Assessments and Audits

Sometimes called gap analysis, assessments and audits play an important part in implementing Management Systems, LEAN and/or engineering projects.

ProSolve offers:

• formal audits and informal assessments of management systems
• proper audit plans and reports
• system process-specific audits
• internal auditor training
• internal audit support and assistance
• mock registration audits to assess your readiness for registration
• trained and knowledgeable auditors/assessors to do the work
• independent audits to qualify suppliers

Having an expert assess or audit your system will result in the identification of gaps or needs that should be addressed to improve your system, eliminate waste and prevent negative situations or results from occurring.

A gap analysis and its documentation in a report that is easy to read and understand can be done within two weeks. The results and recommendations can be implemented to save your resources (time, money).

Whether you need a full system assessment or focused attention on a specific process or part of your operation, ProSolve can provide clear findings and solutions that work.

Development and Implementation

ProSolve has a proven, effective approach for delivering Quality and/or Environmental Management Systems that clients value. We provide experienced leadership skills and training to support this process. It is a phased approach which we have adapted with success for a wide variety of businesses in many different industries.

Phase 1 – System Documentation
Phase 2 – Implementation Plan
Phase 3 – Team Training and System Development
Phase 4 – System Training, Implementation and Internal Audits
Phase 5 – System Documentation Review
Phase 6 – External System Audit and Results
Phase 7 – Strategic Management Plan (if requested)

We have a proven track record. Over 20 years, 100% of our clients have registered their Quality Management System and/or Environmental Management System with no major non-compliances and a maximum of five minor non-compliances on their first registration audit.

We can customize our services to meet your requirements for any phase of development and implementation. In fact, we recommend such changes for the future as a result of an assessment of your organization and where you are positioned today.

Systems Integration

The trend is towards the integration of quality, environmental, and health and safety management systems. ProSolve has worked with its clients to develop, implement, audit and register their systems to satisfy any combination of management system requirements.

Integrating management systems takes less time to implement and requires less effort to maintain compared to the work required for separate or independent systems. It is also less likely that one system will fail when it is reliant on the others to function well.

When you want to consider or proceed with the integration of your management systems, rely on ProSolve’s experience to provide you with the information, knowledge and the services you need.

Using ISO Standards

The fact that some organizations have misunderstood and misapplied the ISO Management System Standards has led to the perception and broadcasting that the Standards require more effort and work than it takes to operate organizations without them. This is a false conclusion. Complying with the requirements of ISO Standards can be simplified.

If your Management System is not generating the real benefits it should, if you are sour about the ISO Standards, or if you need to improve or change your management system, call us. We can give you the results without worrying about the ISO-ese.

ProSolve has clients who do not want to use the word “ISO” at all but who still want the results and benefits that well-functioning, management system processes provide. We have developed and implemented management systems for clients who expect to satisfy best practices without referring to ISO or the ISO Standards. At a later date, if you want to register your management system as compliant with the ISO Standards, you can do so.

Case Studies

Medical Device Manufacturer

ProSolve was hired by a small manufacturer of medical devices to put a quality management system into place. The owner was only implementing ISO because he was required to do so under new regulations from the government. Over the course of almost a year, ProSolve’s President worked with the business. A quality management system to meet ISO 13485 was developed and was registered with a quality registrar on the first audit. The owner was happy that he could continue manufacturing his products because he had satisfied the regulatory requirements. But he was also very surprised at how much the ISO based system had improved his business processes.

As the business expanded, more space for manufacturing was required. Although he had doubts about the value of the work, the owner agreed to have ProSolve provide a plant layout for the expanded facility. One of ProSolve’s industrial engineers studied the manufacturing process. He designed a layout for the new space which would support an improved process and a better work flow. Having the facility layout planned prior to the expansion saved time and money, because electrical outlets were wired in the correct locations and equipment was positioned to optimize work flow without having to move it after manufacturing had begun.

After implementing the improved process in the expanded facility, production was tripled using only half as many people. The owner had considered having his products completely manufactured in China but with the improved manufacturing process, he has been able to continue manufacturing in Canada.

It was the combination of expertise in quality management systems, LEAN and industrial engineering which provided value to this client. Because we’re engineers, we understand your company’s processes from an engineering standpoint as well as a management standpoint.

Fabrication Shop

A company planning to set up an ultra-modern machine and fabrication shop to supply the oil and gas industry contacted ProSolve. They wanted to put sound business processes and systems into place at start-up because they realized the benefits of doing things the right way to start with instead of fixing things later.

Their plan included a quality management system to satisfy the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 as well as ANSI / API Specification Q1. One of ProSolve’s Quality Consultants has been working with this client to develop and implement their quality management system.

Because the business was already working with ProSolve, they did not have to look any further for engineering services. ProSolve has been able to assist them with product design and drafting services as well.

Among the products the fabrication shop wants to build are intermediate bulk containers and portable tanks. ProSolve’s Design Engineers have been working on designs for tanks which will meet Transport Canada’s regulations. They have also written procedures for API Testing, Repair and Recertification and designed some test equipment which will be used to do product integrity tests.