Abstract

ISO 10031 is a standard proposed for supporting performance measurement of an ISO 9001 quality management system (QMS). It would increase the consistency between QMS standards like ISO 9001 and environmental management system standards like the environmental performance evaluation of ISO 14031. The proposed quality performance evaluation (QPE) standard provides a capability for measuring effectiveness not available in standards like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. QPE, along with quality audits, generates information for comparing quality performance with criteria set by management. QPE is a process with three basic steps. First, plan for QPE. This includes establishing quality performance criteria and selecting quality performance indicators, management performance indicators, and operational performance indicators. Second, implement QPE. This involves collecting and analyzing data as well as using and reporting on the QPE results. The report could include information on cost savings, product quality trends, conformance to standards requirements, and opportunities for improvement. Third, review and improve QPE. Criteria for this review include effectiveness and timeliness of the activities generated by QPE.