By Robert L. Keys
In the universe of modern organizations, Management Systems come in all sizes, shapes and varieties. Simply take a look around the business place today and one may find quality management systems, environmental management systems, safety management systems, etc. The list is lengthy. Such management systems may be based on International Standards, e.g., ISO 9001:2000 for quality, ISO 14001:2004 for environment, etc.
Alternately, depending on the nature of an organization’s business, management systems may be based on other recognized/available standards or best practices, including those developed as organization-specific standards/practices. It is not unfathomable that an organization may have implemented systems based on both of the standards mentioned above. These systems may have no real relationship to one another, i.e., they are two independently-implemented, independently-functioning, independently-managed systems existing simultaneously. On the other hand, another organization may have chosen to implement systems based on the same two standards, but have instead elected to implement an "integrated" management system, whereby the "two systems", where applicable, share common elements, common resources, common management, etc. In such a case, the integration accomplishes the desired intent of a single, functional management system based on multiple standards.
Regardless of the basis, management systems typically imply the existence of some structure, procedures, processes and resources employed to implement the objectives of management. The type(s) of management systems utilized by a company may be dictated by customer or contractual requirements, e.g., ISO 9001:2000, or may simply reflect the company management's commitment to succeed in the marketplace. It is on this common ground of commitment that all types of management systems "come together." Management’s objective should be, in all cases, listening to the voice of the customer in order to achieve customer satisfaction and continual improvement in the organization. Organizations that are leaders are those that have been successful in implementing the organizational cultural changes that are necessary to satisfy the needs of all customers, both internal and external, including the delivery of products and services that are fit for use, on time, competitively priced and exhibit value. When employees are satisfied, customers are satisfied. Customer satisfaction allows the organization to retain those customers, improve internal processes to increase profitability and, subsequently, generate new business from new and improved products, services and markets.
When properly implemented and, with committed leadership, management systems can contribute greatly to the success of businesses. The effectiveness and adequacy of management systems to satisfy the objectives of management is normally evaluated by a process known as an audit. An audit can be defined as a systematic and independent examination to determine whether activities and related results comply with planned arrangements and whether these arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable to achieve objectives. Therefore, it is imperative, for management systems to be, and remain, effective, that a systematic and independent audit process is established and is effective in satisfying the objectives of management to provide an overview of the functioning of the overall management system.
One way of accomplishing this objective is through a process known as Accredited Management System Certification (AMSC). In this process, an independent, third party body, known as a Registrar, is contracted to provide assurance that the organization to be registered is in compliance with the standard(s) utilized as the basis of its management system. This process includes a series of rigorous audits and other activities to provide assurance that the organization’s management system is implemented, adequate and effective. Successful completion of the process results in the issuance of an Accredited Management System Certificate by the registrar. In the U.S.A., accreditation is provided by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), which oversees the U.S.A. registrar marketplace and audits the registrars on at least an annual basis, in addition to performing witness audits, thus giving credibility to the accredited certification/registration process.
One could therefore conclude that an implemented, suitable and effective management system, incorporated with registration, where applicable, would be most advantageous to all well managed, successful organizations committed to their products, services, customers and markets.
