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- QuEST CONCEPT -

QuEST is a program focused on four areas that are critical for an organization's success and leads to world-class performance. Because of its operational and functional approaches, QuEST can be easily incorporated in a company's strategic plan. This advanced management method ensures the rapid decrease of the operational costs, better employee retention, and higher customer satisfaction rating.

Thousands of organizations around the world representing most industries have pursued the development and registration of their quality management system to the ISO 9000 series of standards since their release in 1987. Going through this process is an excellent start for improving operations but should be viewed as only a first step.

To progress beyond this baseline level of performance, organizations should consider evolving their quality management system into a more advanced and comprehensive program. The system established during ISO 9000 implementation efforts can be easily expanded to support the addition of key processes that will sustain a world-class organization.

A significant amount of training can be involved in moving an organization from an ISO-based quality management system to QuEST. Initial training should focus on raising the awareness of all employees of the organization's new desired state, results of the needs assessment, and the implementation timeline. The organization should also conduct training as needed for the management team on leadership principles, and strategic planning processes.

Specific training should be conducted just prior to its need to support the implementation plan. For customized learning classes, an accurate assessment of the group's job positions, experience, and background is required. A flexible attitude to the design of the learning program and responsiveness to the organization's needs will ensure success.

- QuEST ADVANTAGES -

QuEST improves performance in the most efficient way possible, uses a proven organizational development tool, improves employee morale, and provides the company with a clear advantage over the competition.

Integration of all four components into a centralized system provides high-speed communication channels between its elements along with a mistake-proof mechanism.

Involvement of all employees in developing QuEST creates a sense of ownership and focus at all levels. The program developed around the continual improvement concept becomes self-sustaining after the implementation process.

Quality

Quality component helps the company please its customers and maintain profitability. Competitive benefits from quality improvements:

- Increased process yields;

- Reduced downtime through more careful monitoring and maintenance;

- More consistent and improved products;

- Lower product costs.

Environment

In order to maintain a competitive advantage in today's market, the environmental system must be focused beyond government regulations and consumer awareness. Potential benefits provided by this component:

- Materials savings from more complete processing, substitution, re-use or recycling of product inputs;

- Improved utilization of by-products;

- Conversion of waste into commercially valuable materials;

- Reduced energy consumption;

- Lower costs of product disposal to customers.

Safety

Safety awareness proved in many organizations a significant increase in employee morale, leading to an improved quality and better productivity. A safe working environment will reduce losses and injuries, and will promote a superior corporate image.

Training

Training is a critical component for developing the business system and technology. Organizations invest in training because it affects performance improvement and bottom line results. Employing a proactive training system eliminates the delays in implementing new processes and provides cross training for all levels in the organization. This leads to more efficient use of the resources.

- QuEST MATRIX -

For a copy of the QuEST MATRIX visit