The Situation
The Problem
Despite Winchester Tool’s reputation for high quality, customers were advising them registration to the ISO 9001 standard would be necessary for future business as well as for maintaining continuing business. Based on a long-term client/supplier relationship with GENEDGE ALLIANCE, Winchester Tool management requested a proposal for a project to implement ISO 9001 from GENEDGE ALLIANCE, a NIST-MEP network affiliate.

The Response
GENEDGE ALLIANCE assigned Project Manager Bob Schwabik to develop a proposal for an ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System (QMS) Implementation Assistance project. The project's focus had initially been on the ISO 9001:2000 standard, but switched to the latest edition, ISO 9001:2008 upon release of the new Standard. GENEDGE ALLIANCE’s structured approach worked to develop and implement a system achieving the objectives of increasing customer satisfaction, business profitability and competitiveness, and in turn prepare for an audit by an independent third party Registrar for ISO registration.

Bob’s fourteen years of ISO experience was an asset to this project for a company of this size and limited resources. Bob said, “Working together we were able to develop the necessary ISO documentation required quickly, while allowing this small company the flexibility to continue to operate efficiently in this stagnant economy.” It is worth noting that Winchester Tool is GENEDGE ALLIANCE’s first client to be registered to the new ISO 2008 edition, by UL, a Registrar with a reputation for thoroughness. The registration audit was passed with no findings by UL.

As part of the implementation project, the following actions were taken:

• A Gap study
• ISO familiarization session
• Policy manual development
• Internal Auditor Training
• Procedures and records development
• Coaching on auditing
• GENEDGE ALLIANCE auditing
• GENEDGE ALLIANCE 3rd party Pre-pre-assessment
• Registrar Pre-assessment
• Coaching for registration audit

The Results

• $100,000 retained sales
• $20,000 Investment (process improvement)
• 6 jobs saved
• Significant improvements in product ID & traceability through ISO processes developed as part of the implementation resulted in identifying immediately sellable inventory worth over $7,000

Management's Comment
Rob Hahn, President and CEO states, "ISO certification is a major accomplishment for Winchester Tool made possible in no small part by the guidance of GENEDGE ALLIANCE. Their experience and counsel was key to success. I am well pleased with the services of GENEDGE ALLIANCE and proud of the WT [Winchester Tool] staff. They are a good team."

Plant Manager Thom Parker states, "This was a team effort involving the whole organization, led by the internal audit team. We fully expect the rewards of new and continuing business with the ISO registration."

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