The Quality Hub

In this podcast episode of the Quality Hub,  Xavier Francis and Suzanne Weber-Smatko discuss the significance of understanding The Context of the Organization and its Quality Management System (QMS). They explore internal issues such as organizational structure, and employee competency, alongside external factors like competitive markets, regulatory changes, and more. Stakeholders are identified, with a focus on meeting their expectations for quality, compliance, and engagement. Organizations are encouraged to monitor market trends, regulatory updates, and more while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, as well as others. The episode emphasizes the value of documenting feedback, supporting employees, and aligning QMS initiatives with strategic goals as well as other topics. Helpful Resources:   https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-clause-4   https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-clause-4-1-explained   For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015   Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected]   ISO 9001 Standards: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-90012015-standard-1   A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources   ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting  

In this episode of The Quality Hub podcast, Xavier Francis and guests Scott Dawson, Brian Smatko, and Bruce Newman from Core Business Solutions discuss ISO-based risk management. Scott highlights the proactive approach to identifying and managing risks, emphasizing assessing risks by likelihood and impact. Brian explains categorizing risks as internal or external and suggests a scoring system for prioritizing high-impact risks. Bruce shares a success story where simple adjustments in material handling saved substantial costs. The episode ends by emphasizing cultivating a "risk-aware" culture across all employee levels to promote continuous improvement and resilience. Helpful Resources: Risk-Based Thinking:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/what-is-risk-based-thinking Managing Risks Podcast:  Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-certification-managing-risks-podcast

In this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, Xavier Francis interviews experts from CORE, including Lori Engle, Renee Ferry, and Kevin Metz, about the role of ISO certifications in driving business growth and marketing success. They discuss how certifications like ISO 9001 can differentiate businesses by showcasing their commitment to quality & reliability. They also talk about maintaining these certifications and how it requires ongoing effort and leadership involvement, which also supports customer trust. They emphasize that ISO standards, such as ISO 9001 and CMMI, can be crucial for securing contracts in fields like government contracting. A success story highlighted also illustrates how strategic certifications can boost revenue and strengthen market positioning. Helpful Resources: Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of "The Quality Hub," Xavier Francis and Rick Krick discuss "What is CMMI Part 2?" They start by covering the advanced levels of the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) framework, focusing on levels four and five, which involve quantitative management and continuous process improvement. Rick explains that implementing CMMI poses challenges, such as the need for accessible, active projects, and more. Effective leadership is crucial, as it supports resource allocation, barrier removal, and other needs. Achieving CMMI certification allows, among other things, organizations to bid on government contracts and enhances process efficiency. Despite its complexity, Rick assures that CMMI is accessible to businesses of all sizes and can significantly improve organizational structure and competitiveness. Helpful Resources: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cmmi-ml2-ml3-consulting-services https://www.thecoresolution.com/what-is-the-difference-between-cmmi-dev-and-cmmi-svc https://www.thecoresolution.com/cmmi-maturity-levels-2-and-3 https://www.thecoresolution.com/cmmi-v3-update-explained Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting  

In this episode of the Quality Hub Podcast, Xavier Francis interviews Rick Krick from Core Business Solutions about What is CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration), a process improvement framework. Unlike ISO 9001, which focuses on quality processes, CMMI emphasizes evidence-based project management. Rick discusses the basics of CMMI and then outlines the first three of CMMI’s five maturity levels: Level 1 (Initial) Level 2 (Managed) and Level 3 (Defined). Most companies aim for levels 2 or 3, while levels 4 and 5, which require extensive data monitoring, will be covered in “What is CMMI Part 2” next week.  Helpful Resources: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cmmi-ml2-ml3-consulting-services https://www.thecoresolution.com/what-is-the-difference-between-cmmi-dev-and-cmmi-svc https://www.thecoresolution.com/cmmi-maturity-levels-2-and-3 https://www.thecoresolution.com/cmmi-v3-update-explained Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting      

In this episode of Quality Hub Chatting with ISO Experts, Xavier Francis, and Patrick Gagner discuss ISO 20000-1, a standard for IT service management that has expanded to other service industries. Some key requirements include defining the service scope, maintaining a service portfolio, and implementing security measures. The standard promotes continuous improvement and risk management, helping small and medium-sized businesses enhance customer satisfaction. Top management plays a key role in system compliance and policy oversight. Though designed for IT, ISO 20000-1 is useful for managing services in various industries. Helpful Resources: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-20000-1 https://www.thecoresolution.com/government-contracts-and-iso-certification-explained Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting  

In this episode of the Quality Hub Podcast, it’s Part 2 of ISO 9001 Clause 6.3. Host Xavier Francis speaks with Brian Smith, and Brian Smatko on effective change management, focusing on communication and avoiding common pitfalls. They emphasize the importance of involving stakeholders early, assigning clear responsibilities, and updating documentation to ensure smooth implementation. Engaging employees who will be directly affected by changes helps reduce resistance, while managing leadership expectations prevents unrealistic goals. Proper communication, both during and after decision-making, is key to ensuring changes are understood and effectively integrated. Helpful Resources: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-clause-6-3-explained For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] ISO 9001 Standards: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-90012015-standard-1 A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting  

In this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, Xavier Francis discusses ISO 9001 Clause 6.3 on Change Management with Brian Smith and Brian Smatko both from Core Business Solutions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of planning and managing changes within a Quality Management System (QMS) to avoid unintended consequences and maintain consistency. They highlight that major changes, such as new equipment or process modifications, should be addressed in management reviews, considering multiple factors like and potential impacts on other processes. Proper documentation, communication, and addressing resistance to change are crucial to ensure smooth transitions and maintain the integrity of the QMS. Helpful Resources: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-clause-6-3-explained For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] ISO 9001 Standards: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-90012015-standard-1 A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting  

In this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, Xavier Francis continues the discussion with Anne Siebert and Brian Reich of Core Business Solutions, focusing on the Core Compliance Platform's reliability and security for ISO compliance. They explain how Core's infrastructure ensures high uptime, using AWS GovCloud for security and encryption. The platform supports multiple browsers and offers real-time customer support from U.S.-based teams, ensuring quick issue resolution. Anne and Brian emphasize the importance of customer feedback in continuously enhancing the software and how the company maintains close relationships with consultants and certification bodies to adapt to changes in compliance standards. They also highlight Core’s in-house training programs that provide role-specific, self-paced learning to ensure users are knowledgeable about compliance standards. The episode concludes with a discussion on the seamless integration of Core's software, consulting, and training to help businesses achieve and maintain ISO certification. Helpful Resources: https://www.thecoresolution.com/core-iso-compliance-software   https://www.thecoresolution.com/stay-certified   https://www.thecoresolution.com/cmmc-compliance   https://www.thecoresolution.com/nist-cmmc-3   https://www.thecoresolution.com/   [email protected]   Call Us Today at 866-354-0300

In this episode, of the Quality Hub podcast,  Xavier Francis hosts Anne Siebert, Product Manager, and Brian Reich, Software Development Manager at Core Business Solutions, to discuss the benefits of using software for ISO compliance. They highlight how software and the Core Compliance Platform simplify compliance management by automating tasks, tracking activities, and reducing reliance on manual processes. Features such as auto forms and its notification system help streamline data collection & ensure compliance deadlines are met. The platform also supports remote accessibility, unlimited user licenses, and customizable access groups. Additionally, Core's built-in reports and dashboards provide real-time insights into compliance health, helping manager track and ensure their systems remain audit-ready. Helpful Resources: https://www.thecoresolution.com/core-iso-compliance-software   https://www.thecoresolution.com/stay-certified   https://www.thecoresolution.com/cmmc-compliance   https://www.thecoresolution.com/nist-cmmc-3   https://www.thecoresolution.com/   [email protected]   Call Us Today at 866-354-0300