QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM-NECESSITY AND ADVANTAGES

a. Necessity for the Company to get ISO 9001:2008 Certification

Quality management is not an activity confined to only the Quality Control department; it is a part and parcel of the Overall Management. ISO 9000 defines Quality Management as Coordinated activities to direct and control an organization with regard to quality. In order to cope with the ongoing changes in business scenario Company took an initiative in acquiring the ISO 9001:2008. The necessity can be summarized as follows A clearly defined QMS with proper documentation and back up records to substantiate the documentation. To meet the requirement of the customers To improve the trade To satisfy the customer needs Management Commitment and Continual Improvement of QMS Process based Deming model of PDCA(Plan-Do-Correct-Verify) cycle Deploying statistical tools for QMS

b. Process adopted for Implementation of ISO 9001:2008

The following are the steps adopted by the Company in acquiring the ISO 9001:2008. A Road map was presented to the Organization along with the strategy and action plans. An earmarked team with a team leader was specifically assigned for implementing the QMS and the team leader was appointed as the Management Representative of the Organization for implementation of QMS. Choose an appropriate certifying body.

 Preparation of the Quality Manual with a clearly defined Quality Policy, Quality Plan Train the selected team in carrying out Internal Quality Audits. Management Commitment towards implementation of ISO 9001:2008 Planning of Quality Objectives with measurable targets with periodic review. Carrying out a Gap analysis to ascertain the progress and corrective actions to be taken for smoother implementation Scheduling a periodic Quality Audit and adhering to the schedule, carrying out the audit and making necessary corrective actions against the observed non conformity observed. Send the manual to the certifying body for review and make necessary corrections after review. Measure the Quality objectives by using statistical tools and target for Continual Improvement focused on the customer needs. Periodically training the staff on aspects of Quality Control.

c. Difficulties Faced during the Implementation:The common difficulties faced during the Implementation were Adapting to the QMS system as it was in its initial state. Stressing the importance of the QMS. Maintaining the relevant records as stipulated in the Quality Manual Some of the Objectives and Targets were not measurable but had intangible benefits.

d. Advantages Company gained after receiving the accreditation of ISO 9001:2008

A clear cut and a tailor made QMS system was in place, periodical monitoring and measuring the performance of the process system was implemented. Corrective Actions were taken by carrying out periodic Internal Quality Audits and carrying out root cause analysis.

 The certification has boosted the image of the company which strengthened the ties with the customers. The Customers were satisfied that their needs were being fulfilled. The QAP (Quality Assurance Procedure) and work instructions were adopted by the respective departments and it was easily accessible and helpful in carrying out their regular chores. The Certification paved the way for exporting Oil Well cement to other GCC countries thereby improving the trade. The deployment of Statistical tools have given ample scope for improvement in the Process and overall in the plant. Continual improvement is the target of the Organization and the Organization was able to achieve the targets and set higher benchmarks for Objectives over a period of time.