Quality in Transition
- A Journey for CHS (Canadian Hydrographic Service)
by Sean Hinds
Key words: quality control, ISO 9000, quality management
system, process management.
Abstract
Introduction
Extraordinary efforts to produce and ensure a quality product have
been found in the research of early human civilizations. Throughout
history and across many cultures the essence of quality has been
defined and demonstrated in different ways. An evolution of ‘quality
thinking’ has emerged, in just the last century, as the global
marketplace embraces the role of quality in the formula for corporate
success.
History
The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) prides itself on its
paramount attention to quality. CHS hydrographers and cartographers
have long held the banner of ‘quality’ as the ‘flagship of
service’. The dramatic revolution in technology, client demands and
organizational culture has shaken the historic pillars of quality
assurance in CHS. In response, CHS is moving to reinforce this
foundation of quality with a new business model anchored by the
culture of a Quality Management System. Using the process management
model of the ISO 9000 International Standard and performance
measurement indicators, CHS proposes to better control production and
move toward a philosophy of continuous improvement.
Conclusion
This paper will reflect on the changed environment that faces CHS
and the quality lessons in the global marketplace that can be applied
to a hydrographic organization. It will explore the first steps that
CHS has taken on this journey, the impact of this initiative, and what
lays ahead for CHS as it moves toward the goal of becoming a certified
‘quality-organization’.
Sean Hinds
Canadian Hydrographic Service
Central & Arctic Region
P.O. Box 5050
867 Lakeshore Road
Burlington
Ontario
CANADA
E-mail: hindss@dfo-mpo.gc
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