What are some common mistakes to avoid when reviewing a quality management plan?

1 Mistake 1: Not involving the right people

One of the most common mistakes when reviewing a QMP is not involving the right people in the process. A QMP is not only a technical document, but also a strategic and operational one that affects the performance and satisfaction of various stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, employees, managers, and regulators. Therefore, it is essential to involve these stakeholders in the review process, either directly or through their representatives, to ensure that their needs, expectations, feedback, and suggestions are considered and incorporated into the QMP. By doing so, you can also increase the buy-in and commitment of the stakeholders to the QMP and its implementation.

2 Mistake 2: Not aligning the QMP with the organizational or project goals

Another common mistake when reviewing a QMP is not aligning it with the organizational or project goals. A QMP should not be a standalone document, but a part of the overall strategic and operational planning of the organization or the project. A QMP should support and enable the achievement of the organizational or project goals, such as increasing customer satisfaction, improving efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing innovation, or complying with regulations. Therefore, it is important to review the QMP in relation to the organizational or project goals, and to ensure that the quality objectives, policies, procedures, and metrics are consistent and coherent with them.

3 Mistake 3: Not using data and evidence

A third common mistake when reviewing a QMP is not using data and evidence to support the review process. A QMP should be based on facts and figures, not on opinions and assumptions. Data and evidence can help you to assess the current state of quality in the organization or the project, to identify the gaps and opportunities for improvement, to prioritize the actions and resources needed, and to measure the results and outcomes of the QMP. Therefore, it is crucial to collect, analyze, and use relevant and reliable data and evidence from various sources, such as customer feedback, quality audits, performance indicators, benchmarking, best practices, and lessons learned.

4 Mistake 4: Not addressing the root causes of quality issues

A fourth common mistake when reviewing a QMP is not addressing the root causes of quality issues. A QMP should not only focus on the symptoms and effects of quality issues, but also on the underlying causes and factors that contribute to them. Addressing the root causes of quality issues can help you to prevent or reduce their recurrence, to improve the quality performance and culture in the organization or the project, and to achieve sustainable and long-term improvement. Therefore, it is essential to use appropriate tools and techniques, such as the 5 Whys, the fishbone diagram, or the Pareto chart, to identify and analyze the root causes of quality issues, and to devise and implement corrective and preventive actions.

5 Mistake 5: Not communicating and documenting the QMP review

A fifth common mistake when reviewing a QMP is not communicating and documenting the QMP review. A QMP review is not a one-time event, but a continuous and iterative process that involves multiple steps and stages, such as planning, conducting, reporting, and following up. Therefore, it is important to communicate and document the QMP review throughout the process, to ensure that all the stakeholders are informed and engaged, that the review process is transparent and accountable, and that the review results and recommendations are clear and actionable. Communication and documentation can also help you to track and monitor the progress and impact of the QMP review, and to facilitate the learning and improvement of the QMP review process itself.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?