How does ISO encourage continuous process improvement?
To ensure we are doing business as our QMS procedures say we do, we implemented an internal audit system. Several times a year, programs and functional areas are subjected to a rigorous review by a staff of personnel trained in auditing techniques. These auditors review evidence that our business complies with our QMS procedures, and generate CAPAs (Corrective & Preventive Actions) for identified nonconformities. The CAPA owners identify the root cause and implement corrective or preventive actions; planned preventive action ensures that the problem does not reoccur. The Avocent Quality Assurance organization monitors the status of CAPA’s, to ensure that corrections are made in a timely fashion. Follow-up audits are conducted to verify that corrective actions are implemented and effective. Audit statistics are compiled and presented to Avocent’s senior staff for review. What does ISO 9001 mean for our customers? This means Avocent has established a systematic approach to quality manage
