Case study: Caterpillar –
A quality management system
outlines the significance of Caterpillar’s IRCA-recognized internal management system
Caterpillar’s global quality team recently celebrated the accomplishment of having its internal Quality Management System, Caterpillar QMS, Internal Auditors, recognized by IRCA. This is an outstanding accomplishment that couldn’t have been achieved without the dedication of our leadership team and the enthusiasm of our quality employees.
For more than 85 years, Caterpillar has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. With 2010 sales and revenues of $42.588bn, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company is also a leading services provider, through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services.
The Caterpillar QMS Standard was recognized by IRCA as an acceptable alternative to ISO 9001 -2008 on 4 December 2010. IRCA also accepts Caterpillar QMS audits completed by Caterpillar’s internal auditors as valid experience to become IRCA-certificated lead auditors. This was a proud moment for everyone involved. Achieving IRCA recognition will reduce internal costs and at the same time will support new markets and increase orders. IRCA recognition of the Caterpillar QMS and the adherence to IRCA governance is key as Caterpillar looks to move to one global QMS in the coming years.
Having our internal auditors and internal quality management system recognized by IRCA was a true compliment for Caterpillar QMS and our entire global quality team. The recognition will spare Caterpillar the cost of hiring external ISO auditors. Additional benefits include the opportunity to share best practice regarding internal procedures. This will be particularly helpful in establishing common global processes for similar products produced in various facilities around the world. IRCA certification brings Caterpillar one step closer to becoming a global leader in quality.
Fundamentally, we hope to bring consistency to the business by implementing the Caterpillar QMS standard across all of our plants. To achieve this, we will need to work closely with our leadership team, facilities and customers. It is important that everyone understands the benefits of achieving Caterpillar QMS certification. We are currently looking at the benefits of deploying the Caterpillar QMS into the supply base. This will in turn drive consistency.
Quality is extremely important at Caterpillar and absolutely essential to living our brand promise. Our products are built to last and we need to hold ourselves accountable to that standard. Deploying Caterpillar QMS throughout the enterprize will set Caterpillar up to deliver on our customer commitments. We have developed our very own two-day quality internal auditor training course and training started at manufacturing plants and supply bases in September 2011.
About the author
Neil Anderson is senior quality engineer at Caterpillar.
