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Search for keyword IMPLEMENTATION OF ISO 17025 IN A MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENT Ms S.N Gwala and Mr N. R Maharaj City of uMhlathuze Municipality, P. Bag x1004, Richards Bay, 3100; Tel: 035 907 5477; Fax: 035 907 5508; email: [email protected] PURPOSE To outline the process and the benefits of implementing ISO 17025 as well as the challenges encountered by the City of uMhlathuze Scientific Services during the process. BACKGROUND ISO 17205, General Requirements for the Competence of Calibration and Testing Laboratories, is an international standard applicable to testing and calibration laboratories and covers the use of standard, non-standard and laboratory-developed methods. The standard was developed specifically to give guidance to laboratory managers on both quality management and technical requirements for the proper operation of a laboratory. An organization that meets the requirements of ISO 17025 automatically is ISO 9001 compliant. The City Of uMhlathuze has grown its laboratory services to an extent where it is crucial to attain accreditation for the services offered. This is due to the fact that demand is being made to provide results that are reliable and credible. The council has therefore decided to embark on the phased implementation of ISO 17025. The City of uMhlathuze Scientific Services has set the vision for attaining accreditation and has a project plan in place to ensure that accreditation is attained. DISCUSSION The advantages and disadvantages of the Quality Management System Table 1: Motivating and Demotivating Factors of the Quality Management System Motivating Factors Demotivating Factors Customer pressure to comply or lose business Need for improving business efficiency Enhancing company image Improving customer satisfaction Business survival Competitive advantage Affordability Can not predict financial benefits Maintaining the system Table 2: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Quality Management System Advantages Disadvantages Better cohesion and coordination of internal processes Reduction of customer complaints Better management Better relationship with suppliers and customers Training facilitation Improves productivity More paperwork Time consuming Expensive The challenges encountered in the process of implementing ISO 17025 1. 2. 3. 4. Top management commitment and understanding of the standard Supply Chain Management Financial constraints Involvement of staff Initial Project Plan in Place for the City of uMhlathuze Municipality Scientific Services Section REFERENCES 1. SANS 17025: 2005, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories, Edition 2 and ISO/IEC tech corr. 1