We are excited to introduce a new quality mentor on support.jomo247.com, Richard Randall. Rick is an Author, Management Systems Consultant, a Certified ISO 9001/AS9100 Quality Systems Auditor, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. He also serves as a member of the NCSLI TQM “Committee for Calibration Services” – ANSI 174 Writing Committee (ASC Z540), responsible for the ANSI/NCSL Z540 series of standards – as well as being a contributor to the ISO 17025 and SAE AS 9102 standards. Read on to find out more about Rick and his work in quality management, or visit his profile and contact him in his capacity as our newest quality mentor here.
How did you get involved in Quality Management?
I began my career with General Electric (GE) during the 1980s. By the time I left them, in 1993, I was the division Quality Manager overseeing 20 locations. I then became the SE Regional Director for an ISO 9000 registrar (NQA, USA). After a couple of years, I wanted to expand beyond managing CB audits and utilize my experience in Six Sigma – which I’d learned while at GE. This method focuses on eliminating specified types of waste from a business, and focuses on process optimisation to encourage growth and advocate for continuous improvement. This has been so effective in the companies I have worked with that now I’m a Lean Six Sigma Green belt.
What do you consider as your strengths in Quality Management?
Traditional quality management system standards are severely antiquated in both their understanding and approach toward quality. This has led to many non-value-added requirements actually hindering businesses. My strength is helping companies to develop and implement a modern quality management system which is focused on adding value and setting the business apart from its competitors. Quality management system implementation is not merely a means to an end, but should instead be seen as an opportunity for growth and development in real terms.
What does a typical day of work look like for you?
A typical workday can involve providing ISO 9001/AS9100 third-party audits (for multiple CBs), performing internal audits, and/or consulting with clients. When consulting, I work with clients to satisfy their third-party auditors or to improve their quality management system beyond the minimum requirements of the standards.
What is your favourite thing about Quality Management?
“Quality” is actually the measure of a business’s honesty, integrity, and reliability. A quality management system ensures that the business provides the products and/or services that the customer requires (honesty), establishes “controls” to mitigate the risk(s) of failing to meet those requirements (integrity), and works to reduce variation (to improve reliability). This combination of traits inspires customer loyalty. Helping others to accomplish this is my passion.
What interests you about becoming a quality mentor on Jomo247’s support site?
I’m interested in working with companies and clients who are seeking ways to improve efficiency and add value through their quality management system, and becoming a quality mentor on your website will enable this further. I am looking forward to assisting clients in using Jomo247 to help them transform and support their business systems.
What do you think the next big thing will be in Quality Management?
While certification provides a degree of confidence to customers, certification to a minimalist, entry-level standard no longer sets businesses apart from their competitors. There is already a move away from the entry-level standards to more focused industry-specific and/or industry-driven standards. The more specific these standards are, the more practical help they provide to the businesses that strive to achieve them. I think that trend will continue… and that interest in Lean Six Sigma will continue to grow.
