What is a QMS you ask?
A Quality Management System (or QMS) is a collection of business processes with the intent to consistently and demonstrably meet an organization’s customer’s requirements. A QMS is aligned with an organization’s purpose and strategic direction, and is expressed through documented policies, processes, resources and records. A QMS may include any or all facets of an organization, as functions such as sales, research, product development, engineering, manufacturing, shipping, etc. exist only to supply a customer with their desired product or services.
The ISO 9000 family of standards is likely the most widely known QMS, although other QMSs exist within specialized industries such as medical devices and avionics.
Implementing and managing a quality management system within an entrepreneurial organization can be difficult. Too much control stifles creativity and productivity, and too little allows confusion which destroys focus and direction.