In this episode of Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis talks with ISO experts Diana Verbeck and Ty Elliott from Core Business Solutions on the intricacies of ISO 9001 and the Process Approach. With Diana's extensive executive-level experience and Ty's deep knowledge of quality management systems, they speak to the systematic approach in defining and managing processes per ISO 9001. Emphasizing clarity in documentation, effective communication, and collaboration, they discuss strategies for...

On this week’s episode of the Quality Hub, hosted by Xavier Francis and featuring Reagan Jorgensen and Robert Hoffman, it’s Part 2 of Cybersecurity Best Practices. We look at lessons learned from past breaches, particularly the 2011 Sony breach. Rob emphasizes the importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA), and single sign-on (SSO) to enhance security. Additionally, the conversation covers human factors in cybersecurity, and Reagan talks about the significance of incident response plans...

In this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis discusses Cybersecurity Best Practices with Reagan Jorgensen, Security Solutions technician, and Robert Hoffman, Windows System Administrator, both from CORE. The episode discusses a case study involving the 2011 breach of Sony's PlayStation Network and its impact on cybersecurity practices. Reagan highlights the evolution of cyber threats, emphasizing social engineering, zero-day exploits, and ransomware attacks as ongoing...

This week’s Quality Hub podcast is Part 2 of Design and Development with host Xavier Francis and Consultant, Norm Verbeck. They discuss various aspects of managing customer requirements, change management, and documentation as well as cover strategies for understanding and documenting customer requirements, implementing change control processes, and how to ensure clear communication throughout the process. They also discuss the importance of managing documentation, version control,...

This episode of the Quality Hub is a great conversation between host, Xavier Francis and Consultant, Norm Verbeck around the topic of Design and Development in the ISO standards. Norm provides insights into establishing appropriate processes for design and development. They discuss the importance of documenting design plans, determining the applicability of design activities within an organization, and items needed for project goals. They delve into controls such as change management, risk...

In this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis interviews Nadine Wilbur, Customer Support Manager at Core Business Solutions, as they delve into the intricacies of customer service best practices. Nadine's extensive experience and passion for customer advocacy shine through as she emphasizes the importance of understanding and meeting customers' needs while fostering genuine relationships. They discuss the pivotal role of ongoing training in maintaining high-quality service...

On this episode of The Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis engaged in an insightful discussion with Matthew Pilley, Consultant at Core Business Solutions, focusing on the importance of preventive maintenance from Clause 7.1.3 of the ISO 9001 standard. Matthew emphasized the crucial role of proper equipment maintenance in ensuring consistent product quality and meeting customer requirements. They explore various aspects of preventive maintenance, including equipment inspections, component...

In Part 2 of this episode of Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis interviews Suzanne Weber-Smatko, Manager of Consulting Services at Core Business Solutions, on Document Control in ISO. They explore the distinctions between documents and records within ISO standards and emphasize the controlled nature of documents, such as templates, contrasting them with records, like meeting minutes, etc. The discussion spans examples from the manufacturing, service, and technology sectors, underlining the...

In Part 1 of this Quality Hub podcast episode, Xavier Francis hosts Suzanne Weber-Smatko, Manager of Consulting Services at Core Business Solutions, discussing Document Control in ISO 9001. Suzanne emphasizes the need for a formal document control system to manage critical documents impacting the quality management system. They explore key elements like document approval, change logs, and more. Suzanne covers common challenges in implementing document control, such as differentiating what...

In this Quality Hub podcast episode, Xavier Francis interviews Bruce Newman, a Consultant from CORE Business Solutions. Bruce provides insights into AS standards in the aerospace industry, describing AS as an “intensified version of ISO 9001.” Bruce outlines additional requirements such as documentation, quality manual, and stringent traceability. The conversation delves into the return on investment for AS certification, the differences between AS 9100 and AS 9120, and the relevance of AS...

In Part 2 of this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, hosted by Xavier Francis, guests Scott Dawson and Anne Siebert continue their discussion of the CORE ISO Compliance Platform and ISO Standards, highlighting the benefits of auto-forms and permissions for employees and roles in the context of ISO compliance. They highlight the importance of tracking approvals, the significance of reports in managing tasks, visualizing data through dashboards & charts, and the many benefits of these,...

In Part 1 of this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, Xavier Francis hosts Scott Dawson and Anne Siebert from CORE Business Solutions, discussing the evolution of the CORE ISO Compliance Platform, designed to simplify ISO compliance for small businesses. Scott shares the platform's inception, rooted in his frustration with the complexity of ISO certification, emphasizing the need for an affordable and straightforward solution. Anne details the platform's features, addressing ISO requirements,...

In this Quality Hub podcast episode, hosted by Xavier Francis, Ty Elliot, a consultant at CORE Business Solutions, discusses ISO 27001, providing a beginner-friendly overview. Ty shares his experience in information security, highlighting the certification's focus on risks associated with technology, data, and people. The conversation delves into the return on investment, emphasizing the opportunities it brings for businesses. The podcast explores ISO 27001's significance in government...

In Part 2 of ISO Certification and Government Contracting, host Xavier Francis engages with Renee Ferry and Kevin Metz from Core Business Solutions. They address common misconceptions about ISO standards in government contracts, emphasizing the ongoing nature of certification and the risks associated with losing it. The conversation emphasizes the importance of starting the certification process early, especially for small businesses with limited resources. Kevin recommends acquiring support...

In Part 1 of a 2-part series entitled ISO Certification and Government Contracting, host Xavier Francis discusses the role of ISO certifications in securing government contracts with guests Renee Ferry and Kevin Metz from Core Business Solutions. They cover key steps in the government contracting process, highlighting differences from the private sector. Renee emphasizes the preference for certification over compliance in government contracts, with variations in requirements. The discussion...

In this lively episode of the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis engages in a conversation with Suzanne Weber Smatko, Manager of Consulting Services at Core Business Solutions, exploring the world of ISO 9001 for the newbie. Suzanne, with over 30 years of experience in quality, introduces the concept of a Quality Management System (QMS) and its application in achieving quality objectives and enhancing business performance. The discussion covers the return on investment, employee...

In this episode of the Quality Hub, Xavier Francis engages in a detailed discussion with Suzanne Strasser, VP of Consulting Core Business Solutions. They unravel the world of ISO standards, demystifying their origins and their relevance in modern business. Suzanne sheds light on popular ISO standards like ISO 9001, 14001, 27001, and 45001, emphasizing their universal application beyond manufacturing, even for small businesses and virtual setups. They explore the challenges of interpreting...

In part two of this episode of the Quality Hub, Xavier Francis hosts Scott Dawson, president of Core Business Solutions, discussing key business trends for 2024. Scott emphasizes the importance of adapting to emerging market trends and then dives into the significance of meeting evolving customer needs, employee engagement strategies, and the importance of treating employees like valued customers. Scott underlines the critical role of annual planning and employee involvement in shaping a...

In part two of this episode of the Quality Hub, Xavier Francis hosts Scott Dawson, president of Core Business Solutions, discussing key business trends for 2024. Scott emphasizes the importance of adapting to emerging market trends and then dives into the significance of meeting evolving customer needs, employee engagement strategies, and the importance of treating employees like valued customers. Scott underlines the critical role of annual planning and employee involvement in shaping a...

On this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, Xavier Francis and Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, discuss annual planning for businesses. Scott emphasizes the need to reassess priorities and goals at the start of the year. He advocates for a structured approach that involves evaluating what to start, stop, and continue doing, considering KPIs, financial objectives, assumptions, internal and external issues, and risk assessments. This comprehensive process ensures alignment...

On this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, Xavier Francis and Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, discuss annual planning for businesses. Scott emphasizes the need to reassess priorities and goals at the start of the year. He advocates for a structured approach that involves evaluating what to start, stop, and continue doing, considering KPIs, financial objectives, assumptions, internal and external issues, and risk assessments. This comprehensive process ensures alignment...

On this week’s “Best of” Quality Hub podcast, Xavier Francis talks to Brian Smith, Joe Hill, and Suzanne Strausser as they share invaluable insights on the essence of Management Review within the ISO 9001 standard. Brian emphasizes the continuous aspect of these reviews, focusing on significant yet non-urgent matters, while Joe delves into the specific documentation and data-driven decision-making required. Suzanne advocates for seamlessly integrating these reviews into everyday business...

On this week’s Quality Hub podcast, Xavier Francis hosts Lori Engle, VP of Marketing at Core Business Solutions. They discuss marketing planning for the upcoming year, focusing on ROI assessment, marketing expenses, brand building, and various strategies. Lori highlights the importance of evaluating current marketing activities, considering measurable ROI, and understanding the challenges of assessing brand identity's impact. They delve into different marketing expenses, from traditional to...

In this episode of the Quality Hub, Xavier Francis and Suzanne Strausser discuss the critical aspects of an end-of-year business review within the realm of ISO standards. From evaluating quality objectives, process performance, and risks to optimizing documentation and internal audits, they emphasize the need for a comprehensive reassessment. Suz underscores the importance of aligning ISO compliance with genuine business improvement strategies, urging listeners to prioritize what's best for...