Original Date: 07/23/1996
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The Business Operating System (BOS) at Nascote, developed in 1992, is a formal method to identify all business systems necessary for QS-9000 and to standardize procedures for documenting core processes. Nascote had no formal methods in place for development and control of documents such as instructions, policies, procedures, and forms. Documents and forms, developed at Nascote individually and without standardized formats, often resulted in duplicated efforts. In addition, only hard copies of documents were available. The BOS was developed to eliminate repeated efforts, eliminate key tasks being missed, provide a clear definition of responsibilities and accountability, provide better document control, and improve business processes overall.

Nascote assembled a list of required documents for its core business processes as the initial step in the BOS implementation. Cross-functional teams were formed for each process to review the existing process and recommend the best process for Nascote. The processes, procedures, and policies were documented in a standardized format and entered into an automated system. The system, run on the company's PC-based LAN, used a standard Windows- based word processor and database system.

The BOS ensures that controlled documents are updated and distributed in a timely manner, with only the most current documents and forms issued at the workplace. Obsolete material is removed and archived, and company documents are standardized in numbering, content, terminology, symbolism, and format. The BOS has consequently helped Nascote address all QS-9000 elements adequately. All employees have access to the documents in the system from computer terminals located throughout the plant. The system has reduced the need for some paper versions of documents and forms.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.