Re: Process Documentation (WAS: Disabling Print)

["R2 Innovations" <R2innovations -at- myna -dot- com>]

I must take exception to a recent posting re ISO 9000 and 
documentation by T. Murrell and provide accurate information to all 
list members regarding the requiremetns of ISO documentation. 

There is an element in the ISO 9001:1994 standard called "Document
and Data Control" which specifies some very rigid control requirements. 
Failure to meet these requirements will result in non compliance findinigs 
by ISO auditors.  Employees of ISO registered companies _cannot_  just 
print off the documents they feel they need, when they feel they need them!

The question for technical writers documenting ISO 9000 is where 
and how the documents are being controlled.   As the Command Media
Specialist at my employer I am responsible for ensuring the 
policies/procedures/work instructions follow company standards, are 
properly reviewed and approved, arrange for printing of hard copy 
docs or uploading of online material, controlling the distribution 
of printed documentation, and the recovery of obsolete hard copy 
documentation and its destruction.

Functional area SMEs are responsible for developing the 1st draft of
the documentation which I then edit (usually extensively) and format 
to meet company standards.  I maintain +25 manuals, about 50% of 
which are delivered via an Online Information Service using 
FolioVIEWS but being migrated to a web-based system using Word.

In over 6 years of working exclusively in this area I have developed 
an extensive understanding and knowledge of ISO 9000 documentation 
requirements, and am willing to assist any list member who is working 
in this area.

Ralph E. Robinson
R2 Innovations, Specialists in ISO 9000 Documentation

Author of "Documenting ISO 9000:  Guidelines for Compliant
Documentation", an APEX '98 Award of Excellence publication.
Email:  r2innovations -at- myna -dot- com
Web:    http://www.myna.com/~r2innovn/main.htm