ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the development and ongoing maintenance of the documentation of standards and procedures. The International Standards Organization standards enable firms involved in international trade to obtain a degree of confidence in the quality of the work done by current and/or potential suppliers. All the certifiable standards require that appropriate and applicable documentation be in place. The quality system should include adequate provision for the proper identification, distribution, collection, and maintenance of all quality documents. Quality records provide the evidence and documentation of compliance with preestablished standards and procedures. They will provide a data base for performance analysis and performance improvement. Documentation provides continuity across product development life cycle, which allows for project control and product quality evaluation during the development process. It also helps in future development of similar products. Document control must be accessible to those who have need and authorization to use it and it must be kept up to date.
