodically so that team members can understand their contribution to the goal.
The 8 main steps to an effective continuous improvement process are outlined below:
Continuous improvement projects should focus on a core goal, for example the reduction of waste, overburden, overcapacity, elimination of defects, shortening of lead time, or improving throughput.
After determining the objective, complete a comprehensive analysis of all the details to get an accurate understanding of the current situation. An appropriate continuous improvement plan can be formulated only through a precise knowledge of the prevailing conditions.
Next we will want to examine the most suitable means of achieving the continuous improvement goal. If the means are excessive, they will create waste; if deficient, they will overburden the existing systems. Speculation should never play a part in the analysis. An accurate statement of the problem is perhaps the most important step in developing the appropriate solution.
By reviewing all the ideas resulting from the brainstorming effort, discussing the issues from all angles, considering the possibilities and the degree to which the solution will achieve the desired goal, we can then create the best continuous improvement plan to meet the objective.
After implementing the continuous improvement plan, we will need to review results and evaluate the plan to determine its effectiveness in meeting the stated goal.
For more information on how Accupoint can help facilitate your continuous improvement efforts, contact us today.
In order for continuous improvement to be effective, it must promote a sense of urgency, perfect skill sets in problem resolution and focus on strategic concepts; fast response, quick adaptation, and the exceptional communication that needs to be incorporated as a way of doing business.
Continuous improvement activities should be conducted by the whole company. Upper management must create and foster an atmosphere that will encourage any person to point out problems or raise questions freely. The goals of the continuous improvement program should be defined and progress should be reported periodically so that team members can understand their contribution to the goal.
The 8 main steps to an effective continuous improvement process are outlined below:
- Clearly identify the item(s) requiring continuous improvement.
- Get an accurate understanding of the present situation.
- Solicit ideas and observations from applicable employees
- Brainstorm solutions to the problem
- Create a continuous improvement plan
- Implement the continuous improvement plan
- Review results and evaluate for effectiveness
- Repeat the process
Continuous improvement projects should focus on a core goal, for example the reduction of waste, overburden, overcapacity, elimination of defects, shortening of lead time, or improving throughput.
After determining the objective, complete a comprehensive analysis of all the details to get an accurate understanding of the current situation. An appropriate continuous improvement plan can be formulated only through a precise knowledge of the prevailing conditions.
Next we will want to examine the most suitable means of achieving the continuous improvement goal. If the means are excessive, they will create waste; if deficient, they will overburden the existing systems. Speculation should never play a part in the analysis. An accurate statement of the problem is perhaps the most important step in developing the appropriate solution.
By reviewing all the ideas resulting from the brainstorming effort, discussing the issues from all angles, considering the possibilities and the degree to which the solution will achieve the desired goal, we can then create the best continuous improvement plan to meet the objective.
After implementing the continuous improvement plan, we will need to review results and evaluate the plan to determine its effectiveness in meeting the stated goal.
For more information on how Accupoint can help facilitate your continuous improvement efforts, contact us today.
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In the fast-paced world of oil and gas, a robust design review process is crucial for successful product launches and regulatory compliance. At Accupoint Software, we understand that while implementation details may vary, all successful design review programs share a common foundation. Today, we'll explore the four key stages of an effective design review process, essential for ensuring performance, safety, and compliance in oil and gas production.
1. Design Specification
This initial stage sets the foundation for your entire project. Here, we identify and document the critical criteria that will guide your design. This specification serves as a benchmark throughout the review process, ensuring that the final product aligns with your initial vision and requirements.
2. Design Review
At this stage, we conduct a thorough evaluation of the design against the product specification and existing concepts. Our process captures valuable information, including individual observations, suggestions, and recommendations. This comprehensive approach allows us to measure design outputs effectively and make informed decisions.
3. Design Verification
Before releasing any design to production, it's crucial to confirm that all detailed drawings and calculations have been meticulously reviewed and verified. This stage represents the final checkpoint in the design process before moving on to product validation.
4. Design Validation
The culmination of the design and engineering project, validation confirms that your product meets all specified requirements. This stage may involve various testing methods, including workshop tests, function tests, and field tests, ensuring that your product is ready for the demanding oil and gas environment.
At Accupoint Software, we're committed to helping you navigate the complex landscape of design review and verification. Our cutting-edge solutions are tailored to streamline your processes, enhance product control, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Experience the future of design review management in the oil and gas industry. Contact Accupoint Software today to discover how we can transform your design review process and drive operational excellence.
1. Design Specification
This initial stage sets the foundation for your entire project. Here, we identify and document the critical criteria that will guide your design. This specification serves as a benchmark throughout the review process, ensuring that the final product aligns with your initial vision and requirements.
2. Design Review
At this stage, we conduct a thorough evaluation of the design against the product specification and existing concepts. Our process captures valuable information, including individual observations, suggestions, and recommendations. This comprehensive approach allows us to measure design outputs effectively and make informed decisions.
3. Design Verification
Before releasing any design to production, it's crucial to confirm that all detailed drawings and calculations have been meticulously reviewed and verified. This stage represents the final checkpoint in the design process before moving on to product validation.
4. Design Validation
The culmination of the design and engineering project, validation confirms that your product meets all specified requirements. This stage may involve various testing methods, including workshop tests, function tests, and field tests, ensuring that your product is ready for the demanding oil and gas environment.
At Accupoint Software, we're committed to helping you navigate the complex landscape of design review and verification. Our cutting-edge solutions are tailored to streamline your processes, enhance product control, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Experience the future of design review management in the oil and gas industry. Contact Accupoint Software today to discover how we can transform your design review process and drive operational excellence.
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As we continue into our evaluation of the API Spec Q2 standard, we thought we would concentrate on a topic that many organization struggle with, Customer Satisfaction Bench-marking
The API Spec Q2 standard requires us to monitor and work to improve our customer satisfaction. According to the standard:
The organization shall maintain a documented procedure to monitor customer satisfaction. The procedure shall address customer feedback, key performance indicators (KPIs), and other information that the organization monitors to determine whether the organization has met customer requirements. Records of the results of customer satisfaction information shall be maintained (see 4.5).
Having the procedure is not the problem. Obtaining actionable information from the customer is. There are many ways to gauge customer satisfaction; some organizations develop in-depth questionnaires while others rely on the Net Promoter (NPS) format.
Regardless of the collection method, we need to analyze the responses to develop an action plan to drive our continual improvement efforts. Below is a Deming circle, outlining the major components:
For more information on how Accupoint can help you manage the Customer Satisfaction requirements of the API standards, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250 or visit us at www.accupointsoftware.com.
The API Spec Q2 standard requires us to monitor and work to improve our customer satisfaction. According to the standard:
The organization shall maintain a documented procedure to monitor customer satisfaction. The procedure shall address customer feedback, key performance indicators (KPIs), and other information that the organization monitors to determine whether the organization has met customer requirements. Records of the results of customer satisfaction information shall be maintained (see 4.5).
Having the procedure is not the problem. Obtaining actionable information from the customer is. There are many ways to gauge customer satisfaction; some organizations develop in-depth questionnaires while others rely on the Net Promoter (NPS) format.
Regardless of the collection method, we need to analyze the responses to develop an action plan to drive our continual improvement efforts. Below is a Deming circle, outlining the major components:
- Start with a quick gap analysis to compare the customer’s perspective with your internal SWOT analysis. This will help to highlight unknown issues.
- Develop an action plan to drive improvement. Make sure to establish specific goals with corresponding gates, to track progress.
- Implement the plan across the organization. Communicate specifics with applicable employees to encourage understanding and buy-in.
- Re-evaluate customer satisfaction performance by conducting follow-up surveys at regular intervals. Based on the results of the follow-up, revise the action plan to achieve the desired outcome.
For more information on how Accupoint can help you manage the Customer Satisfaction requirements of the API standards, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250 or visit us at www.accupointsoftware.com.
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The API Spec Q1 standard requires that organizations “maintain a documented procedure for the establishment of preventive maintenance for equipment used in product realization." An effective PM program will reduce operating costs, improve product quality, and increase productivity for the company. Our goal is to minimize interruptions that adversely impact productivity. With that in mind, we thought we would take this opportunity to discuss a number of best practices around the preventive maintenance process.
1. Preventive Maintenance factors:
Understand that preventive maintenance schedules are based on a variety of inputs, including:
2. Develop an actual plan
Most plans can be formed with a triggering mechanism. This means that certain events are slated to occur at a specific interval. The schedule may be developed with a condition-based or company-based protocol. The preventive maintenance schedule should always be assigned to a particular trigger.
3. Form the plan with savings in mind.
The plan should be developed with a specific set of savings objectives. Metrics like the maximum manufacturing time available for each machine may be used to create the schedule. There may be some downtime required where minimal lost production opportunity time may be factored into the planning process. There may even be a schedule developed around the concept affecting the quality of products manufactured.
4. Make the system available to others.
Once the framework has been constructed, the information should be created in some sort of a computerized maintenance system. The system will be formalized and assigned to key personnel responsible for monitoring the maintenance to be performed. The Accupoint system allows tasks to be automated and scheduled in a manner where work orders are generated on a timetable.
5. Set routine maintenance.
Once routine maintenance schedules are established for one system, move on to another critical system. Again, set up maintenance schedules, documenting current conditions for future reference. An effective PM program can extend the asset life and ensures that it can be replaced as a scheduled event, rather than in an emergency situation.
6. Match the cost to the PM protocol developed.
It may be more cost-effective to perform a set of repairs simultaneously to a machine. It may also be much more cost-effective to take a reactive approach to maintenance. This approach may be better if this type of repair or maintenance duty doesn’t occur nearly as often.
In summary, a combination of inspections, repairs, and testing should be a part of any comprehensive preventive maintenance process. In addition, any credible program should be long-term in nature.
To find out how Accupoint can help manage your preventive maintenance management program, call us toll free at 800-563-6250 or visit us at www.accupointsoftware.com.
1. Preventive Maintenance factors:
Understand that preventive maintenance schedules are based on a variety of inputs, including:
- Usage history
- Risk analysis
- Manufacturer’s recommendations
- Industry recommended practices
- Regulatory requirements
- Internal experience
- Notable changes in system performance
2. Develop an actual plan
Most plans can be formed with a triggering mechanism. This means that certain events are slated to occur at a specific interval. The schedule may be developed with a condition-based or company-based protocol. The preventive maintenance schedule should always be assigned to a particular trigger.
3. Form the plan with savings in mind.
The plan should be developed with a specific set of savings objectives. Metrics like the maximum manufacturing time available for each machine may be used to create the schedule. There may be some downtime required where minimal lost production opportunity time may be factored into the planning process. There may even be a schedule developed around the concept affecting the quality of products manufactured.
4. Make the system available to others.
Once the framework has been constructed, the information should be created in some sort of a computerized maintenance system. The system will be formalized and assigned to key personnel responsible for monitoring the maintenance to be performed. The Accupoint system allows tasks to be automated and scheduled in a manner where work orders are generated on a timetable.
5. Set routine maintenance.
Once routine maintenance schedules are established for one system, move on to another critical system. Again, set up maintenance schedules, documenting current conditions for future reference. An effective PM program can extend the asset life and ensures that it can be replaced as a scheduled event, rather than in an emergency situation.
6. Match the cost to the PM protocol developed.
It may be more cost-effective to perform a set of repairs simultaneously to a machine. It may also be much more cost-effective to take a reactive approach to maintenance. This approach may be better if this type of repair or maintenance duty doesn’t occur nearly as often.
In summary, a combination of inspections, repairs, and testing should be a part of any comprehensive preventive maintenance process. In addition, any credible program should be long-term in nature.
To find out how Accupoint can help manage your preventive maintenance management program, call us toll free at 800-563-6250 or visit us at www.accupointsoftware.com.
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The API Spec Q2 standard has created some confusion regarding the implementation of certain requirements. One frequent conundrum centers around the definition of a critical supplier, as well as the QMS requirements of said supplier.
The standard defines critical, in 3.1.6, as follows: That deemed by the organization or customer as indispensable or essential, needed for a stated purpose or task, and requiring specific action.
Let’s start with a simple definition of a critical supplier. The term “critical” and the criteria used in the designation should be determined by your organization and/or customer. That being said, if a supplier is integral to the process or you cannot survive without them that would be a pretty good indicator that the supplier is “critical.” Keep in mind that “critical” can be defined in a variety of ways, so development of internal criteria is essential.
Next, let’s look at how to verify that your critical suppliers’ QMS conforms to your internal requirements. You may require your suppliers to have a third party certification in order to be approved. In this case, you can outline the standard(s) required to satisfy your conditions. If you do not require certification, you should develop an audit checklist to verify that their QMS meets expectations.
The API Q2 standard requires the following, in section 5.6.1 Purchasing Control:
For critical services or service-related product, the criteria for the initial evaluation and selection of suppliers by the organization shall include the following prior to initiation of the purchase agreement:
Remember, you’re only as good as your weakest link. Q2 requires the management and monitoring of the supply chain. Understand that this can create burdens and require additional resources to verify. It is important that you develop a simple process to evaluate and monitor your vendors.
To find out about how Accupoint can help you streamline your supply chain management process, call us at 800.563.6250 or visit www.accupointsoftware.com
The standard defines critical, in 3.1.6, as follows: That deemed by the organization or customer as indispensable or essential, needed for a stated purpose or task, and requiring specific action.
Let’s start with a simple definition of a critical supplier. The term “critical” and the criteria used in the designation should be determined by your organization and/or customer. That being said, if a supplier is integral to the process or you cannot survive without them that would be a pretty good indicator that the supplier is “critical.” Keep in mind that “critical” can be defined in a variety of ways, so development of internal criteria is essential.
Next, let’s look at how to verify that your critical suppliers’ QMS conforms to your internal requirements. You may require your suppliers to have a third party certification in order to be approved. In this case, you can outline the standard(s) required to satisfy your conditions. If you do not require certification, you should develop an audit checklist to verify that their QMS meets expectations.
The API Q2 standard requires the following, in section 5.6.1 Purchasing Control:
For critical services or service-related product, the criteria for the initial evaluation and selection of suppliers by the organization shall include the following prior to initiation of the purchase agreement:
- Assessment of the supplier at supplier’s facility to meet the organization’s purchasing requirements, and
- Verification that the supplier’s quality management system conforms to the quality system requirements specified for suppliers by the organization.
Remember, you’re only as good as your weakest link. Q2 requires the management and monitoring of the supply chain. Understand that this can create burdens and require additional resources to verify. It is important that you develop a simple process to evaluate and monitor your vendors.
To find out about how Accupoint can help you streamline your supply chain management process, call us at 800.563.6250 or visit www.accupointsoftware.com
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Although quality management systems have been around for over sixty years, some companies are more serious about quality management than others. This is evidenced by the continued high amount of recalls in various industries. In order to do more than just claim to have a quality management system, it is vital that a company empowers every worker at every phase of the operation to have a part in making the system better and contribute to improvements.
Properly training and motivating the workforce becomes a self-fulfilling task. As workers continue to be included in the quality process and receive continued training, they begin to feel more motivated and empowered as an integral part of the operation. When they know their voices and contributions are heard, they then will take a more hands-on approach in making sure that the products and services are at the highest quality.
Empowered and engaged workers lead to high morale and the process continues to feed and grow throughout the entire company resulting in benefits for the company, the customer, as well as the workers themselves.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can facilitate this team empowerment, call us at 800.563.6250 or visit us on the web at www.accupointsoftware.com
Properly training and motivating the workforce becomes a self-fulfilling task. As workers continue to be included in the quality process and receive continued training, they begin to feel more motivated and empowered as an integral part of the operation. When they know their voices and contributions are heard, they then will take a more hands-on approach in making sure that the products and services are at the highest quality.
Empowered and engaged workers lead to high morale and the process continues to feed and grow throughout the entire company resulting in benefits for the company, the customer, as well as the workers themselves.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can facilitate this team empowerment, call us at 800.563.6250 or visit us on the web at www.accupointsoftware.com
