Oxford Instruments ahead of the game in meeting the latest quality standards

One of the first to achieve the new ISO 9001:2000 international standard

Oxford Instruments Superconductivity (OIS) has achieved registration to ISO 9001:2000, the new internationally recognised quality standard. As one of the first manufacturing companies in the world to receive this certification, it demonstrates OIS's commitment to good practice and continuous improvement.

Just nine months after the introduction of the new standard, OIS passed the demanding auditing process. As there is a three-year transition period for companies to transfer from ISO 9001 to the new version of the standard, this rapid certification has placed OIS well ahead of the field in its adherence to modern quality standards.

Transition to the new standard means enhanced confidence, both for customers and employees alike, ensuring the highest standard of product quality, delivery performance and after-sales service, thereby meeting customers' needs and expectations safely and consistently. Furthermore, by proactively seeking the opinions of customers and employees, the company can ensure continuous improvement of procedures.

A key contributing factor to the speed of transition is the fact that OIS has installed and adopted a radical virtually paperless Quality Management System, which readily enables continuous improvement of documented processes. "Our new document approval process uses an electronic sign-off mechanism to reduce the bureaucracy associated with paper based systems. The record time to approval is seven minutes!" said Nick Balshaw, Quality Manager OIS.

"Such a rapid transition to the new standard has only been possible thanks to the input from a significant proportion of OIS employees and their enthusiasm for the new paperless system," added Nick Balshaw. "The level of commitment from other employees is demonstrated by the production of over 800 new instructions and check lists in just nine months!"

As the new standard endorses a more flexible process-related approach, as opposed to a clause-related approach, it is easier for users to follow the documentation required to meet ISO 9001:2000. Furthermore, there is reduced requirement for procedural documentation and greater reliance placed on training records. Since OIS had a performance and development review (PDR) system already in use, this further contributed to its rapid accreditation.

What is ISO9001:2000?
ISO 9000 is the internationally recognised family of standards and guidelines that make up the world's most widely accepted Quality Management System programme.

ISO 9001:2000 is a new version of these proven standards for quality management systems. Any company wishing to measure, monitor and control quality issues and benefit from continual improvement should implement the new ISO 9001:2000 standard. The new standard is a leap forward from earlier versions, requiring continuous improvement and not just consistency as previously. When properly implemented and assessed the new standard will add real value to any organisation and its customers.

Oxford Instruments
Oxford Instruments is a global leader in advanced instrumentation. It is a recognised world leader in several technologies, including the application of superconductivity, the creation of low temperatures, the production and detection of X-rays and in neurological measurements. The company's products are used around the world in healthcare, semiconductor processing, scientific research, industrial chemical analysis and quality control. Its customers include most of the world's major international companies as well as the leading hospitals and research institutes.

Oxford Instruments, Inc. - Superconductivity, 130 A Baker Avenue Extension, Concord, MA 01742-2204. Tel: 978-369-9933; Fax: 978-369-6616.