ISO 9001 and Six Sigma

Don’t  mix apples with  oranges:
ISO is  only  a  quality  assurance system (limited)
While SS is  a  comprehensive process  improvement  methodology.
Good Luck 

Is there actual management support and commitment for these “programs”, or merely lip service? Have adequate resources (people, infrastructure, information, etc) been provided?

ISO 9001 is a basic fondation of Quality Management System. This fondation provides frame for continual improvement. We can integrate the six sigma methodology into the QMS as a part of continual improvement tools. Most company that implementing SS also ISO 9001 certified company. They are in line. :)

Hi,
ISO and SS should certainly be talking to each other at some point.  For these programs to be successfull the most important thing is Leadership Buyin for these programs.  If the number of audits are less that meand the deployment for the plan is poor.
The first thing you should do is create a platform for periodic review of these programs with the management.  This way you will be able to get auits conducted at the right intervals.  This will also help you deploy ISO.  The findings of these programs will be shared and converted into SS projects.  The review here can again be incorporated in the processes that will change in the SS projects.
Invite the Top management to conduct Audits… let them see the Pain themselves and decide if they want to be ISO certified organization or an organization that follows it in right rigor.  this is the only was you can make these philosophy stronger.
 
Amit

Wrong

Good  question

When used properly ISO9001 and Six Sigma are complementary. Six Sigma makes the breakthrough improvements, ISO9001 locks them in and ensures that there is continuous improvement. Six Sigma can tackle the big issues systematically knowing that there is appropriate corrective and preventative action in the other areas, and that when a Six Sigma project is complete the improvements will be locked in.
If you have “limited engagement” maybe you should review your choice of certification company. Para 5.1 of ISO9001 states “Top management shall provide evidence of its commitment to the development and implementation of the quality management system and continually improving its effectiveness by …….”. If management is not so committed then you should not be certified.
Six Sigma can be brought into the ambit of ISO9001 through 8.2.1 “The organization shall monitor information relating to customer perception as to whether the organization has met customer requirements. The methods for obtaining and using this information shall be determined ….”, again there are other paras that give you opportunities for requiring the use of Six Sigma 8.5.3. “The organization shall determine action to eliminate the causes of potential nonconformities in order to prevent their occurrence. Preventative actions shall be appropriate to the effects of the potential problems …….”.