New Mexico MEP just wrapped up an ISO certification class made available through a partnership with the state Economic Development Department and the use of JTIP funding. Being ISO certified is required in order to win big contracts or do business with privately held national and international companies. After September 2017, companies will no longer be able to register to the 2008 standard, so this month’s course was aimed at companies that are currently ISO certified to the 2008 standard but need to bridge their compliance to the 2015 standard.
The ISO 9001:2015 standard introduces several new concepts and requires a major shift in responsibility. In addition to introducing those requirements, the certification course provides methodologies and tools to help organizations progress toward implementation.
The course is aimed at leaders of companies that have a substantial understanding of and commitment to operating in a manner that is aligned with the different elements of the 2015 standard. If a company is already registered to the ISO 9001:2008 standard or has been working on it, this course provides guidance toward compliance with the ISO 9001:2015 standard and ultimately ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Attending the most recent course were nine participants from four different manufacturing companies. The scope of work consisted of three 8-hour classroom sessions over a 3-month period and three on-site days. Innovation Director Ron Burke will work one on one with each company to further implement the changes and prepare the companies for audit to the 2015 standard.
The next course is scheduled for early 2017. To sign up, call Claudia Infante at (505) 314-9131.