International Standard on Guidelines for Quality Plans

International Standard on Guidelines for Quality Plans

A quality plan is documented information that specifies procedures (specific ways to carry out activities) and associated resources to be applied when and by whom to a specific object (entity or item). A quality plan is helpful in establishing and maintaining a quality management system and may result from quality planning. ISO 10005:2018 is an international standard, developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), that provides guidelines for establishing, reviewing, accepting, applying, and revising quality plans as part of quality management. It applies to any organization, regardless of size or industry, and complements the requirements in ISO 9001. This guidelines standard was prepared by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 176, Quality management and quality assurance, Subcommittee SC 2, Quality systems. It is the third edition, replacing ISO 10005:2005, the previous second edition.

Purpose of Quality Plans

The ISO 10005:2018 standard outlines how quality plans can be used to translate quality management system requirements into specific objectives.

Structure of Quality Plans

The guidelines in ISO 10005:2018 recommend that quality plans address:

• The scope and objectives
• Responsibilities and authorities
• The resources needed
• The methods and processes for achieving quality

Planning Processes

The standard emphasizes risk-based thinking and the integration of quality planning with project or product management.

Customization

The quality plan should be tailored to the specific needs of the project, customer, or product.

Review and Revision

The ISO 10005:2018 standard encourages periodic reviews of the quality plan developed by an organization to ensure its continued suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness.

Documentation

Proper documentation is crucial for traceability, accountability, and communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

Contents of the Standard

The standard begins with a Foreword and Introduction, explaining key concepts and changes in terms used since the previous edition, including the process approach and risk-based thinking.

• Clause 1: Provides basic information on the scope.
• Clause 2: Details normative references, including the latest edition of ISO 9000:2015 (Quality management systems – Fundamentals and vocabulary).
• Clause 3: Defines terms and definitions for a better understanding of the standard.
• Clause 4: Summarizes the use of quality plans, including guidelines for requesting and managing external provider quality plans.
• Clause 5: Describes the process of developing a quality plan, including its context, inputs, defining its scope, and preparation.
• Clause 6: Outlines the typical contents of a quality plan, covering general guidelines, scope, inputs, quality objectives, responsibilities, control of documented information, resources, communication, design and development, externally provided processes, production and service provision, identification and traceability, property belonging to customers or external providers, preservation of outputs, control of nonconforming outputs, monitoring and measurement, and audits.
• Clause 7: Covers the operation and control of a quality plan, including review and acceptance, implementation and monitoring, revision, feedback, and improvement.

Annexes and Additional Resources

• Annex A: Provides examples of formats for quality plans.
• Annex B: Offers a schematic representation of a process approach applied to a quality plan.
• Annex C: Provides a correlation matrix between the clauses of this standard and those of ISO 9001:2015 (Quality management systems – Requirements).
• Annex D: Offers a correlation matrix between the clauses of this standard and the quality management principles from ISO 9000:2015 (Quality management systems – Fundamentals and vocabulary).
• Bibliography: Includes a list of relevant standards and resources.

ISO 10005:2018 helps organizations ensure that their quality management practices are systematically planned, applied, and monitored, aligning them with broader quality management goals.

Best wishes,
Keshav Ram Singhal

Quality Is Relative ....

Quality Is Relative .... 

Let's see a fascinating quote - "Quality is relative. Quality is always moving."

Quality is relative because it depends on individual perspectives, needs, and expectations. What an individual considers high-quality might not be the same for another person. For instance:

- A budget-conscious traveler might find a 3-star hotel to be of great quality due to its affordability and basic amenities, while a luxury traveler or a rich person might expect more premium services and amenities from a 5-star hotel.

- A tech enthusiast or a rich individual might prioritize a smartphone's camera quality and processing speed, while a casual user or average individual might value ease of use and battery life and not concerned with camera quality..

Quality is always moving because it's influenced by various factors such as:

- Technological advancements: As technology improves, what was once considered high-quality becomes the new standard, and expectations rise.

- Changing consumer preferences: Shifts in societal values, lifestyle, and trends can redefine what quality means. For example, sustainability and eco-friendliness have become increasingly important in product quality.

- Industry disruptions: New market entrants or innovations can raise the demand for quality, forcing existing players to adapt and improve their products and services.

- Changing economic level of individuals

I remember, when I was a 25 years old, I was happy to get a reserve seat in second class or reserve birth in sleeping class. But with growing age and rise in my income, my expectations increased and I now look for reserve seat or reserve birth in AC class. This is because individual needs and expectations of people evolve over time, influencing what we consider "quality." My experience indicates how our needs and aspirations change as we grow older, and how our definition of quality adjusts accordingly. It's a great illustration of the quote "Quality is relative" in action. In my case, upgrading from second class to AC class reflects a shift in my priorities and expectations, which is a natural part of personal growth. This evolution in individual preferences is a key driver of the dynamic nature of quality.

In conclusion, quality is indeed relative and constantly evolving, driven by individual perspectives, technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, industry disruptions and individual economic growth. 

Best wishes,

Keshav Ram Singhal

Carbon Offsetting To Address Impacts Of Climate Change In Real Estate Industry

Carbon Offsetting To Address Impacts Of Climate Change In Real Estate Industry

 

Today, every industry is facing the challenges of climate change. The real estate industry is exploring various methods to address these impacts and reduce its carbon footprint. Carbon emissions are a major concern in this sector, which accounts for 42 percent of global carbon emissions. These emissions primarily arise from energy consumption during construction, the use of materials such as cement and steel, and operational energy use. Carbon offsetting is a viable option to mitigate the environmental impact of real estate projects.

 

Carbon Offsetting

 

Carbon offsetting is a practice where individuals, companies, or organizations compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions by funding projects that reduce or remove an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. This involves investing in projects that either capture or reduce an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide elsewhere. By investing in projects that promote reforestation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency improvements, the real estate industry can offset the environmental and climate change impacts of their construction projects. Examples include investing in wind, solar, or hydroelectric projects to replace fossil fuel-based energy sources.

 

Impact on the Real Estate Industry

 

In the real estate industry, carbon offsetting can play a significant role in mitigating the environmental and climate change impacts of buildings and construction. Here's how it can be helpful:

 

1.   Reducing Carbon Footprint: The real estate industry can offset carbon emissions associated with construction, energy use, and building maintenance by investing in carbon offset projects.

 

2.   Promoting Sustainable Development: By supporting projects that reduce emissions, the real estate industry can contribute to global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability.

 

3.   Meeting Legal Requirements: Central and state governments may implement rules and regulations that require businesses, including those in the real estate industry, to reduce their carbon emissions. Carbon offsetting can help meet these legal requirements.

 

4.   Enhancing Brand Image and Attracting Investors: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and climate action can enhance an organization's reputation and attract investors who prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

 

5.   Encouraging Energy Efficiency: Carbon offsetting can be part of a broader strategy that includes energy-efficient building designs, sustainable materials, and renewable energy integration.

 

While carbon offsetting is a useful tool, it is most effective when combined with other efforts to reduce emissions directly. This includes improving energy efficiency, utilizing green building materials, and adopting sustainable construction practices.

 

Maximize Effectiveness of Carbon Offsetting

 

To maximize the effectiveness of carbon offsetting, the real estate industry should consider sustainable practices at various stages of real estate development:

 

1.   Planning and Design Phase: Integrate sustainable practices such as passive solar design, water conservation, and waste management. Choose low-carbon and green building materials like bamboo, recycled steel, and rammed earth. Optimize building design for energy efficiency.

 

2.   Construction Phase: Minimize emissions through efficient construction techniques, such as modular construction and the use of insulated concrete forms and green roofs. Incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels, geothermal energy, and wind turbines. Implement waste reduction and recycling programmes.

 

3.   Operational Phase: Implement energy-efficient building operations and adopt green technologies such as smart building systems, LED lighting, and energy storage systems. Monitor and report carbon emissions regularly.

 

Thus, the real estate industry should use carbon offsetting alongside other sustainable practices to address the environmental and climate change impacts of their projects.

 

Summary

 

In summary, the real estate industry plays a crucial role in addressing climate change through carbon offsetting and sustainable practices. By investing in projects that reduce or remove carbon emissions, the industry can mitigate the environmental impact of its projects. This approach not only reduces the industry's carbon footprint but also promotes sustainable development, meets regulatory requirements, enhances brand image, and encourages energy efficiency. To maximize the effectiveness of carbon offsetting, developers should consider sustainable practices, low-carbon materials, and green technologies throughout the planning, construction, and operational phases of real estate projects. Combining carbon offsetting with direct emission reduction efforts is essential for a comprehensive and effective approach to combating climate change.

 

Best wishes,
Keshav Ram Singhal

Applying Risk-Based Thinking in an Organization

Applying Risk-Based Thinking in an Organization

 

1.   Applying risk-based thinking and managing risk in an organization should be a priority and a responsibility of the top management.

 

2.   Don't depend solely on employees to identify and manage risks. Top management must actively involve themselves in risk-based thinking.

 

3.   The organization should develop a formal and repeatable risk management process.

 

4.   The organization should ensure that employees involved in risk management are trained and competent.

 

5.   The risk management process must include the determination, assessment, and review of risks at planned intervals.

 

6.   The organization should make risk considerations a central focus of the management review of its quality management system.

 

7.   Reschedule the risk management team if there are conflicts among team members.

 

8.   Assign risk mitigation activities to those who have the authority to implement mitigation actions.

 

9.   It is better not to outsource risk management. Instead, make the organization's people competent in applying risk-based thinking and managing risks.

 

Best wishes,
Keshav Ram Singhal

Impact of Climate Change Amendment on Performance Evaluation and Improvement in ISO 9001:2015 QMS

Impact of Climate Change Amendment on Performance Evaluation and Improvement in ISO 9001:2015 QMS

 

The February 2024 Amendments in ISO 9001:2015 QMS Standard:

 

Clause 4.1 – Added Requirement: The organization needs to determine whether climate change is a relevant issue.

 

Clause 4.2 – Added Note: Relevant interested parties can have needs and expectations related to climate change.

 

If climate change is deemed a relevant issue by the organization, it may impact the performance evaluation (clause 9) and improvement (clause 10) of the organization's quality management system.

 

The climate change issue may have:

 

(1) Specific monitoring and measuring needs: For example, tracking the carbon footprint, energy consumption, and waste management practices. For a manufacturing company, monitoring and measuring the carbon footprint and energy consumption of production processes could be crucial. This includes tracking greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste management.

 

(2) Eventual implications on monitoring and measuring customer satisfaction: For instance, incorporating customer feedback on environmental practices into satisfaction surveys. Customers increasingly value environmentally sustainable practices. Therefore, an organization may need to incorporate customer feedback on its environmental performance into their satisfaction surveys. For instance, a question could be added about the customer's perception of the organization's efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

 

(3) Changes in performance evaluation: This could involve adding new metrics related to environmental sustainability, such as compliance with environmental regulations or achievement of sustainability goals. The organization's performance evaluation criteria might include metrics related to environmental sustainability, such as compliance with environmental regulations, achievement of sustainability goals, or reductions in resource consumption. These metrics can be integrated into the balanced scorecard or other performance evaluation tools.

 

(4) Management review: While reviewing the organization's quality management system, top management should consider any changes related to the climate change issue as a management review input. The management review output may include related decisions, such as implementing new environmental policies, setting sustainability targets, or investing in eco-friendly technologies. During management reviews, the organization's top management may decide to implement new environmental policies or set targets for reducing carbon emissions. They might also decide to invest in renewable energy sources or eco-friendly technologies to improve environmental performance.

Summary

The February 2024 amendments to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standard emphasize the importance of addressing climate change as a relevant issue. By incorporating new requirements and considerations for climate change in clauses 4.1 and 4.2, an organization is encouraged to assess its relevance and impact on the organization's quality management system. This assessment may lead to specific monitoring and measuring needs, such as tracking carbon footprints and energy consumption, as well as considering customer satisfaction related to environmental practices. Furthermore, the organization may need to update its performance evaluation metrics to include environmental sustainability and make informed decisions during management reviews.  

 

Regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal

Impact of Climate Change Amendment on Operations in ISO 9001:2015 QMS

Impact of Climate Change Amendment on Operations in ISO 9001:2015 QMS

 

The February 2024 Amendments in ISO 9001:2015 QMS Standard:

 

·       Clause 4.1 – Added Requirement: The organization needs to determine whether climate change is a relevant issue.

·       Clause 4.2 – Added Note: Relevant interested parties can have needs and expectations related to climate change.

 

If climate change is a relevant issue, it may impact operations within the organization's quality management system. Organizations should assess both the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on their operations and the quality of their products and services. Interested parties may include customers, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and the community, whose expectations may influence the organization's quality management system requirements.

 

Impact of Climate Change on Requirements for Products and Services (Clause 8.2)

 

·       Customer Communication (Clause 8.2.1): If climate change is a relevant issue, the requirements for products and services may change. Organizations should provide appropriate information to customers, addressing any changes in product/service requirements due to climate change. This communication should include measures for managing potential claims or issues. If there are claims or problems related to products and services, the organization should be prepared to address them. Communication with customers should also include specific requirements for contingency actions, when necessary.

·       Determining and Reviewing Requirements for Products and Services (Clause 8.2.2 and Clause 8.2.3): Organizations should consider climate change-related requirements when determining or reviewing the requirements for products and services. Changes related to climate change should be documented, communicated, and incorporated into the quality management processes.

 

Design and Development (Clause 8.3)

If climate change is a relevant issue, the organization should address climate change-related requirements in the design and development of products and services. This includes incorporating climate resilience and sustainability considerations into the design process.

 

Control of Externally Provided Processes, Products, and Services (Clause 8.4)

Organizations should assess and manage the impact of climate change on externally provided processes, products, and services. This includes ensuring that controls are in place to meet customer, statutory, and regulatory requirements.

 

Production and Service Provision (Clause 8.5)

If climate change is a relevant issue, the organization should determine and implement specific controls for production and service provision. This may involve unique identification of products, including raw materials, appointment of competent personnel, post-delivery activities such as recycling and final disposal, evidence of conformity to acceptance criteria, and control of non-conforming inputs and outputs. The organization should identify climate-related risks and implement controls to ensure the quality and conformity of products and services.

 

Summary

The February 2024 amendments to the ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard emphasize the relevance of climate change. Organizations are required to assess the impact of climate change (Clause 4.1) and consider the expectations of interested parties (Clause 4.2). Key operational areas affected include:

·       Customer Communication (Clause 8.2.1): Inform customers of climate-related changes affecting product and service requirements and manage claims effectively.

·       Determining and Reviewing Requirements (Clauses 8.2.2 and 8.2.3): Document and communicate climate change considerations in the determination and review of product/service requirements.

·       Design and Development (Clause 8.3): Integrate climate resilience and sustainability into the design and development processes.

·       Control of Externally Provided Processes (Clause 8.4): Assess and control the impact of climate change on externally provided processes, products, and services.

·       Production and Service Provision (Clause 8.5): Implement controls to manage climate-related risks in production and service provision.

 

These amendments highlight the need for a proactive approach to climate change within the organization's quality management system framework, ensuring compliance and responsiveness to evolving environmental challenges.

 

Regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal