Similarities between the criteria of ISO 9001: 2008 and ISO 14001: 2004
Integrating ISO 9001 with ISO14001 encompasses linking quality management with environmental management. Reflectively, the two certification of quality have similar advantages in saving of costs and improving effectiveness and efficiency in management of business entity. As a matter of fact, ISO 14001 demands definite procedural process for identification and assessment of environmental impacts and aspects.
Despite lack of direct comparison in ISO 9001, critical information from it is critical in carrying out the needed impact and aspect assessments. Besides, both systems require legal design control clauses in regulating the management processes which must align to similar set codes and standards (“Telarc Quality Management Systems: ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 9001:2008”, par.3).
Moreover, the two management quality assessment certification procedures require definite objective revolving on quality which must be integrated as a desired threshold for quality policy. In fact, despite differences in formality of quality plans documentation, requirements for quality are the same. Notwithstanding, these quality ISO standards demand existence of defined responsibilities that are clearly written down.
These responsibilities incorporate job description and scope of cover as the basis for distributing quality measurement. The two standards of certification require quantifiable training needs and verifiable procedures for providing the same. In the process of carrying out their verification, the subject team in both cases is expected to be qualified for specific duties assigned. Notably, the two standards of ISO certification require documented management systems that are flexible and professional in line with defined standards.
These standards must include documented control management systems that are regularly audited and formally scheduled in line with expected procedures. These procedures incorporate same personnel and methods for management review. Conclusively, the two standards share same non conformity corrective measures and documentation control.
Integrating ISO 9001: 2008 and ISO 14001: 2004 documentation system
The process of integrating ISO 9001: 2008 and 14001: 2004 documentation systems is not complex since ISO 14001 has a compatible design specification standard almost similar to that of ISO 9001. Therefore, integrating documentation systems for these standards of certification involves application of an “integrated system approach which is highly recommended” (Adhikari 56).
Due to presence of overlapping concepts in their documentation systems, it is possible to reuse, reference, and combine them in order to reduce and lower costs on rework since they share similar procedures. After management review of the documentation systems, it is healthy to fuse the similar normative references since they share same scope in definition and terms of reference.
After this, the system should then factorize similar documentation adjustments in order to tone down noticeable variances such as records of control and frequency of recording. When this is successfully assimilated into the latter, it is within desirable limits to roll out the integration procedure to include entire control and evaluation changes.
In the process of doing so, it is possible to create a complete and comprehensive documentation system which incorporates variances that might exist between these standards of ISO certification (Tricker 34). At the same time, the new documentation system will be intrinsic of management reviews and audits that are recorded periodically in line with evaluation records of the certification officer.
Preparing and conducting an internal audit
In order to prepare and conduct a successful internal audit as the quality manager, I will adopt a macro adjustment within micro units of evaluation. This procedure involves micro audits carried out to macro manage a firm and review the same for quality in management system.
At personal level, I will concentrate the audit to communication and finance departments in order to determine documentation and integration of the channels for communication within the firm. In my audit statement, the underlying key procedure for reviewing authenticity of information obtained will rely on cost and time variances measurement in line with modern quality control organs running the firm.
Special attention will be directed towards measuring compliance and consistency indicators and matrixes of performance evaluation through integration of a proactive, objective oriented, and goal facilitated behavior audit. In addition, it is vital to identify specific operations that are quantifiable and controlled from the central organs of management. This is necessary to monitor achievement compliance and efficiency in resource use and reuse.
When these contingencies are balanced and quantified, an independent audit report is likely to be within reach (Helfert 23). Though the whole process is dynamic and requires flexibility in carrying out evaluation, the basic underlying concepts and aspects of accountability and responsibility should be part and parcel of every procedure.
Despite the fact that the degree of accuracy on reviewing quality of management may present some challenges, it is possible to build a framework for operation monitoring process which incorporates preventive and corrective actions to make such entities consistent.
In conclusion, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 share similarities in documentation systems, quality policy, management review, and implementation scope. The process of integrating documentation systems for these certification standards encompasses merging compatibility designs. Generally, success of auditing depends on management systems in place.
Works Cited
Adhikari, Bishal. Integration of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001: A Study of Common Elements. Menomonie: University of Wisconsin–Stout, 2011. Print.
Helfert, Erich. Financial analysis, tools and techniques: Assessment of business performance. New York: McGraw-Hill books, 2001. Print.
Telarc Quality Management Systems: ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 9001:2008. Web.
Tricker, Ray. ISO 9001: 2008 for Small Businesses, Melbourne: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2010. Print.