Quality management software (QMS) is a tool that helps you ensure that your products and processes meet the quality standards and customer expectations. QMS can help you automate and streamline your quality-related activities, such as document control, audit management, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), compliance management, and supplier collaboration. In this blog, we want to explain how implementing a QMS can enhance your business. Along with how Titan (our QMS) can ensure all relevant steps are taken before certification.
But how do you choose the best QMS for your organisation? There are many factors to consider, such as the features, pricing, deployment, usability and support of the software. Below are some of the most important ones to help you make an informed decision.
Features
The first thing to consider is what features you need from your QMS. Depending on your industry, product type, regulatory requirements and quality objectives, you may need different functionalities from your QMS. For example, if you are in the medical device industry, you may need a QMS that supports Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency regulations, risk management, design controls and traceability.
Some of the key features that Titan offers are:
- Document control: This feature allows you to create, review, approve and distribute quality documents, such as policies, procedures, work instructions and forms. It also helps you ensure version control, access control and audit trail of your documents.
- Audit management: This feature allows you to plan, conduct and report on internal and external audits. It also helps you track audit findings, assign corrective actions and monitor their status.
- CAPA: This feature allows you to identify, analyse and resolve quality issues, such as nonconformities, complaints and defects. It also helps you prevent recurrence of the issues by implementing root cause analysis and corrective actions1.
- Compliance management: This feature allows you to comply with various quality standards and regulations, such as ISO 9001. It also helps you manage compliance training, evidence and records across all users.
Pricing
The second thing to consider is how much you are willing to pay for your QMS. The pricing of Titan varies depending on the number of employees within the business. The normal contract period is only one month with Titan, you are not tied in with a yearly contract. You only require one licence to use the Titan System. This is a group licence that can be used by multiple people.
Deployment
The third thing to consider is how you want to deploy your QMS. Titan is purely cloud-based and integrated into your current MS.
As this is cloud based it is designed to work on a web browser. We recommend Google Chrome or Internet Explorer/Edge. It is recommended that you have at least 5GB of memory on your system(s).
Cloud-based: This means that your QMS is hosted on our servers and accessed via the internet. As Titan is cloud based, it is designed to work on a web browser. We recommend Google Chrome or Internet Explorer/Edge. It is recommended that you have at least 5GB of memory on your system(s).
Usability
The fourth thing to consider is how easy it is to use your QMS. You want a QMS that has a user-friendly interface, intuitive navigation, clear instructions and helpful features, such as dashboards, reports, alerts and notifications (Titan has all of these!). You also want a QMS that is compatible with your existing systems. Demonstrations can also be available upon request with Mark1. Additionally, the 1 month contract with Titan means, if it’s not for you, you’re not tied into a long contract.
Support
The fifth thing to consider is how well the vendor supports your QMS. You want a vendor that provides reliable and responsive customer service, technical support, training and documentation. You also want a vendor that listens to your feedback, suggestions and requests and implements them in future updates. With Titan, you have access to on hand support and help when needed. Mark1 also has a database of video user guides to give you on hand support. We will openly listen to any feedback or requests to facilitate your needs.
Scalability
The sixth thing to consider is how well your QMS can grow with your organisation. You want a QMS that can handle increasing volumes of data, users, products and processes. You also want a QMS that can adapt to changing requirements, standards and regulations. Titan offers flexible and modular features, customisable and configurable options, and integration and automation capabilities.
Security
The seventh thing to consider is how secure your QMS is. You want a QMS that protects your confidential and sensitive data, such as customer information, product specifications, quality records and audit reports. You also want a QMS that complies with the relevant security standards and regulations, such as ISO 27001. Titan offers encryption, authentication (2FA), authorisation, daily backups and recovery. As with all online log-in procedures, please ensure your password is not shared with any third parties.
Performance
The eighth thing to consider is how fast and reliable your QMS is. You want a QMS that delivers high-quality results in a timely manner. You also want a QMS that minimises errors, downtime, delays and rework. You should look for a QMS that offers performance monitoring, testing, optimisation and improvement features. One of the key benefits of Titan, is that we manage a systematic upgrade process, which is managed and implemented by our technical team.
Innovation
The ninth thing to consider is how innovative your QMS is. You want a QMS that keeps up with the latest trends and technologies in the quality management field, such as artificial intelligence, big data, and analytics. You also want a QMS that enables you to leverage these technologies to enhance your quality performance, efficiency and effectiveness. You should look for a QMS that offers innovation-driven features, such as risk-based thinking, smart alerts and recommendations.
Feedback
The tenth thing to consider is how well your QMS collects and analyses feedback from customers and employees. You want a QMS that helps you measure and improve your customer satisfaction, complaints, and regulatory compliance. You also want a QMS that helps you identify and address the root causes of any negative feedback or complaints. Titan’s dedicated complaints sections makes it easy for problems to be recorded with relevant documentation and traceability.
Conclusion
Quality management software is an essential tool for any organisation that wants to achieve and maintain high-quality standards and strive for certification. However, choosing the best QMS for your organisation can be challenging. The development of Titan aims to facilitate all and fit your needs.
For more information on Quality Management Software, you can contact the Mark1 team here.
