Book Description

Since it was introduced a decade ago, ISO 9000 has taken off at a tremendous rate, being absorbed, adapted, and adopted by companies around the world with overwhelming success. With an upswing in registration, as well as an increase in the number of organizations beginning systems implementation, it continues to gain momentum--and shows no signs of slowing down. Now completely revised and expanded, ISO 9000 brings you up to speed on the latest developments affecting this important quality standard, providing an in-depth look at its language, processes, systems, technology, and requirements. An internationally accepted standard for accessing markets, ensuring quality products, and building trust among trade partners, ISO 9000 enables companies to establish quality systems and develop internal self-discipline, as well as maintain product integrity and satisfy customer needs. As a vital part of today's business reality, ISO 9000 is crucial for all organizations seeking to maintain a competitive edge in international markets. In ISO 9000, renowned quality consultant Greg Hutchins offers a complete and well-rounded overview, including recent updates to the standard and registration requirements. You'll learn how to launch and manage an ISO registration initiative, and realize the full benefits of ISO 9000 to your company, suppliers, and customers. Along with keen observations on the global business climate, as well as quality-issue developments in Europe and the United States, Hutchins provides full explanations of ISO specifics, from EU standards and third-party verification to conformity assessment and quality auditing. Emphasis is placed on prevention, quality planning, management support, documentation, and dedicated procedures. Most importantly, ISO 9000 provides the critical information necessary for deciding whether registration is needed for your company, and pinpoints steps you should take to meet requirements. Filled with invaluable advice from ISO registered companies, quality auditors, and European and American quality experts, this hands-on guide shows you how to determine which standards apply to your company, choose and work with quality auditors, run an effective preassessment audit, gather appropriate documentation, and much more. A clear, concise road map of ISO 9000 essentials, this comprehensive and user-friendly reference will become a vital tool for facilitating smart decision-making. An in-depth guide to the ABC's of ISO 9000 Now completely revised and expanded, this comprehensive and accessible reference brings you up to date--and up to speed--on the latest developments affecting ISO 9000. Renowned quality consultant Greg Hutchins provides clear, concise explanations of recent updates to the standard, including implementation guidelines, auditing requirements, registration criteria, and much more. Filled with invaluable advice from ISO registered companies, quality auditors, and European and American quality experts, ISO 9000 has the information you need to facilitate smart decision-making, covering: * Today's global competition game--European economic challenges, European Union (EU) competitiveness, Hutchins's rules of global business * Global standardization--basic concepts and principles, technical standards, US and EU standards development * ISO 9000 quality systems standards--historical background, anatomy of ISO 9000, starting the registration process, future ISO 9000 standards development * Quality auditing--organization, client and auditor responsibilities, audit planning, registrar selection, questionnaires * Securing registration--ten easy steps Supported by a full glossary and a complete resource list, this in-depth and accessible guide provides an easy-to-read road map to the fundamentals of ISO 9000. An indispensable resource for those seeking to achieve effective implementation and successful registration.