What is a quality or safety management system? Should I buy an online management system? Do I have to pay for a fancy software system?
These are typical questions asked by companies looking to be certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or WHS standards such as AS/NZS 4801 and the new ISO 45001.
To gain certification there are a handful of key policies and procedures you should have in place to manage the risks within and to your business. Equally important are the processes your business follows, and the records kept.
Gone are the days of paper-based systems, but will a Word document and an Excel spreadsheet cut it in 2020? The short answer is, it can, but we have better options these days. Many companies look at purchasing software systems to help them run their business, and that is exactly what they should be considering for their quality, environment and safety management system.
Some systems are good at keeping records, but the better ones also streamline and even automate company processes such as remind staff when activities need to occur, request information based on due date or expiry date, and communicate when tasks are completed. They should have online forms for entering information directly into the system, and be easy for all staff to use wherever they are located.
If your business is about to be ISO certified you are not compelled to invest in a software system, but there are some terrific options available in online management system that may add significant value to you. If you are in the market for an online management system, do your research, and trial the software. Get some advice from an expert in the field (not the salesperson) and remember – If you can’t try it, don’t buy it!