The frequent viewers of this blog know that I love to finds situations where complex systems and people not doing their jobs come together. The following story in the realm of Online Auto Parts just happened to me, and I have mixed emotions about it. An earlier version of me would have been merely angry. […]
This is the second part of the unpredictably long story involving “safety shoes”, as required by various companies. Based on a few minutes of research, there is an excellent probability right now that everybody’s safety shoes are undocumented and not auditable. Here is Part One. (Link) Disclaimer: If your research is different from any of […]
There is so much to say about “safety shoes” and the whole amount of human energy associated with them. This story actually happened to me and illustrates an important point about “product quality” and how it is defined. As in many cases, the story leads into the area of “compliance” which is a topic near […]
In addition to my various auditing jobs, I also “get audited” once a year. I have far from a perfect record in this regard, but when I get a CAR (Corrective Action Request) I use it as a learning experience. This particular case is interesting in that it illustrates best practices, or lack of, with […]
This is the story of my actual experience ordering online auto parts. Life lessons are everywhere, and this is a lesson in systems, quality control, and what happens when you try to save a little money on an old car. Oh, have I mentioned that I am a former member of the Society of Automotive […]
The ISO standard does require you to “establish and maintain” an internal audit program. An added benefit to doing so is to help establish “controlled conditions” in the operation of your processes. The people that do the best job of the ISO stuff are the people that have the most effective audit program. So here […]
This story is about a box of crayons, and in it there is a lesson in following audit trails and fake credentials. This is another case where the world is a slightly nastier place because of it.
I’ve worked as an auditor for three registrars. I “get audited” in my role as quality manager by a fourth. My consulting clients “get audited” by 5-6 others. Therefore I, a person with exposure to 10 different registrars, have something to contribute on the topic of choosing an ISO9001 Registrar.
The recent case of Johnson and Johnson is a perfect example of the importance of retaining controlled sales documents. The case proves the business reason for “controlling” your advertising brochures, even in an industry that does not require it.
Here is another story of sleazy ISO Credentials, and it involves sunburn. In this particular case it also revolves around Ragbrai, the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride across Iowa, which my daughter and I participated in the other day. She complained about sunburn after a day in the sun even after applying sunscreen. The picture […]
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