The critical success factors for ISO 9001:2015 RBT are much like Six Sigma and lean. Our hard lessons learned over the last dozen years migrating organizations from quality to ERM include:
- Obtain executive support, resources, and commitment. Whether the organization is just starting the RBT journey or has mature ERM processes, executive management and even the Board should support the initiative. This is the #1 criterion for success. No executive management support will lead to a failed ISO 9001:2015 initiative. It is that simple. Senior executives should also understand the monetized benefits to ISO 9001 certification and to implement RBT processes.
- Develop a strong business case. The business case should provide a strong business rationale for RBT and ISO 9001:2015 certification. The business case should be structured to reflect the context, culture, and business model of the organization.
- Focus on strategic and business model alignment. Executive management will endorse, sponsor, and resource QMS if it provides demonstrable value to the organization. So whether implementing a very tactical and limited risk assessment or aligning with an ERM initiative, executive management must understand its strategic benefits. The business case should detail costs and hard benefits of pursuing certification. This should eventually be articulated in a compelling vision for RBT and certification.
- Establish attainable goals for ISO 9001:2015 certification. Do not develop organizational objectives you cannot attain because this will become a prescription for failure.
- Develop a realistic plan of action to implement ISO 9001:2015 systems and processes. The plan should support the business case. The plan can be a work breakdown roadmap with concrete steps for achieving compliance to ISO 9001:2015 and implementing RBT.
Lesson Learned: Deliver on your promises and do not over promise in the first six months or even first year. Remember, RBT is an ethos or attitude that takes time to adopt.
Leave a Reply