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Subject:Summary of ISO 9000 discussion (off list) From:"E.S. Kertz" <KERTZ -at- WSUHUB -dot- UC -dot- TWSU -dot- EDU> Date:Sat, 5 Oct 1996 09:20:18 -0500
On Sept. 21, I asked if any readers had experience with ISO 9000,
either from a participation or tech writer standpoint. Although
this discussion didn't receive as much band space as the octothorp(e),
I received 9 off-list messages and am pleased to summarize them
for your consideration.
5 reported failures
4 reported successes
4 of the 5 failures felt ISO 9000 was a waste of time
1 of 5 failures blamed lack of managemtn concern
4 responses were from computer companies
3 were from manufacturing companies
1 didn't mention affiliation
1 was a consultant
7 were in the start-up phase, usually in charge of writing docs
2 were already certified and asked if they could help me
Summary:
From the responses I received, I have to believe that ISO 900X works
best in a manufacturing establishment, but does not work well in
a computer firm. It also requires strong committment from management,
or it is doomed for failure from the beginning. Docs can be too
elaborate, and it is best to keep them simple.
Thanks for all your help.
E.Kertz
Kertz -at- wsuhub -dot- uc -dot- twsu -dot- edu
