Episode 27 - S3 - CMMC is Now Law - What it Means for You - Part 1

In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Rick Krick, Director of Security Solutions at Core Business Solutions, to discuss a monumental update — CMMC is now law. As of November 10, 2025, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) becomes legally enforceable under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), transforming compliance from a policy into a contractual requirement for all Department of Defense contractors. Rick breaks down what this means for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to major defense contractors, explaining the three CMMC levels, phased rollout timeline, and common misconceptions about compliance. Together, they explore the real-world implications for defense suppliers, the importance of early preparation, and how companies can protect sensitive information while staying contract-ready in this new cybersecurity landscape.   Helpful Resources: What is CMMC?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/nist-cmmc-3 CMMC Webinars: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cybersecurity-webinars The Core Vault Solution: https://www.thecoresolution.com/core-vault Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources  

In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis is joined by Suzanne Strausser, VP of Consulting and Development at Core Business Solutions, to bust some of the biggest myths about ISO certification. Together, they tackle misconceptions like “ISO is only for big companies,” “it’s just paperwork,” or “certification is permanent,” and reveal how ISO standards are actually scalable, practical, and designed to drive continuous improvement for businesses of any size or industry. From affordability and agility for small businesses to empowering innovation and building customer trust, this episode shows why ISO certification is not a burden but a powerful tool for growth and long-term success.   Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented 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] 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, host Xavier Francis sits down with consultant Norman Verbeck to explore how organizations can effectively maintain their ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS). They discuss the importance of leadership commitment, embedding ISO practices into daily operations, and simplifying processes to encourage company-wide ownership of quality. Norman shares insights on document control, tracking key performance indicators, leveraging customer feedback, and ensuring management reviews remain meaningful and actionable. The conversation also covers training strategies, the value of internal audits, and how to use findings as opportunities for improvement rather than compliance hurdles. Packed with practical advice, this episode highlights how making ISO standards part of everyday business culture drives continuous improvement and long-term success.   Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented 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] 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: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes Core Business Solutions consultant Norm Verbeck to explore the most common pitfalls organizations face in maintaining ISO 9001 certification. From overlooked clauses to the importance of leadership engagement, employee involvement, and effective documentation, Norm highlights both the sustaining and sabotaging factors that can make or break a quality management system. Together, they discuss how to combat ISO fatigue, integrate QMS practices into daily operations, and keep enthusiasm alive, all while avoiding the trap of treating ISO as a mere box-checking exercise.   Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented 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] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

On this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis chats with Stuart Kelly and Kevin Franklin from LRQA about one of the biggest shifts in ISO standards we’ve seen in nearly a decade. With the 2026 update to ISO 14001 on the horizon, they dive into what’s changing, why it matters, and how businesses can get ahead of the curve. From climate change and sustainability to new tech, regulations, and consumer expectations, this conversation unpacks how ISO standards are no longer just about passing audits—they’re about building resilience, protecting your brand, and staying competitive in the world. If you want to understand how these changes could impact your organization and why now is the time to prepare, you won’t want to miss this discussion.   Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented 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] 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, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Danny Norman, Advanced Manufacturing Consultant with Tennessee MEP, to explore whether AI in manufacturing is a real opportunity or just hype. Together, they dive into how manufacturers can begin experimenting with AI—particularly large language models. The conversation highlights three major areas where AI can make an impact: driving growth through product development, improving efficiency by customizing existing tools, and enhancing workforce training. They also emphasize the importance of starting small, focusing on data security, and leveraging national Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) for guidance and pilot projects. This episode offers manufacturers a clear roadmap to responsibly explore AI while avoiding costly missteps.   Helpful Resources: More About ISO 42001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-42001-certification Why ISO 42001 Certification Matters: https://www.thecoresolution.com/why-grammarlys-iso-42001-certification-matters How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented 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] 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: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis continues the conversation with Brian Reich, Director of Technology, and Anne Siebert, Product Manager at Core Business Solutions, diving deeper into practical ways to protect digital security through passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and password managers. They discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on passwords, how MFA options like authenticator apps and biometrics provide stronger protection, Anne highlights the benefits of password managers for securely storing credentials and simplifying daily logins. The team also shares updates on Core’s new security policies. Wrapping up, they emphasize that while security may feel inconvenient, adopting these best practices is essential in today’s evolving digital landscape.   Here is the link to our free download of the Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Glossary:  https://getcertified.thecoresolution.com/cyber-glossary Helpful Resources: For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Cybersecurity:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/cybersecurity CMMC:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/cmmc-compliance-checklist ISO 27001:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-27001-certification Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] ISO 9001 Standards: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-90012015-standard-1 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, host Xavier Francis sits down with Brian Reich, Director of Technology, and Anne Siebert, Product Manager at CORE Business Solutions, to unpack the evolving world of password security. They explore how best practices have shifted from complicated character rules to the modern standard of longer passphrases, discuss the risks of password reuse, and share practical advice such as avoiding sticky notes, responding to breach alerts, and recognizing phishing attempts. The team also explains the role of NIST guidelines in shaping security standards, why “longer is stronger,” and how human psychology plays into password habits. The episode closes with a look ahead to Part 2, where they’ll dive into multi-factor authentication, password managers, and additional ways to protect what matters most.   Here is the link to our free download of the Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Glossary:  https://getcertified.thecoresolution.com/cyber-glossary Helpful Resources: For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Cybersecurity:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/cybersecurity CMMC:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/cmmc-compliance-checklist ISO 27001:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-27001-certification Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] ISO 9001 Standards: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-90012015-standard-1 Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting  

In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Brenden Lowery, consultant at Core Business Solutions, to explore the critical role of data-driven decision-making in ISO 9001. They discuss how small and medium-sized businesses can leverage simple tools like ERP systems and spreadsheets to track key metrics such as on-time delivery, defects, etc, even with limited resources. Brenden emphasizes the importance of accurate data analysis, avoiding common pitfalls like leadership bias, and fostering a culture of frontline employee involvement in quality improvements. The conversation also touches on practical strategies to turn ISO compliance into a strategic advantage, using real-world examples and actionable insights for organizations striving for continual improvement.   Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented 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] 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, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes back Ty Elliott, a seasoned ISO consultant from Core Business Solutions, to demystify the process of writing an effective quality policy under ISO 9001. Together, they explore what a quality policy really is, why it's a cornerstone of a quality management system, and how to craft one that's concise, meaningful, and aligned with your organization’s mission. Ty shares practical tips, common pitfalls, and creative strategies like using acronyms to make policies memorable. Whether you're new to ISO or looking to refine your current practices, this episode offers valuable insights to help you build a policy that drives continuous improvement and resonates across your team.   Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented 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] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting