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Experienced Professional Consultants

As consultants Pillar Management Associates has assisted over 2500 organizations in achieving and maintaining their certifications since 1997.

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Best QMS Lead Auditor Training Solutions

Certified Provider of Exemplar Global Lead Auditor & Internal Auditor Courses, we have trained over 10,000 Lead Auditors.

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Virtual Training & Consulting

Certified Provider of Exemplar Global Lead Auditor & Internal Auditor Courses, we will train your staff remotely. Learn from the best while keeping your staff safe. Contact us to schedule your virtual training or consulting sessions.

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Our Services

Our Capabilities

browserConsulting

Elimination of the no value added costs associated with travel and living expensive

  • Training on relevant topics
  • Exercises to enhance learning
  • Procedures, Policies, Objective Evidence

The Jump Start© Schedules vary depending on the standard that is to be implemented and the starting point of the company. However, all programs when completed produce a comprehensive and fully documented system

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toolboxInternal Auditor

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Our Internal Auditor Program is certified by Exemplar Global. 

The key characteristics of a successful auditor, the design and development of an audit plan, schedule, and audit checklist and report and how to document nonconformances

  • Purpose and Scope of an Internal Quality Audit
  • Basic Auditing Concepts and the Auditing Process
  • Key Characteristics of an Auditor
  • Design and Development of an Audit Plan and Schedule
  • Audit Checklists
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toolsJump Start

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The Jump Start© Program is a practical business approach to establishing an ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), 50001 (Energy Management System), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System), AS9100 (Aerospace) and IATF 16949 (Automotive).

  • On-site consulting
  • Distance consulting
  • Blended learning approach
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chatCredentials

Qualified trainers for ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001, IATF 16949, ISO 50001 and ISO 14001 Exemplar Global-certified lead auditor courses and has facilitated the registration of a large firm with over 5000 employees in twelve international locations.

  • Environmental, Safety, and Health Coordinators
  • Safety Management and a Bronze Certificate in Lean Manufacturing from the Society for Manufacturing Engineers

40 years of extensive background in engineering and management consulting


  • Senior instructors with the American Society for Quality and the Metal Treating Institute
  • Experience in working with organizations in business plan development and quality and environmental management since 1994
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Comprehensive Training

  • Why should my organization train on the ISO 9001 standard?

    ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS). Training for ISO 45001 typically covers a broad range of topics to ensure organizations can effectively implement and manage health and safety practices. Here are some of the key topics usually included in ISO 45001 training:

    1. Introduction to ISO 45001:
      • Overview of the standard, its structure, and its benefits.
      • History and development of ISO 45001.
    2. Understanding the High-Level Structure (HLS):
      • Explanation of how ISO 45001 aligns with other ISO management system standards through the use of a common framework.
    3. Context of the Organization:
      • Understanding internal and external issues that can affect occupational health and safety.
      • Identifying the needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties.
    4. Leadership and Worker Participation:
      • The role of top management in OHSMS.
      • Worker involvement, consultation, and participation in health and safety processes.
    5. Planning for OHSMS:
      • Hazard identification, risk assessment, and determining controls.
      • Legal and other requirements.
      • Setting OHS objectives and planning to achieve them.
    6. Support:
      • Resources, competence, awareness, communication, and documented information required for the OHSMS.
    7. Operation:
      • Operational planning and control.
      • Emergency preparedness and response.
    8. Performance Evaluation:
      • Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation of OHS performance.
      • Internal audits.
      • Management review of the OHSMS.
    9. Improvement:
      • Incident investigation, nonconformity and corrective action.
      • Continual improvement of the OHSMS.
    10. Risk Management:
      • Detailed methodologies for risk assessment and risk control in the context of health and safety.
    11. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
      • Understanding relevant OHS legislation, regulations, and how to keep up to date with changes.
    12. Integration with Other Management Systems:
      • How ISO 45001 can be integrated with other management systems like ISO 9001 (quality) or ISO 14001 (environmental management).
    13. Implementation and Auditing:
      • Practical steps for implementing ISO 45001 in an organization.
      • Conducting internal audits, preparing for external audits, and certification processes.
    14. Cultural Change and Behavioral Safety:
      • Strategies to foster a positive safety culture and encourage safe behaviors at all levels of the organization.
    15. Case Studies and Best Practices:
      • Real-world examples of ISO 45001 implementation, challenges faced, and solutions applied.

    Training programs might vary in depth depending on whether they are aimed at general awareness, internal auditing, or for those who will be leading the implementation of the system. Some programs might also include practical exercises, workshops, or simulations to solidify understanding and application of the concepts.

  • How can your ISO 9001 management system improve with online training?

    Implementing and maintaining an ISO 9001 management system requires continuous education and adherence to quality standards. Online training can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your ISO 9001 management system in several ways:

    1. Enhanced Understanding of Standards: Online training provides comprehensive modules that cover the ISO 9001 requirements in detail, ensuring all employees understand the standards and how to implement them effectively.

    2. Consistent Training: With online training, every employee receives the same high-quality content, ensuring a uniform understanding of ISO 9001 principles across the organization. This consistency is crucial for maintaining standardization and compliance.

    3. Flexibility and Convenience: Employees can access online training at their convenience, allowing them to learn at their own pace without disrupting their work schedules. This flexibility helps ensure that training is completed thoroughly and efficiently.

    4. Cost-Effective Solution: Online training eliminates the need for physical materials, travel, and venue costs associated with traditional training methods. This cost-effective approach allows organizations to allocate resources more efficiently.

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  • Documenting an Effective Quality Management System (ISO 9001/QMS)

    This course is designed to instruct companies how to document “value-added” policies and procedures for the quality management system. Each element and clause of the standard is reviewed from an implementation and process improvement perspective. Relationships between elements of the standard are analyzed and the documentation structure and hierarchy of a quality management system is also defined. A common documentation format is analyzed and the importance of readability and clarity is discussed. The student will also learn how to implement the documentation and to understand the basics of document and data control.

    Highlights of the course include

    • Introduction to ISO 9001 and Overview
    • Elements of the Standard
    • Process Improvement Elements and Clauses
    • Documentation Hierarchy and Structure (Level I, II and III)
    • Standard documentation format
    • Documentation strategy
    • Comparison of current documents to the requirements of the standard
    • Readability and clarity
    • Implementation and Delegation of a QMS
    • Discussion of Element 4.5 “Document Control”

    Who Should Attend

    • Executive Management Managers
    • Quality Assurance Personnel
    • Internal Quality Auditors

    Outcome

    • How to create a documented quality management system that can be easily implemented and maintained.
    • How to utilize the standard as a continuous improvement and cost reduction tool.
    • How to write value added procedures and documents.
    • How to implement the procedures and get employee cooperation and feedback.

    Course Length

    • Eight hours (one-day)
     
  • Internal Quality Auditing

    This course is designed to instruct participants how to become internal quality auditors. They will learn basic auditing concepts, the key characteristics of a successful auditor, the design and development of an audit plan, schedule, and audit checklist and report and how to document nonconformances. This course also covers how a well planned internal auditing program can result in continuous improvement.

    Highlights of the session include

    • Purpose and Scope of an Internal Quality Audit
    • Basic Auditing Concepts and the Auditing Process
    • Key Characteristics of an Auditor
    • Design & Development of an Audit Plan and Schedule
    • Audit Checklists
    • Documenting Nonconformances
    • Audit Reports
    • Common Problems in an Internal Quality Audit
    • Internal Quality Audits and Continuous Improvement

    Outcome

    • How to create an internal quality audit program in your company that helps you reduce operating costs.
    • How to select and train auditors.
    • How to create an audit plan.
    • An understanding of questioning techniques and communications.
    • How to make an auditee feel at ease.
    • How to determine the effectiveness of a quality management system.
    • Who Should Attend:
    • Internal Quality Auditors
    • Managers
    • Quality Assurance Personnel
    • Supervisors

    Course Length

    • Two-days. Note: A third day of conducting an actual audit can be added
     
  • Defining the Key Parameters of a Quality Management System

    “A Practical Approach to ISO 9001” This is a two-day structured seminar and workshop. The CEO and staff are introduced to the ISO 9001 series of standards. Each of the requirements is described. An interpretation for each is presented. The intent and rationale of each topic are reviewed. Best practices examples for each requirement is illustrated. The participants have then posed questions concerning their proposed system. The answers to the over 200 questions addressing the 20 elements of ISO 9001 standard become the unique defining characteristics of the firms Quality Management System. Each of the decisions is reviewed and possibly challenged by the facilitator who has assessed over 250 other firms Quality Management Systems.

    Highlights of the session include

    • The importance of the CEO’s involvement
    • Using ISO 9001 as a tool to support business process improvement
    • Background and costs of a QMS
    • Process improvement elements and clauses
    • Implementation and delegation of a QMS
    • Improving profits through ISO 9001

    Outcome

    • A strategy for implementing ISO 9001 in your company as a cost-reduction tool
    • An understanding of the standard’s requirements
    • Organizing resources and delegating responsibilities for the program
    • How to budget program costs and maximize your return on investment
    • Keys to gaining cooperation from your employees

    Who Should Attend

    • Executive Management
    • CEO

    Course Length

    • Two-days Note: Since the key management personnel will be attending the session it is suggested that it be looked at as a retreat and held off-site where interruptions will be held to a minimum (weekends are often scheduled for this session).
     
  • What is the best way to learn about IATF 16949 training
    iatf training meetingThe best way to learn about IATF 16949 training involves several approaches:

    Accredited Training Providers: Look for certified training organizations that offer specialized IATF 16949 courses. Many providers offer both online and in-person training programs designed for different levels, from beginners to lead auditors.

    IATF 16949 Standard Documentation: Familiarize yourself with the standard itself by reading the official IATF 16949 documentation, which outlines its requirements for automotive quality management systems.

    Automotive Industry Associations: Engage with industry associations such as AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group) for webinars, workshops, and resources related to IATF 16949 training.

    Corporate Training: Some automotive companies offer internal training to employees, particularly for those involved in quality assurance and supplier development.

    Certification Bodies: Many certification bodies provide IATF 16949 training as part of their audit and certification services. They often offer foundational courses, internal auditor training, and lead auditor certifications.

    Combining these approaches will give you a solid understanding of IATF 16949 requirements and how to implement them effectively.

    Learn more from Pillar Management and schedule you next training session.
     
  • Introduction to ISO 9001 for the CEO

    This course is an enlightening perspective on how CEOs and their staff can utilize ISO 9001 as a process improvement tool to gain efficiency in their operations while meeting the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard. It analyzes misconceptions and costs of establishing a process improvement program and how the decisions made while creating a quality management system determines a company’s operating standards. Example situations will show how senior managers must control the future of their company by involving themselves in this critical activity.

    Highlights of the session include:

    • The Importance of the CEO’s involvement
    • Using ISO 9001 as a Tool to Support Business Process Improvement
    • Introduction to ISO 9001 and Overview of the Standard
    • Background and Costs of a QMS
    • Process Improvement Elements and Clauses
    • Specific examples of Process Improvement in various companies
    • Implementation and Delegation of a QMS

    Who Should Attend:

    • CEO
    • Executive Managers
    • Managers

    Outcome:

    • A strategy for implementing ISO 9001 in your company as a cost reduction tool.
    • An understanding of the standard’s requirements.
    • Organizing resources and delegating responsibilities for the program.
    • How to budget program costs and maximize your return on investment.
    • Keys to gaining cooperation from your employees.

    Course Length:

    • Four-hours (1/2 day)
     

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