Cobham, a global developer of leading edge aerospace and defense systems, had a requirement to integrate the systems used in managing regulatory requirements whilst maintaining the security of quality-related information.
With Q-Pulse Enterprise, quality-related information across the company is now centralised within a single integrated system, with controlled access for those users who require it, reducing the risk of data duplication and increasing the security of information.
The Challenge
As an important supplier to the UK MOD with a company culture of building trust, it is imperative that Cobham adequately and efficiently manages its regulatory commitments to AS9100 and ISO 9001:2008.
"Q-Pulse was specifically selected to meet the requirements of ISO 9001 for record keeping," says Peta Currell, Q-Pulse co-ordinator at Cobham Aviation Services. "However, as regulatory demands have evolved, so Q-Pulse has adapted accordingly".
Peta continued: "We require our Quality Management System (QMS) to be able to deal with different user needs whilst maintaining data security and integrity. Some individuals need immediate, read-only, access to documents whilst others must react to actions or findings. Also, at any given time our department heads and line managers require visibility of the progress of QMS activities."
The Solution
Q-Pulse Enterprise was identified as the ideal solution to Cobham's quality management requirements, particularly from a security and data integrity point of view as each area of the business has its own independent database whilst senior management has full visibility throughout.
During the deployment phase of Q-Pulse, all of the roles, responsibilities and access requirements of each group of users was specified and implemented.
The workflow of existing document management processes has been streamlined through Q-Pulse as was Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) procedures.
“All our company documentation, forms and procedures are now managed within Q-Pulse and are accessed by the Quality, Design, Finance, Purchasing and Aircraft Engineering departments,” says Peta. “Managers and heads of departments have access to respond to non-conformances and approve draft documents.”
The Result
Within Cobham, Q-Pulse Enterprise has enabled the entire QMS to be completely streamlined and integrated into company processes and practices. Access is now instantly available around the company to personnel who need to be aware of information relevant and specific to their job role.
Peta added: “By allowing multiple databases on one system, Q-Pulse Enterprise has served to centralise our QMS information, whilst limiting access to those users who require it, which reduces the risk of data duplication and increases the security of our information.
“Because our email system and Q-Pulse have been integrated – stakeholders can be reminded about tasks whilst escalations and other communication relating to outstanding actions have led to an improvement in their completion time and an overall reduction in non-conformances generally.
“Since helping us to gain ISO 9001 certification, Q-Pulse has helped us to satisfy the requirements of OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001. Q-Pulse has also been embraced by regulators such as the UK CAA and the US FAA, in demonstrating how a QMS can be effectively implemented within aviation organisations, including document control, audit trails, and full details of all non-conformances raised.”
Peta concludes: “Q-Pulse has been instrumental in helping us reduce the amount of time spent administering our regulatory requirements.”