In this insightful discussion, guest Jess Teasdake, a certified lead auditor, sheds light on creating an efficient, audit-ready quality management system (QMS). She emphasizes the importance of risk management and practical tools like risk registers and scoring. Jess shares real-world stories that highlight the shift from chaotic, paper-driven processes to integrated digital systems. She advocates for collaborative quality planning and engaging teams to foster a culture of quality that enhances operational efficiency and supports growth.
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insights INSIGHT
Process Approach Is Non-Negotiable
Identify and map end-to-end processes from opportunity to invoice.
Use KPIs and regular reviews to track outputs and link processes together.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Risk Registers With RPN Scoring
Create a risk register and score Severity and Occurrence to get RPNs.
Assign actions for items above threshold and reassess to lower RPN over time.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Get Machinists Involved Early
Involve setup machinists and floor staff when planning mitigations; they know practical fixes.
Respect and act on their input so plans are effective and gain buy-in.
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In Part 2 of our conversation with certified lead auditor Jess Teasdake, we dig deeper into what it really takes to build an efficient, audit-ready quality management system (QMS). If you caught Part 1, you heard us talk through the big picture: certifications, audits, and what separates a good QMS from a bad one. This time, we're getting tactical.
We're not just talking about passing an audit—we're talking about building a system that supports your team, reduces risk, and eliminates waste across your business. From risk registers and RPN scoring to digitizing your paperwork and planning with cross-functional teams, we cover the actual tools and habits that make quality real on the shop floor.
Along the way, we share stories from our own shops—what's worked, what hasn't, and how integrated technology has changed the game. We've lived the paper-chasing, binder-filled chaos that too many shops call a QMS. And we've seen what happens when you replace it with a connected system that actually reflects how your shop runs day to day.
If you're working toward certification—or just want to build a culture of quality that doesn't require heroics to maintain—this episode is your blueprint.
Segments
(0:26) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA
(2:53) Recap of Part 1 + why efficient QMS design matters in regulated industries
(3:33) Defining and mapping core processes from RFQ to shipment
(6:23) Risk-based thinking: risk registers, RPN scoring, and real-world examples
(9:11) Tracking and improving risk scores over time with team input
(11:33) Cross-functional planning: involving machinists, programmers, and QA early
(12:57) Ballooned drawings, IPCs, and quality planning before the job hits the floor
(14:01) Integrated quality checkpoints: from receiving to signoffs and inspection
(16:20) Why going paperless saves time and improves accuracy
(17:56) Join us at Top Shops 2025!
(18:51) Quality as a company-wide responsibility—not a department
(21:12) Digital documentation strategy and collaboration tips
(23:26) How to implement QMS step by step
(26:55) Linking vs. integrating: what real QMS tech should do
(29:50) Before & after ProShop: how integrated QMS changed our audit process
(33:46) Certification myths: ISO, AS9100, and audit readiness every day
(35:53) Why QMS should be built into your tech stack and team culture
(38:07) Use Hire MFG Leaders to recruit the next level of talent
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