Businesses require a team of qualified and skilled individuals to thrive in the marketplace. When it comes to the implementation of a new management system in the company, such as quality management system (e.g. ISO 9001) or environmental management system (e.g. ISO 14001) one of the questions that arises at the very beginning is whether to use the consultancy services or do it with the use of sole internal resources.
From our perspective it is worth considering hiring a consultant. Here is why.
SMEs in particular quite often face the challenge of delivering tasks and projects. This is due to several issues.
Quite often those companies are at an earlier stage of business development and they just are not taught how to deliver tasks and projects, despite good intentions. Very often they have limited resources and employees focus purely to perform operational activities, and they simply may not have time or knowledge to conduct a project.
During the management system implementation it is needed to conduct training, develop system documentation, map processes, conduct internal audits, prepare management review and so on. All these tasks should be carefully written out, and if someone does not have the knowledge what to do to implement ISO, it is simply difficult.
Besides that, when there are a lot of operational activities and the team work under time pressure, they may have a tendency to conduct ineffective activities, which is related to the lack of time to manage the improvement project rather than bad intentions.
The problem can be solved by the presence of a consultant in the project. The consultant helps to plan and prioritise tasks, spread them over the company and methodologically manager the improvement project. The consultant returns to the company regularly which helps a lot in keeping the pace of the project. Besides that, as a third party, he or she is also emotionally disconnect from the company, that helps to objectively assess the situation and plan appropriate actions.
A consultant is like a personal trainer who will not perform the task for the client, but will lead him.
However, with so many consulting firms in the market, how do you choose one that’s right for your business? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Learn About the Services They Offer
The first thing to do is understand the kind of services your company requires and ensure that the consulting firm offers exactly that and more. Do you want them to help you set up an Environmental Management System (EMS), Quality Management System (QMS) or do you need the EASA Part 21G or Part 145 approval? Study the specific needs and requirements of your company to come up with possible solutions. Once you clearly define your goal, take a look at various consulting firms and choose one that’s competent and specializes in their field.
2. Track Record of Success
Once you’ve short-listed a few firms, the next thing to find out is their track record and their success rate. We recommend talking to the representatives and asking them about prior experience and learning whether they’ve dealt with a project similar to yours. You may wish to ask for a reference. Old clients might be able to give you the reassurance you need. Another great way to check for reliability is to look through online reviews or customer testimonials.
3. Methodological Approach
It’s always recommended to work with professionals who are experienced in the field and are able to deliver improvement project methodologically. Do not be afraid to ask about their processes and how they manage projects. Other important aspects to look out for are availability, deadlines, costs, and payment arrangements.
If you’re looking for a reliable, professional, and experienced team, EQM Consult is your go-to option! We are experienced in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS 9100 implementation and auditing. We also help in conducting training sessions, and workshops to help your employees stay informed. Get in touch with our expert consultants by filling the contact form.
Ph.D. Beata Paliwoda
Founder and Owner of EQM. Environmental and quality consultant and auditor. Professional career built in Quality Assurance departments in various companies from the automotive, aerospace, railway industries, as well as a management systems consultant. Successfully completed many complex projects related to the implementation of management systems, process improvements and business transformation. Auditor of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS 9100, project manager of APM, lecturer at the Poznan University of Business and Economics, researcher on the effectiveness of EMS and QMS in organisations.
