It’s a fact that today’s business customers and buyers are interested in receiving robust information about products and related services delivered by their supply-chain partners. Market forces are often requiring specific information about the quality of products--who makes them, where, when, and under what conditions.

In markets where quality is no longer the sole focus on finished products and services, companies that supply products and services are adopting operating standards that help them carefully address selected processes and customer specifications that influence their operations.

There are several good reasons why companies are acting to improve operationally.

• Well-designed & implemented quality systems instill confidence in customers that processes used by a supplier to produce specified products are performed consistently and with documented standards.
• Rigorous internal audits, sometimes augmented by third-party certification, promote international recognition of audit results.
• Companies save money through added efficiency and risk reduction to their operations.
• Businesses gain the potential to access premium market places because they now have demonstrated assurances that their products are made under verified quality standards.

To formally enhance existing quality systems, implement a new quality system or to obtain third-party verification of its production standards, companies can select from an array of quality-based programs. Some of these programs include:

ISO-BASED QUALITY SYSTEMS
The International Organization of Standardization’s ISO 9000 series establishes standards for confirming quality systems and uses these standards for evaluating documentation that ensures consistent auditing practices and promotes international recognition of audit results.

USDA PVP-BASED ACCREDITATION
The United State Department of Agriculture’s Process Verified Program provides any agricultural organization with documentation that their implemented quality system has been validated through impartial USDA ‘ARC’ audits. Accreditation in this program also allows companies to issue products stamped with “USDA Process Verified” labels.

HACCP-BASED QUALITY SYSTEM
A HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) methodology embedded in a pre-requisite program or programs adds strength to an agri-food company’s commitment to food safety to its customers and consumers.

ESTABLISHING A QUALITY SYSTEM
For most producers and suppliers, it is not necessary to implement a pure ISO quality system framework. Instead, companies can use portions of the ISO as a model to either improve existing quality processes or launch a new system. In fact, businesses can choose sections of ISO that are adapted specifically to provide the necessary information to satisfy customer expectations.

It is also important that a quality program provide the company with the information it needs to effectively manage the quality process.

ABOUT CRITEREON, LLC
Critereon is a leading provider of process quality and supply chain control management tools for many influential global businesses. Critereon offers demonstrated expertise in providing customized blends of innovative technologies and talents that produce practical, cost-effective, and measurable results.