American Quality Management.
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Practical quality management writing, accumulated over a decade

Notes, walkthroughs, and field observations from AQM's consulting work — written for the quality manager who needs an answer this morning, not next quarter. Drawn from more than ten years of audits, certifications, and the kinds of judgment calls that don't show up in the standards themselves.

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How to Prepare and Conduct an Effective ISO 9001 Internal Audit  ISO 9001

How to Prepare and Conduct an Effective ISO 9001 Internal Audit 

One of the key requirements of the ISO 9001 quality management system standard is conducting regular internal audits. These audits examine an organization’s QMS and processes to identify any gaps or nonconformities with the ISO 9001 requirements. Beyond just verifying compliance, audits provide tremendous opportunities for driving continual improvement. Let’s walk through the critical steps […]

Connie Smith
5 Key Steps to Achieve ISO 14001 Certification ISO 14001

5 Key Steps to Achieve ISO 14001 Certification

The five milestones to ISO 14001 certification: gap analysis, EMS manual, implementation, internal audit, and the external certification audit.

Connie Smith
An Introduction to Nadcap Certification – What is Nadcap and does your organization need it? Nadcap

An Introduction to Nadcap Certification – What is Nadcap and does your organization need it?

The aerospace industry has stringent standards when it comes to quality, safety, and reliability. Nadcap certification has become an essential benchmark that aerospace manufacturers and their suppliers must meet. This article will provide an introduction to Nadcap – what it is, the different certifications available, and why companies pursue accreditation. What is Nadcap? Nadcap, short […]

Connie Smith
An Overview of ISO 13485 – What It Is and Why It Matters ISO 13485

An Overview of ISO 13485 – What It Is and Why It Matters

For companies in the medical device industry, quality management is not just a priority – it’s an imperative. When products directly affect human health and safety, having rigorous systems in place to ensure effectiveness, reliability, and compliance is crucial. This is where ISO 13485 comes in – the internationally recognized standard specific to medical device […]

Connie Smith
Preparing Your Company for ISO 9001 Certification ISO 9001

Preparing Your Company for ISO 9001 Certification

ISO 9001 is the internationally recognized standard for quality management systems (QMS). It outlines requirements for ongoing quality control and process improvement in companies. Becoming ISO 9001 certified demonstrates to customers and stakeholders that your organization is committed to quality. The certification process can seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps will set […]

Connie Smith
Achieving AS9100 Certification: The Step-by-Step Process AS9100

Achieving AS9100 Certification: The Step-by-Step Process

For companies in aerospace, aviation, and defense, implementing the AS9100 quality management standard culminates in the significant milestone of formal certification. This rigorous certification process verifies your organization has a fully compliant system that meets all requirements in the standard.  Obtaining independent, third-party AS9100 registration brings major benefits like meeting customer requirements, opening new business […]

Connie Smith
Nadcap And The Future Of Aerospace And Defense Regulations: What To Expect And How To Stay Ahead Nadcap

Nadcap And The Future Of Aerospace And Defense Regulations: What To Expect And How To Stay Ahead

The aerospace and defense industry is on the brink of a revolution, with NADCAP poised to make seismic shifts in how regulations are set and enforced. The changes that NADCAP has proposed for the future have been monumental; so much so that it almost feels like we’re stepping into uncharted territory. As such, keeping up-to-date […]

Connie Smith
The Importance Of Compliance: How Iso 13485 Can Benefit Your Medical Device Business ISO 13485

The Importance Of Compliance: How Iso 13485 Can Benefit Your Medical Device Business

Compliance is the engine that drives modern medical device businesses. Without it, companies risk compromising quality products and services, leading to costly delays and liabilities. Achieving compliance requires a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements such as ISO 13485 – but how can organizations leverage this knowledge to benefit their business? It’s like navigating an uncharted […]

Connie Smith
ISO 14001 & Climate Change: Addressing The Impact Of Your Business Operations ISO 14001

ISO 14001 & Climate Change: Addressing The Impact Of Your Business Operations

How ISO 14001 helps a business find and reduce the environmental impact of its operations, from risk assessment to supplier engagement and reporting.

Connie Smith

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