Key Workflows

Once the system is configured and foundational data is in place, here's how typical quality management work flows through ComQual:

1. The Quality Control Cycle

This is how you systematically monitor and measure your processes and outputs:

Plan in Settings > Forms and Control Activities
  • Administrator configures control types (internal audits, inspections, reviews, etc.)
  • Manager plans specific control activities and sets schedules
  • System generates schedule entries based on defined frequencies
Execute in Control Activities
  • User performs the assigned control activity
  • Follows instructions and completes checklist
  • Documents findings, observations, and results
  • Captures evidence (photos, measurements, documents)
Evaluate in Control Activities and Dashboard
  • Results are recorded and analyzed
  • Manager reviews outcomes and identifies trends
  • Performance against objectives is assessed
  • System automatically generates reports
Respond linking to Issues and Actions
  • If nonconformities are found, they're documented in Issues
  • This triggers the nonconformity management cycle
  • If opportunities for improvement are identified, they're captured for action

The Schedule ensures activities happen on time with automatic reminders. Dashboard, task list (My to dos) and Schedule provide visibility into what's been completed and what's coming due.

2. The Nonconformity Management Cycle

This is how you handle situations where requirements aren't met:

Phase Module Activities
Report Issues
  • Anyone can report a nonconformity when they identify one
  • Select the appropriate issue type (customer complaint, audit finding, process failure, etc.)
  • Document what happened, where, when, and any immediate effects
  • System assigns status "To be evaluated" and routes to appropriate Manager
React and Control Issues
  • Take immediate action to control and correct the problem
  • Deal with consequences (quarantine product, notify customers, stop process, etc.)
  • This is "correction" - fixing the immediate problem
  • Document what was done
Evaluate Issues
  • Manager reviews and analyzes the nonconformity
  • Determines root causes through systematic analysis
  • Decides if corrective action is needed to prevent recurrence
  • Checks if similar issues exist or could occur elsewhere
Take Corrective Action linking to Actions
  • If needed, create corrective action(s) linked to the issue
  • Define specific actions to eliminate root causes
  • Assign RACI responsibilities (who does what)
  • Set deadlines and track progress
  • System maintains automatic linkage between issue and actions
Verify Effectiveness back to Actions, then Issues
  • After action completion, verify it achieved intended results
  • Confirm the nonconformity doesn't recur
  • Check that similar issues haven't emerged
  • System requires this verification before closure
Update and Learn Data and Documents
  • Update risk register if new risks identified
  • Revise procedures or work instructions if needed
  • Document lessons learned
  • Feed insights into continual improvement

Throughout this cycle, the system automatically tracks status, maintains complete traceability between related items, and ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Your personal task list (My to dos) shows what requires your attention at each stage.

3. The Continuous Improvement Cycle

This is how you make your management system progressively more effective:

Analyze

in Dashboard and Data and Documents

  • Review performance data from control activities and processes
  • Analyze trends in nonconformities and corrective actions
  • Assess achievement of quality objectives
  • Evaluate customer satisfaction and stakeholder feedback
  • Identify patterns, recurring issues, or opportunities
Identify Opportunities

anywhere in the system

Improvement opportunities can come from many sources:

  • Control activity results showing process inefficiencies
  • Corrective action outcomes revealing systemic issues
  • Customer feedback suggesting enhancements
  • Employee suggestions for better methods
  • Changes in context or technology creating possibilities
  • Benchmarking against best practices
Plan Improvements

in Actions

  • Create improvement actions (not just corrective actions for problems)
  • Define what will be improved and how
  • Assign responsibilities using RACI
  • Set realistic timeframes
  • Identify resources needed
  • Establish how success will be measured
Implement

in Actions

  • Execute the planned improvements
  • May involve multiple sub-activities and work groups
  • Track progress on each component
  • Adjust approach if needed based on results
  • Communicate changes to affected personnel
Verify and Sustain

in Actions and throughout

  • Verify improvements achieved desired results
  • Monitor to ensure gains are sustained
  • Update procedures and documents to reflect improvements
  • Update risk and opportunity register
  • Share lessons learned across organization
  • Celebrate successes to encourage further improvement

The continuous improvement cycle never really ends - it becomes how you work. Each time through the cycle, your management system becomes more effective, more efficient, and better aligned with your organizational needs and stakeholder expectations.