INFO PACK:
TQCSI provides auditing services for Quality Management Systems ISO9001 Quality Management Systems.
Why use TQCSI - what are the advantages?
TQCSI provides a no nonsense, practical approach to interpreting your management system in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate Standard. We are dedicated to providing total customer satisfaction while maintaining a credible, logical understanding of the Standards and an appreciation of your Company's needs.
TQCSI employs carefully selected auditors who have had extensive business experience, who understand business demands and who are qualified Auditors.
TQCSI offers a cost effective service designed to be attractive to all companies and, in particular, those small companies which comprise the majority of our business structure.
TQCSI responds, our auditors are available to visit at your convenience for a no obligation, free quotation and to explain what services are available prior to your formal application for registration.
TQCSI conducts regular surveillance audits scheduled to conform with your availability.
TQCSI was initially developed to provide the market with a readily available alternative to the larger, more bureaucratic companies. We offer prompt service with a practical application at a real cost advantage. Certification Process
Regardless of the particular program selected, TQCSI has an established method of assessing management systems to formal third party certification. At TQCSI we strive to retain simplicity in the audit process and set the highest priority on client requirements in a partnership relationship. The implementation of this method and philosophy is what sets TQCSI apart from the others who, too often, demonstrate bureaucracy, require additional overheads and prove to be, both, difficult to achieve and expensive.
TQCSI applies simple, effective applications and interpretations within the following framework:
1 - Introduction Interview
Contact with the TQCSI Office will provide the opportunity for a discussion where the proposed system requirements and conditions of certification will be explained in detail. You will be provided with a clear understanding of what is required and be given plenty of opportunity to ask for clarification until completely aware of the responsibilities of both parties.
For large companies, or those with diverse operations, it may be desirable at this stage for TQCSI to visit and view your Company's operations and services.
Once the necessary information has been solicited, you will be given a firm quotation for the certification services with all costs explained and no hidden charges to worry about.
A proposed time frame for the certification will then be agreed upon.
2 - Application
Once you decide to accept TQCSI for certification, you should complete the Application Form and forward it to the TQCSI Office.
On receipt of the application, you will receive an acknowledgment which, in itself, may be used to demonstrate to customers that you have made a firm commitment to proceed to third party certification. You may then contact TQCSI, at any stage, to discuss any issues regarding our services and the certification process.
3 - Document Review
When your Policy Manual has been completed, you should contact the TQCSI Office to arrange for a Document Review. The Review will determine the Manual's conformance with the formal Standard and it may reveal discrepancies that require correction before the Pre-Audit and/or System Audit can be conducted. This Document Review is normally conducted at TQCSI but may be completed at your premises. This Review prepares your documentation for ultimate assessment.
Following the Document Review you will be provided with a written report detailing any areas requiring attention.
4 - Pre-Audit
As an optional service, you may undertake a Pre-Audit to preview your Company's preparedness for the System Audit. While this service will not review every function of the system it will, in most cases, be sufficient to provide a realistic measurement of the system's development. It should be conducted within one to two months of the System Audit and many companies have found it beneficial in highlighting any major discrepancies prior to the more formal assessment. The Pre-Audit will also allow the Auditor to accurately forecast what resources will be required to conduct the formal assessment.
5 - System Audit
When you believe the system is operating as documented, continued effective operation within the system has developed a viable history of performance, and you have addressed issues identified by the Document Review or Pre-Audit, the formal System Audit can be arranged.
The System Audit will ensure that .......
'you have written what you are doing and you are doing what you have written'
...... and all operations are in conformance with the requirements of the Standard and your System documentation..
If minor non-conformances are found during the System Audit you will be required to provide an Action Plan to address the relevant issues. On receipt of a satisfactory Action Plan detailing the target dates for rectification, the Auditor will recommend the certification to proceed.
If major non-conformances are found during the System Audit you will be required to take appropriate action to rectify the problems and then have the relevant issues re-audited. Successful rectification will then allow the certification procedure to continue.
6 - Certification
Providing the System Audit demonstrates compliance to the Standard and recognised non-conformances have been corrected, or there is an agreed Action Plan in place, your Company will be recommended for certification. The recommendation will then be submitted to the TQCSI Certification Approval Panel for ratification.
You will be asked to sign a Licence Agreement, which explains your responsibilities and the responsibilities of TQCSI to ensure your system remains compliant following certification. It will specify the scope and any limitations to, or exclusions from, the certification. You will then be forwarded your Certificate of Registration. Formal notice of certification is normally forwarded within five days of certification approval.
You may then use the TQCSI Certification Marks and other approved marks for promotional and identification purposes. The TQCSI Certification Mark highlights your commitment to continuously improving your Company's operations in accordance with International and/or industry specific standards. TQCSI Rules of Certification contain the guidelines for the use of these marks.
7 - Surveillance Audits
Normally once or twice per year (depending on the size of your Company), the TQCSI Auditor will visit and check your system to ensure it is continuing to conform with the Standard. The frequency and length of these Surveillance Audits is determined by international guidelines. Should non-conformances be recognised during these audits you will be required to correct the relevant issue within a time frame determined by you and the Auditor. Continued failure to correct the non-conformances as requested may result in suspension of the certification.
8 - Triennial Assessment / Re-Certification Assessment
On the third anniversary of your original certification, you will be required to undergo a reassessment similar to that of the initial System Audit. This requirement is designed to ensure that the entire system is continuing to be applied in conformance with the Standard. On completion of the Triennial Assessment a new Licence Agreement will be signed and the three year cycle will re-commence in the normal manner. A new Certificate of Registration will then be issued.
Point of Contact
You are always welcome to contact your TQCSI Office to clarify any issues with your certification. The TQCSI Office will either address the issue on the spot or refer the matter to your Auditor accordingly.
Companies already certified
Special conditions apply to companies who are already certified with other certification bodies and wish to transfer to TQCSI. The process to transfer is simple and often more cost effective than remaining with a certification body that is providing inferior service. Details are available on request.
Companies controlling multiple-site operations will be advised by the TQCSI Office on the most effective option in which to proceed towards certification. There is sufficient flexibility in the certification requirements to enable a range of options to suit individual needs in the most cost effective manner.
Confidence
Certification of systems is recognition by an independent body that the respective management system is being conducted in accordance with pre-established and formally recognised standards.
It is also an assurance to other companies that your services and/or products are controlled and include a continuous improvement program.
Essentially, it provides your customers and potential customers with the confidence that your Company will produce the same product or service repeatedly and that you will respond to any complaints or suggestions for improvement.
Confidentiality
TQCSI provides a complete assurance to its clients that all information and data observed and/or used during auditing activities will remain confidential and will not be revealed in any form to any unauthorised person.
Our Assurance to you
TQCSI provides a reputable, honest and credible certification. We maintain the highest standards upon which you and your customers can rely. |
