By: Donna Huesken
A Quality Management System (QMS) is a formalized way to document processes, procedures, and responsibilities. A QMS helps coordinate and direct activities to meet customer and regulatory requirements, with the goal of improving effectiveness and efficiency on a continuous basis.
A quality management system can be defined as the implementation of documented activities in order to obtain continuous improvement. The aim is to prevent errors while within the project, not after the service has been delivered.
The benefits of a QMS include, but is not limited to:
- Improving and controlling processes
- Implementing best practices
- Regulating successful and consistent work practices
- Identifying risk management opportunities
- Reducing waste
- Identifying training opportunities
- Improving internal communications
- Achieving project scope
- Increasing customer satisfaction
ISO 9001:2015 is the most prominent approach to quality management in the world. Although every QMS is unique, all have the following elements in common:
- Quality policy and objectives
- Quality Manual
- Internal processes, procedures and instructions as documented information
- Monitoring customer satisfaction
- Improvement opportunities
- Performance indicator analysis
An effective QMS is a strategic tool that aids in the achievement of project goals. The discipline of quality helps ensure consistency and reliability, and enhances the effectiveness of work practices, equipment, resources and project completion within the scheduled timeline.