- Published on
Following the traditional headlines, there is a deeply misguided pessimism in the media when it comes to manufacturing in the United States. Given the recent political/economic issues, it seems the days when the Big Three automotives, US Steel, and other industrial giants dominated the global landscape are long gone.
Moreover, people seem to have lost faith in the opportunities manufacturing can provide as a career. Production is seen as something dirty, unsafe, with long hours and low pay that will only worsen as employers outsource production to China and other BRIC nations.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
America remains the wealthiest, most productive country on Earth, due, in large part, to the resurgence of manufacturing and the burgeoning shale-energy industry. Moreover, the United States continues to lead the world in technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing. Furthermore, as with the rise of the middle class in emerging markets and the maturing of the global labor force, more companies are looking to “homesource” production in the United States. Organizations such as the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition are similarly dedicated to showcasing the wonderful opportunities present in the manufacturing sector, from skilled laborers to quality inspection to supervisory/management roles.
Today, on October 4th, we celebrate National Manufacturing Day, during which we celebrate our roots as the greatest industrial power the world has ever seen and aim to change the perception of manufacturing. Accupoint is proud to take part in this educational effort. We service some of the country’s most innovative. Every day, we grow more and more impressed and excited at the prospects for manufacturing.
Please join us today in sharing in the pride of the companies that built America’s past and will continue to build its future.
To find out how Accupoint can help you build a world class organization, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250.
Moreover, people seem to have lost faith in the opportunities manufacturing can provide as a career. Production is seen as something dirty, unsafe, with long hours and low pay that will only worsen as employers outsource production to China and other BRIC nations.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
America remains the wealthiest, most productive country on Earth, due, in large part, to the resurgence of manufacturing and the burgeoning shale-energy industry. Moreover, the United States continues to lead the world in technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing. Furthermore, as with the rise of the middle class in emerging markets and the maturing of the global labor force, more companies are looking to “homesource” production in the United States. Organizations such as the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition are similarly dedicated to showcasing the wonderful opportunities present in the manufacturing sector, from skilled laborers to quality inspection to supervisory/management roles.
Today, on October 4th, we celebrate National Manufacturing Day, during which we celebrate our roots as the greatest industrial power the world has ever seen and aim to change the perception of manufacturing. Accupoint is proud to take part in this educational effort. We service some of the country’s most innovative. Every day, we grow more and more impressed and excited at the prospects for manufacturing.
Please join us today in sharing in the pride of the companies that built America’s past and will continue to build its future.
To find out how Accupoint can help you build a world class organization, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250.
- Published on
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
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
- Published on
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.
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.
- Published on
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.
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.
- Published on
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.
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.
- Published on
[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.
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.
- Published on
The API Q1 Specification outlines the minimum quality management system requirements for organizations that manufacture products for the oil and gas industry. Q1 has been around for more than 20 years and has gone through several editions in that time. The ninth edition is right around the corner and its implementation will alter your organization’s compliance processes.
API Q1 9th edition expands the scope of previous publications by adding over 80 new clauses and 5 new sections. API recommends, that as a result of the vast changes, that the implementation time is a year from the publication date.
So, what does this mean for your organization?
The first step of the transition involves auditing. API will conduct audits based on the 8th edition up until November 2013 to allow your organization and any third parties to become familiar with the 9th edition. API realizes that implementation and training can drain time and resources. To reduce these impacts, they have provided organizations and interested parties 5 months to train personnel and become prepared.
The second step will begin in December of 2013. At this point, all audits will be done according to the 9th Edition of Q1. During this period any unusual findings will be marked as “concerns” and API will not follow up to ensure corrective actions have been taken. However, beginning March 1, 2014 any of these issues that remain unresolved will be marked as non-conformances.
The final phase takes effect in June of 2014 and requires conformance to the 9th edition and any nonconformities will be treated with appropriate penalties.
With these dates rapidly approaching, it is essential that you develop a plan to become compliant. If you do this properly, you can put the 9th edition transition in the rearview mirror and focus on core business operations.
To discuss how your organization can easily comply with API Q1 9th edition standards call Accupoint at 800-563-6250
API Q1 9th edition expands the scope of previous publications by adding over 80 new clauses and 5 new sections. API recommends, that as a result of the vast changes, that the implementation time is a year from the publication date.
So, what does this mean for your organization?
The first step of the transition involves auditing. API will conduct audits based on the 8th edition up until November 2013 to allow your organization and any third parties to become familiar with the 9th edition. API realizes that implementation and training can drain time and resources. To reduce these impacts, they have provided organizations and interested parties 5 months to train personnel and become prepared.
The second step will begin in December of 2013. At this point, all audits will be done according to the 9th Edition of Q1. During this period any unusual findings will be marked as “concerns” and API will not follow up to ensure corrective actions have been taken. However, beginning March 1, 2014 any of these issues that remain unresolved will be marked as non-conformances.
The final phase takes effect in June of 2014 and requires conformance to the 9th edition and any nonconformities will be treated with appropriate penalties.
With these dates rapidly approaching, it is essential that you develop a plan to become compliant. If you do this properly, you can put the 9th edition transition in the rearview mirror and focus on core business operations.
To discuss how your organization can easily comply with API Q1 9th edition standards call Accupoint at 800-563-6250
- Published on
Quality is crucial in the oil and gas industry. We are constantly adjusting and readjusting in order to improve our products and services. But even with this improvement, nonconformities will happen. So, in order to act responsibly, we must have plans in place when nonconformities occur.
The impending API Q2 Specification highlights controlling nonconformities. API Q2 stresses that your organization identifies responsible parties and have the proper procedures in place for tracking nonconformities in services or service-related products (SRP). When responding to these nonconformities it is important that you treat each incident appropriately and that the effect on the service performance is analyzed thoroughly.
Nonconformities should be handled in the following order:
1. Make a correction, or;
2. If correcting the issue is not possible, stop using the service-related product, or;
3. If neither option is acceptable, request a waiver or deviation from the customer.
Once you have identified and corrected the nonconformity, with CAPAs (if required) you need verify the action was effective. Throughout this process, you need to document required changes and communicate, if applicable, the information with your customer and other interested parties.
Control of nonconformities and related impacts are a focus of the new standard and it is important to manage the process in order to be in compliance with the requirements of API Q2.
The impending API Q2 Specification highlights controlling nonconformities. API Q2 stresses that your organization identifies responsible parties and have the proper procedures in place for tracking nonconformities in services or service-related products (SRP). When responding to these nonconformities it is important that you treat each incident appropriately and that the effect on the service performance is analyzed thoroughly.
Nonconformities should be handled in the following order:
1. Make a correction, or;
2. If correcting the issue is not possible, stop using the service-related product, or;
3. If neither option is acceptable, request a waiver or deviation from the customer.
Once you have identified and corrected the nonconformity, with CAPAs (if required) you need verify the action was effective. Throughout this process, you need to document required changes and communicate, if applicable, the information with your customer and other interested parties.
Control of nonconformities and related impacts are a focus of the new standard and it is important to manage the process in order to be in compliance with the requirements of API Q2.
- Published on
We are in the midst of the dog days of summer and staying cool is on the top of everyone’s mind. It is the perfect time of the year to take a dip in a pool or relax in the air conditioning. But many of us have to work during August, so we must keep cool while on the job.
It isn’t difficult to imagine a scenario where workers will be dealing with extreme heat this time of year. When a person is exposed to a hot environment, his/her body must find a way to release the heat. If this heat isn’t released, workers can experience some serious side effects.
Workers that are more likely to be affected by heat related illness are those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight or take medications that may cause an adverse reaction to excessive heat. Of course, this does not mean that if these do not apply to you that you are safe from heat related illness.
Heat related illnesses are a significant concern in the workplace and it is important that we take the appropriate steps in order to mitigate the risk.
Extreme heat should be avoided whenever possible. If exposure cannot be avoided, employers should:
It isn’t difficult to imagine a scenario where workers will be dealing with extreme heat this time of year. When a person is exposed to a hot environment, his/her body must find a way to release the heat. If this heat isn’t released, workers can experience some serious side effects.
Workers that are more likely to be affected by heat related illness are those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight or take medications that may cause an adverse reaction to excessive heat. Of course, this does not mean that if these do not apply to you that you are safe from heat related illness.
Heat related illnesses are a significant concern in the workplace and it is important that we take the appropriate steps in order to mitigate the risk.
Extreme heat should be avoided whenever possible. If exposure cannot be avoided, employers should:
- Provide liquids to workers
- Give rest periods
- Monitor workers who are at greater risk
- Gradually build into heavy work
- Avoid drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar
- Wear light-colored, breathable clothing
- Published on
Whether we are checking the weather or communicating with loved ones, technology has made a significant impact on our personal lives. As you might expect, these advances have also significantly impacted the business world.
Picture this. A quality manager needs to make sure that his organization is in compliance with ISO 9001. In order to do this, he needs to practice careful process and data management. Historically, organizations would spend countless hours every day manually recording metrics by hand and filing them away in hard copy. When it was time for an audit, the management representative had to dig through mounds of paperwork and hope that everything was where it was supposed to be. Once he finally retrieved all the information, it needed to be presented to the auditor who was required to wade through the stacks of records to ensure the processes were in compliance.
What is wrong with this scenario? The quality staff is shuffling through paperwork instead of monitoring operations to identify possible improvements. Additionally, cumbersome legacy systems are unorganized and confusing, which leads to mistakes and poor audit results.
With the advent of cloud-based technology, organizations can now cost effectively record quality data and develop metric reports with the click of a button. In addition, records are accessible anytime, from any web enabled device.
We have successfully integrated technology into our personal lives; why not improve our businesses as well? Technology has empowered quality managers everywhere to get back to the basics and focus on managing processes instead of drowning in a sea of unmanageable data.
Click here to find out how a cloud-based Quality Management System can help your organization.
Picture this. A quality manager needs to make sure that his organization is in compliance with ISO 9001. In order to do this, he needs to practice careful process and data management. Historically, organizations would spend countless hours every day manually recording metrics by hand and filing them away in hard copy. When it was time for an audit, the management representative had to dig through mounds of paperwork and hope that everything was where it was supposed to be. Once he finally retrieved all the information, it needed to be presented to the auditor who was required to wade through the stacks of records to ensure the processes were in compliance.
What is wrong with this scenario? The quality staff is shuffling through paperwork instead of monitoring operations to identify possible improvements. Additionally, cumbersome legacy systems are unorganized and confusing, which leads to mistakes and poor audit results.
With the advent of cloud-based technology, organizations can now cost effectively record quality data and develop metric reports with the click of a button. In addition, records are accessible anytime, from any web enabled device.
We have successfully integrated technology into our personal lives; why not improve our businesses as well? Technology has empowered quality managers everywhere to get back to the basics and focus on managing processes instead of drowning in a sea of unmanageable data.
Click here to find out how a cloud-based Quality Management System can help your organization.
