A quality manual is a document that states the organization’s intentions for operating and executing the processes within its quality management system. It can include policies for all areas of the business that affect the ability to make high-quality products and meet the customer’s and ISO’s requirements. These policies define how the department managers will implement procedures within the boundaries specified in the quality manual.

The quality manual’s purpose is to serve as the how-to document for the organization’s operational processes. Any policy within the business that affects the ability to deliver high-quality products, meet the customer’s demands, and satisfy ISO requirements can be detailed in the manual. The document can then be used by the department managers as they implement procedures, and will define for them the boundaries and specifications they must satisfy. Also, a quality manual is an important tool for an organization to implement an ISO Quality Management System because it will outline the intentions of the daily operations within the quality management system. It sets the expectations for the team’s performance and the capability of the deliverables.

What is the quality manual?

Quality management system manual is collections of documents that define and communicate the quality management system of a company. These resources provide a framework for meeting quality system requirements and demonstrate a company’s commitment to the system. Furthermore, QMS manuals also include the below-mentioned records:

  • Quality policy statement: This document defines the level of passion and commitment a company shows to maintaining quality.
  • Quality policies: A company’s plans are widely documented and are described in detail in the quality policy.
  • Standard operating procedures: These procedures specify who is in charge of carrying out each task and how long they have to do it.
  • Work instructions: Work instructions showcase the tasks and processes that will be carried out.

What are the uses of a quality manual?

The ISO 9001 manual is a useful resource for managers, but it also serves several other crucial functions is like:

  • ISO 9001 Quality manual helps to communicate management’s expectations to employees
  • It also demonstrates the organization’s plan to conform to the requirements of ISO 9001:2015
  • Quality manual demonstrates the fulfilment of Clause 5.3, which states that organizational roles, responsibilities, and authorities must be assigned, communicated, and understood
  • Also, it provides a starting point for auditors, either internal, customer-affiliated or the ISO certification body.

What are the benefits of a quality manual?

Making a QMS manual is a smart business move because of these sources:

  • It supports the creation of quality management procedures.  
  • Manual empowers companies to build effective quality management systems.
  • As well as smooth continuous improvement within an organization.
  • Provides a clear, brief system overview.
  • Refrain from needing a consultant’s help.
  • Offer a more effective way to manage a business.
  • Facilitate easy certification.
  • When implementing ISO 9001 quality management systems, businesses can save time and money.

What to include in the quality manual?

For users of ISO 9001:2015, the contents of the quality manual are completely up to the organization and are largely dependent on the processes. ISO requires that the organization show evidence of the intentions, actions, and outcomes of its QMS. When the organization is determining how to prepare the quality manual and what to include, be sure that the main focus is on ensuring that the policies they include reflect the actual practices. Here are a few topics that are frequently covered in quality manuals.

  • Quality policy
  • Explanation of the company’s documentation structure
  • Organizational chart
  • Policy documents for each relevant ISO requirement
  • Reference to operating procedures

Also, one important thing about the ISO 9001 quality manual is a controlled document that must be carefully handled, requiring stringent communication protocols throughout its creation, as well as regular reviews to update and maintain the accuracy of the manual.