How long does it take to install the Q-BASE system?

A. Anywhere from 5 to 12 months on average. This depends on the present operating systems you have in place now and the time you can dedicate to getting your Q-BASE Quality Manual prepared and ensuring that it is truly reflective of the the systems you actually operate in your business. Expect to spend a total equivalent of 250 to 350 hour of one person's time spread out across the 5 to 12 month period from start to finish (i.e. ready for independent, third party audit). This includes preparation of your Q-BASE Quality Manual and a fully installed system.

How much does a complete, up and running, Q-BASE installation cost in total?

A. The system is designed to be installed (including Q-BASE Quality Manual preparation) using your own internal resources. Q-BASE supports your program of Quality Manual preparation and system installation from start to finish for less than $9,000.00 all inclusive. This even includes the cost of your independent, third party audit! Support is given throughout the installation period via training materials, generic examples, software, Q & A for both your system and Quality Manual reviews. We also offer support via e-mail, fax, telephone, on site visits to your facilities, referral to other Q-BASE operating systems close to you(where feasible) and any other means that will be useful to you to complete you system installation. Contact us for some idea of what you might expect in your location.

Do we need to hire someone to run our Q-BASE program?

A. No! You appoint an existing senior staff person to be your Quality Coordinator who is well respected and able to ensure your quality system is operated at the expected levels at all times. After you have your Q-BASE program up and running, you can expect your Quality Coordinator to spend no more than 2% to 5% (maximum) of their time maintaining and operating your quality system.

Will my Q-BASE system be recognized by my customers?

A. Yes! Inform them that you have become certified to an internationally recognized quality management system (the Q-BASE Code:1995: derived directly from ISO 9000) designed specifically for the smaller and medium sized company. You can present them with your Q-BASE Quality Manual and invite them to audit your operations against it.

Should we decide to install the Q-BASE program, will we have to change all our existing systems and paperwork?

A. NO! Q-BASE will allow you to do what you do now, but will be certain that the quality standards you set for your goods/services will be achieved 100% of the time. It will even show you how to improve your existing quality levels.

Surely, there must be be some additional paperwork for our people when we install Q-BASE?

A. Yes. However, typically, there are only two extra pieces; one is the "Corrective Action/Opportunity for Improvement" form; the other is the "Document Change Request" form. That's all!!

What happens when we become certified?

A. Q-BASE requires that your company maintains your program and continually improves it in an ongoing manner. This is achieved by having Q-BASE visit, every six months, and review your program installation. This ensures that your systems operate effectively and that you not only remain in compliance with the Q-BASE CODE, but that your system is continually improving the quality of your goods/services. Every fourth visit is a full, independent, re-certification audit of your quality management system by an independent third party auditor (normally an ISO 9000 Lead Auditor certified to audit against the Q-BASE CODE:1995). All this costs your company is a small annual fee (currently $1150 per year).

Can I expect to make more money/profits if I install the Q-BASE program?

A. YES! You will have fewer quality failures, staff become active participants in the quality improvement process, customers will be far more satisfied with your goods/services, employee morale improves tremendously, your costs will drop, on-time deliveries will improve, you will become eligible to serve marketplaces that you cannot access at present; all these and more add up to higher profits.