Clear documentation of all work processes affecting quality is required, but that documentation can be written as work instructions, basic training for employees, attached as a rider on a particular manufactured item or service, or even displayed as a process flow chart in a work area. The ISO 9000 series concentrates almost exclusively on results criteria, although process criteria may meet some ISO 9000 series requirements, depending upon the lead assessor. Registering to the ISO 9000 series probably requires the least change in organizational involvement. It expects the senior managers of an organization to consider management style through a scientific examination of Dr. Deming's 14 Obliga- tions of Management, and then apply the points in a manner appropriate to their organization. That is, form should follow function.
Documentation showing how processes are to be accomplished is necessary.
It is up to an organization to document processes so as to communicate effectively to those who need to know. Deming-inspired TQM involves the most organizational involvement and organizational change of the three approaches. The ISO 9000 series has no requirement for quality leadership benchmarking. For instance, ISO 9000 series requirements dictate that contract review be addressed in very specific terms, while a Deming-inspired TQM leaves the details entirely up to the organization. Deming-inspired TQM does not explicitly require design control, document control, and product identification and traceability.