Quality Management

The following are derived from:

• International Organization for Standardization
• Praxiom Research Group Limited

What is Quality?

In an ISO 9000 context, the standardised definition of quality refers to all those features of a product (or service) which are required by the customer that is fit for purpose.

What is Quality Management?

Quality management includes the coordinated activities that organisations use to direct, control, and coordinate quality. These activities include formulating a quality policy and setting quality objectives. They also include quality planning, control and assurance to achieve continuous improvement.

What is a Quality Management System?

A quality management system is a set of interrelated or interacting elements that organisations use to direct and control how quality policies are implemented and quality objectives are achieved.

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What is ISO?

ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. It is located in Switzerland and was established in 1947 to develop common international standards in many areas. ISO is a network of the national standards institutes of 161 countries, one member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system. ISO is a non-governmental organization that forms a bridge between the public and private sectors. On the one hand, many of its member institutes are part of the governmental structure of their countries, or are mandated by their government. On the other hand, other members have their roots uniquely in the private sector, having been set up by national partnerships of industry associations.

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is a global quality management standard. Thousands of companies in over 100 countries have adopted it, and many more are in the process of doing so. Why? Because it controls quality. It saves money. Customers expect it. And competitors use it.

ISO 9001 applies to all types of organizations. It doesn't matter what size they are or what they do. It can help both product and service oriented organizations achieve standards of quality that are recognized and respected throughout the world.

Why is ISO important

ISO 9001 is important because of its orientation. While the content itself is useful and important, the content alone does not account for its widespread appeal.

ISO 9001 is important because of its international orientation. Currently, ISO 9001 is supported by national standards bodies from more than 150 countries. This makes it the logical choice for any organisation that does business internationally or that serves customers who demand an international standard of excellence.

WMO - ISO Working Arrangements

An important component of the adoption of a quality management approach has been the development of a WMO - International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Working Arrangement to strengthen the development of International Standards and to avoid duplication of work on standards related to meteorological, climatological, hydrological, marine and related environmental data, products and services. ISO has recognized WMO as an international standardization body (refer ISO Council Resolution 43/2007 approved in December 2007), and a copy of the Working Arrangements between ISO and WMO can be accessed here.

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WMO Quality Management Framework (WMO-QMF)

Drivers to adopt a quality management approach to the delivery of weather services and products are firstly the WMO Quality Management Framework (WMO-QMF) initiative that has been implemented to encourage NMHSs to develop quality management systems and to provide appropriate guidance. Part of this initiative has seen the development of a WMO - International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Working Arrangement to strengthen the development of International Standards and to avoid duplication of work on standards related to meteorological, climatological, hydrological, marine and related environmental data, products and services.

An Explanatory circular on the WMO Quality Management Framework (June 2006), was produced by the WMO Secretariat as a result of a request by the WMO Executive Council, at its fifty-sixth session and provides valuable background to the development of the WMO-QMF.

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International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Initiative

As well, ICAO Annex 3 identifies the need for Member States to develop and implement a quality management system as per Chapter 2, 2.2 Supply, quality assurance. Although it is currently a recommendation the Bureau as the designated Meteorological Authority for Australia has decided to adopt it. Advice has been received that with the issue of the Annex 3 amendment in November 2012, the reference to the development and implementation of a quality management system will become a Standard.