How to Conduct an ISO 17025 Management Reviews?

Since integrating ISO 17025into its management system, testing or calibration laboratory enters the maintenance and monitoring phase. This is not a dormant phase of operation, but rather a dynamic phase in which processes are monitored and trends are reviewed. It is now time to review the system during this "live" operational phase. There are steps in documenting management review following ISO 17025

• Document the ISO 17025 mandatory input review items.
• Keep a record of who owns the process.
• Make a list of the materials needed for the review.
• Take note of the decision and action output record.

This article will help you understand what management review (MR) is, as well as its significance and value. It will give you some practical advice on how to conduct a management review and structure your documents to meet the requirements of ISO 17025.

What is ISO 17025 management review?

A management review is not an audit or a report-back meeting. It is not about reporting metrics, but about determining how well the management system performs its functions and achieves its objectives. A management review is an opportunity for strategic planning. The goal of a management review is for top management and personnel involved in decision-making processes to evaluate the overall performance of the laboratory and it’s Quality Management System in a systematic manner. Read on to find out more about how to Get ISO 17025 Certification in Dubai: How to get ISO 17025 Certification in Dubai Why is it necessary to conduct management reviews?

Organizations and stakeholders (including the accreditation body) must be assured of the laboratory's management system's ongoing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness, as well as its stated policies and objectives. When flaws are identified through management review, plans can be made for necessary changes and resources.

As a result, four key parameters are taken into account during management review in ISO 17025:

Suitability: Are the proper processes and operations included to enable/support the laboratory's activities?

Adequacy: Check to see if all of the ISO 17025 contractual, organizational, and regulatory requirements have been met.

Effectiveness: Assess the extent to which the management system is capable of achieving the goal of producing the desired or expected result, i.e., doing the right things.

Efficiency: Assess the best use of resources – the relationship between the results obtained and the resources used, i.e., doing things correctly.

When, how, and how often should management reviews be conducted?

To dispel a common misconception about management reviews, keep in mind that the review does not have to be a single annual meeting that covers all requirements. The management review can be conducted over a series of meetings with previously written agendas, with partial inputs evaluated via email or other collaborative platforms at various levels within the laboratory. Typically, responsibility is assigned to the top laboratory manager, who will conduct a final review using the gathered information and contributions. This can be accomplished during a review meeting.

Typically, at least one review of the entire management system should be performed each year to meet the review's intent. Because the review's output is to set goals and objectives for the upcoming period, it is best to align the review period with the organization's fiscal year, parent company strategy sessions, and the laboratory's accreditation assessments. It makes sense to finish the review in time for budget input. Processes or annual programs, such as auditing, should be aligned to the MR period, which means that the audit program should be completed before the MR meeting.

How do you execute and document a ISO 17025 management review?

Since this ISO 17025 management review's quality aim is the meticulous study and assessment of the management system, a well-designed Management Review Record should be utilized as the activity's core document. It may be used for planning, documenting inputs, and tracking the progress of agreed-upon tasks. Because documentation such as an agenda or minutes is not required, the Review Record can be utilized for both purposes. The documentation needed to support the ISO 17025 management review

Make certain that the management review is a success.

Make certain that the management review is a success. All employees must be aware of the findings of management reviews, as well as the conclusions and new quality objectives. As long as people have access to the most recent management review record, and follow-up is continuous and engaging through conversations and meetings, information and communication can even be sent through email.

Here are some pointers for successful follow-up, monitoring, and closure actions:

• Ensure that individuals have the necessary amount of assistance, time, and resources to carry out tasks effectively.
• Encourage problem-solving communication.
• During quality meetings, encourage proposals and continuous feedback.
• Include follow-up in the audit program and integrate the process.

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