ISO Upgrade Platform facilitates ISO 9001:2000 compliance.
Press Release Summary:
equationASP(TM)2000 Upgrade platform combines ISO methodology with Internet technology. It facilitates communication between project team members and includes online training modules, allowing employee access to appropriate training courses. equationASP2000 includes ISO templates and samples, plus electronic repository, document archiving and version control, automatic e-mail alerts on expiring documents, and 24-hour access to documents.
Original Press Release:
New Web-Based Tool Helps Companies Quickly and Cost-Effectively Complete Mandatory ISO 9001:2000 Upgrade
Integrated technology and consulting enables seamless upgrade and maintenance of all ISO 9000 systems with minimal investment
BLUE BELL, Pa. (September 10, 2001) - In an effort to help ISO 9000-certified companies comply with the mandatory ISO 9001:2000 standard upgrade (effective 12/15/01,) Prism eSolutions, LLC (Prism) today launched its equationASP(TM)2000 Upgrade platform, which combines a recognized ISO methodology with the technology of the Internet for fast, cost-efficient ISO 9001:2000 upgrade and maintenance.
equationASP2000 Upgrade streamlines the upgrade process by improving the quality of documentation and document control, facilitating communication between project team members, and improving overall project management. A sophisticated online training module allows employee access to appropriate training courses on-demand anytime, anywhere, helping companies determine the amount of in-person consulting time that their business needs. equationASP2000 Upgrade does not require a significant investment in hardware or software, nor does it require internal IT/IS personnel for support - making it a cost-effective approach to the ISO upgrade process.
Key time-saving features of equationASP2000 Upgrade include its ISO templates, samples, and proven ISO methodologies, which decrease the time spent in developing additional documentation - a prime cause of upgrade delay. In addition, the platform's project management system outlines the complete project and sets deadlines for every step, assuring timely project completion and compliance.
"The new ISO 9001:2000 standard has presented a challenge to many companies who thought that they either had to rush to begin the ISO 9000 upgrade process - spending an inordinate amount of time and money in the process - or lose their ISO 9000 certifications altogether," said Mike DePasquale, President and COO of Prism eSolutions. "With equationASP2000 Upgrade, companies can count on timely upgrades that work within their schedules and don't deplete their budgets. Instead of wasting precious time and resources on the upgrade process itself, they can concentrate on reaping the benefits that the new ISO 9001:2000 offers." [See page 3 for more details about ISO 9001:2000.
Designed for any sized organization, the Web-based equationASPT(TM)2000 Upgrade and supporting infrastructure is hosted by Prism at a secure, third-party facility. It is particularly useful for small and mid-sized organizations because it does not require internal IT/IS support.
The equationASP 2000 Upgrade features the following:
* An electronic repository;
* Document archiving and version control;
* Automatic e-mail alerts on expiring documents;
* Easy access to the most up-to-date documents, 24
hours/day, 7 days/week for appropriate personnel;
* ISO content that explains the differences between ISO
9001:1994 and ISO 9001:2000; and
* Flexibility that allows an organization to determine the
amount of consulting time actually needed for a cost-
effective solution.
Prism's equation(TM) product line, which includes equationASPT, and equationNETT7, supports strategic process improvement. Integrated technology and consulting provides a customizable environment for mapping and managing quality management systems (QMS), empowering companies to continually enhance business process improvements for ongoing efficiency and profitability. equation is ideal for companies in the manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, business service, and education sectors that seek to achieve and maintain ISO 9000 certification or re-certify to the new ISO 9001:2000 standard.
The new ISO 9001:2000 standard ISO 9001:2000 replaced the ISO 9001:1994 standard effective 12/15/00. In addition, ISO 9002:1994, ISO 9003:1994, and ISO 9004:1994 have been discontinued. There is a transition period in force until 12/15/03; if any organization registered to the 1994 ISO standard has not upgraded to the ISO 9001:2000 standard by that date, certification will be withdrawn.
The new ISO standard is more customer-focused and requires companies seeking ISO certification to achieve, measure, and monitor customer satisfaction, as well as improve communication with customers. The 9001:2000 standard also emphasizes the need to make improvements and evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of quality management systems, and to identify and implement system improvements.
