Conformity Confirmed in the 2024 Surveillance Audit of Our Quality Management System (QMS) Certification, and Certification Continued
In the 2024 surveillance audit of the quality management system (QMS) certification we obtained in 2023, our conformity was confirmed and the continuation of our certification registration was approved.
QMS certification has a validity period. To continue the certification, a company must undergo regular surveillance audits and have it confirmed that its quality management system is operated properly and that its continuous improvement activities meet the standard. In this surveillance audit, our quality management system was confirmed to conform to the requirements, and the continuation of our certification registration was approved.
A QMS is a systematic framework for continuously improving the quality of products and services, and we are strengthening our quality management system through the following initiatives.
Our Quality Management Initiatives
To systematically improve the quality of product development, we have set seven foundational areas and defined six maturity levels for each. Based on this framework, we are working to raise the maturity of each area step by step.
Seven Foundational Areas
Defining the challenges of the target system (IT service) and validating hypotheses We clarify problems and validate their solutions to establish the product's direction.
Organizing requests and requirements, and preparing for development We prepare the resources needed for development, draw up plans, and put the necessary conditions and requirements in place.
Project management We manage project progress and steer toward the goals while keeping quality, cost and schedule in balance.
System development We carry out design, implementation and testing based on the specifications.
Product and system quality We validate and improve the products we develop to ensure their quality, and confirm conformity with quality standards.
Product operations We support the operation of products after development is complete to deliver a stable service, with ongoing operational monitoring and improvement.
Organizational management and members We manage the operation of the whole organization and its members to optimize the performance of the whole team. This includes standardizing processes and improving members' skills.
Six Maturity Levels
Initial A stage where much is handled ad hoc, standardized procedures are lacking, and results tend to vary.
Defined A stage where processes are systematically documented and standardized. How tasks are carried out is clear and consistent.
Usable Defined processes are actually applied and operated in a functional and effective way. This is the stage where the effects of standardization begin to show.
Learnable A stage that, in addition to carrying out processes, places emphasis on training and education. Employees are supported in understanding the processes and operating them effectively.
Managed Process management is thorough, and performance is measured using monitoring and metrics. The foundation for improvement is in place.
Automated Processes are automated using technology, keeping manual work to a minimum. This is the most advanced stage, operating with high accuracy and predictability.
Looking Ahead
Taking this continuation of our certification as an opportunity, we will keep working to continuously improve our quality management system and continue to provide products and services our clients can trust.
If you are thinking about improving the quality of your systems or services, or your development structure, please feel free to contact us.