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Inquiry: Hi, we want to start adding an API 6D monogram to our ball valves. Please let me know what is needed to get an API monogram and the estimated cost. Thanks. M.M. Response: Thanks for contacting Aston Technical Consulting Services. It’s important to know that the first step toward obtaining an API 6D product monogram license is to ensure your company has an established quality management system that meets API Q1 requirements. For general information regarding the estimated costs and timing required to obtain an API 6D product monogram, please email us at quality@astontechconsult.com. I hope this helps.
(more…)The case for continued professional growth Written by Bill Aston, Published in ASQ QP Magazine, June 2018. It sometimes may seem that as soon as an organization becomes familiar with a management system and its requirements, changes must be made to meet newly identified customer requirements or to comply with recently issued editions, revisions, errata or addendums to the standard or specification. Changes in every industry, standard, specification and code are inevitable. So is the need for quality professionals to keep up with these changes as they occur. Trained and experienced quality professionals—such as quality assurance and quality control managers;
(more…)QUESTION: From: Fayyez, Sept. 11, 2018 Dear Sir, We are a certified API Q1 & ISO 9001 API QR registered organization. Our surveillance audits are scheduled to be conducted on an annual basis. We have maintained all quality management system requirements very well with all records available. But due to the present market slowdown, we might not have any production or manufacturing activities in progress during the time of the surveillance audit. Is it possible for us to postpone the surveillance audit for a period of 3-4 months? What are the possible consequences if a surveillance audit cannot be conducted due
(more…)Inquiry: Our organization provides mobile crane rental services. We recently received a request from a client to deliver a crane to their site location. This was the extent of the services provided to the client. Can we exclude ISO 9001:2015, subclause 8.3 requirements since no design and development was required? Answer: Qasim, thanks for submitting this question. As you know, ISO 9001:2015, subclause 4.3, requires the organization to apply all applicable requirements within the quality management system (QMS). ISO 9001:2015, subclause 4.3, also requires the scope of the QMS to be maintained as documented information that identifies the services, products provided, and justification
(more…)LEADERS OF CHANGE – Leadership begins at the top. Although ISO 9001:2015, sub-clause 5.3 requires C-level or top management to assign relevant persons to ensure quality management system (QMS) requirements are communicated and understood, the responsibility to provide the leadership needed to champion the effectiveness of the QMS remains with top management. The responsibilities to provide direction and to ensure the effectiveness of the QMS stay with top management. QMS implementation is not an individual activity. The successful implementation of a QMS is a team effort that requires the leadership of top management. It can be a major mistake to
(more…)Inquiry: My question is regarding application of the API monogram. Our company is an API 6A licensee. We manufacture valves and other related equipment at our facilities here in the USA and overseas. During a recent re-certification audit, the Auditor told us that we could not monogram valves if they had been disassembled and reassembled. These are new valves, so why is this even a concern, especially since the valves were manufactured at our overseas facility that is also API 6A licensed? I Look forward to your reply. Reply: Thanks for submitting this question to us. In my opinion, the
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