Choosing a consultant.

for Your ISO 9000 Implementation

The process of registration for an ISO 9000 standard in most cases forces the use of an external consultant. A consultant is required because much experience is needed in such a process, and also because internal employees often cannot be dismissed from their duties for the sake of the registration process. The use of outside help is extremely important when the goal of the registration is not only the certificate itself, but also a true and meaningful improvement in quality Nevertheless, one must consider carefully the cost of an external consultant, compared with the benefits derived from cost reduction and methods improvement.

Because of a lack of regulation, companies that are considering hiring an external consultant are advised to learn about the considered consultant not only from brochures and handouts, but also from the opinions of former (and current) clients. Is it possible to avoid hiring an external consultant? The answer depends on your organization, its structure, and the factors that led to the decision to begin the registration process for an ISO 9000 standard. Large corporations can often afford to spare a few workers, send them to seminars regarding ISO 9000 registration, and allow them to work on the implementation process on their own. Small to average-size companies may be unable to create an in-house ISO 9000 team, and thus will have to hire an external consultant.

Identifying a qualified consultant

How do you determine who are qualified consultants? How do you determine if their services are vital? Before coming up with the answers, it is essential to understand how ISO 9000 quality consultants act in order to assist you. There isn't any one way or one method that quality consultants must adopt. Moreover, no two organizations require the same approach.

As much as possible, consultants must operate as contributors to an internal process in the company, and must encourage clients to help themselves. A good consultant will not try to take over the whole implementation process, as an all too greedy consultant will do. A good consultant understands that quality procedures must come from within the company, and should be an integral part of the company's work process. Consultants give directions and determine the manner in which they are applied; they make processes more efficient by recommending changes in the organization and methods of improvement.