Services

Management System Certification

28935. The number of companies that have certified their quality management system (QMS) in the Unites States. Thousands more have chosen to implement a quality system without formal certification. A formalized management system has a variety of benefits including:

• Increased Efficiency
• Increased Revenue
• Improved Morale
• International Recognition
• Improved Decision-Making Process
• Increased/Improved Consistency
• Formalized Documentation
• Improved Supplier Relationships
• Customer Satisfaction
• Continuous Improvement

Over time, most companies with a QMS report a combination of the above benefits. Of course, these vary depending on the strength and maturity of the system. Organizations may have a variety of reasons for system implementation including customer mandate, legal requirements or as a means to simply improve processes. Regardless of the reason for implementation, certification of a management system demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement by the organization to key stakeholders.

In today's complex global society, products and services fall under intense scrutiny from global markets. International recognized and respected standards like ISO 9001 help companies streamline processes, optimize resources and improve bottom-line results. UL DQS Inc. offers a suite of services to validate that the system in place is providing optimal results for the organization.

• Assessments & Certifications
• Training (link to training)
• Non-Certification Assessments (link to Non-certification assessments)
• Combined Integrated Assessments

Assessment & Certification Process

There are many advantages to having an independent certification body undertake the assessment of a management system that go far above and beyond a simple confirmation of conformity. In order to achieve the most benefit on site, UL DQS plans each assessment individually, taking into account specific circumstances, corporate objectives, and success factors. With innovative assessment concepts focused on each individual customer's needs, UL DQS remains at their customer's side all the way to Business Excellence. Each assessment starts with a mutual exchange of information.

Upon mutual agreement, UL DQS Inc. will verify that we have the appropriate documentation needed to begin to schedule an audit.

Prelim/Gap Assessment (Optional**) - The Preliminary/Gap Evaluation is a limited sample assessment of your quality system based on the respective ISO Standard, and is offered at any time. UL DQS views the evaluation as a trial run or practice test to help you assess your readiness in complying with the standard's requirements. Customers who opt for Preliminary and/or Gap Assessments often avoid additional work and expenses during and after their registration activities.
 

Stage 1 Audit , Also known as a "Readiness Review" and is mandatory.

Stage 2 Audit , Also known as the "Registration Audit".

All Action Requests (ARs) must be closed for the Review Process to begin.
 

The Review Process includes an evaluation and is performed by a Technical Reviewer who will recommend the issuance of the certificate.

Thank you for choosing to transfer your certification to UL DQS!

We make every effort to ensure that your transfer process will be a seamless transition for your organization. In order to ensure this process is as smooth as possible, here is a short list of documents that we will need you to provide:

• Past cycle of reports from previous registrar (Registration or Recertification + Surveillances since then)
• All nonconformances issued that have not been accepted or closed by the previous registrar and the associated actions taken
• Copy of certificate from previous registrar
• Reason for transfer
• Summary of customer complaints since the last audit

Risk Based Assessments

Risk is inherent in any environment a business may operate. The key to sustainable business practices is the mitigation of risk. In all management systems standards, risk assessment activities are either implicit or explicit. Standards specify that the organization must be competent to produce the specified product or service, comply with legal requirements and operate appropriate systems of process control. Safety, quality and operational criteria are required to be in place to fulfill these obligations thereby minimizing the risks with regard to both the manufacturer and the consumer.

During a management system audit, risk assessment methods are verified while the processes for mitigating the associated risks are assessed for effectiveness. Auditors will focus the audit based on risk to the customer/environment, allocating more time to areas that pose a higher degree of risk.

UL DQS audits provide organizations with an in-depth look at the overall business environment. Auditors with extensive industry knowledge and hands-on experience are able to make appropriate suggestions that enable businesses to continue to mitigate risk while improving business processes to enhance growth opportunities. Combined Assessments

Depending on the organization, management may decide to implement or combine management systems. Most ISO standards can be easily integrated with one another to improve processes in quality, security, health, safety, energy and the environment. The benefits of integrating management systems include: eliminating the duplication of effort, reducing costs and identifying various synergies.

With integrated management systems, UL DQS Inc. is able to coordinate audits that are designed to meet your company's specific needs and minimize disruptions in the overall workflow. These types of audits are organized around the common elements within an organization, including:

• Document Control
• Records
• Corrective and Preventive Actions
• Organizational Structure
• Internal Audits

Based on the organization's management system, additional elements may be included.