The Midwest approach to developing a quality system is two phased:

The first visit to each site provides an opportunity for the Midwest auditors to meet with the location implementation team and management. The average site requires100 days from kickoff to registration date, the initial visit is scheduled based on the desired completion. The average site can complete all the required tasks and register to ISO 9000 without additional personnel. Ask for help in determining who should attend the Kickoff.

Kickoff Workshop: This visit includes the six hour "ISO 9000 Kickoff Workshop" which establishes the implementation team, trains the team in the concepts of ISO 9000, and establishes a plan with target dates. And the participants have fun as well!

Status Assessment Audit, day 7-8:

The auditor will assess the quality system with a Status checklist, and can then confirm the status of the quality system. The auditor also spends time with each element champion and ensures that they are headed in the right direction in writing the procedures for the Rough Cut Audit. The auditor and team then establish if any other Midwest activities are appropriate, and confirm the timetable for the Rough Cut Audit. A full report is made available to management, and the audit counts as the first internal audit cycle.

Rough-cut Audit, Day 37-38:

The first full audit occurs as soon as a location has completed its procedures, typically 30 days after the status. The auditor determines if the system addresses the requirements of the standard prior to the training and implementation effort. It is hard enough to train people to comply with requirements, and an outright shame to train them to do something which is not in compliance with or required by ISO 9000.

The audit also serves as a complete internal audit cycle, and serves as the basis for the first management review. The location internal quality auditors participate to gain experience under professional guidance, which gets the internal quality audit program off to a good start. The auditor provides a complete audit report and copies of the completed checklist.

The auditor also helps the implementation team with the corrective actions to fix the system deficiencies discovered during the assessment. The location ends up with a complete to-do list, with timing and responsibility.

The audit is also training and practice for passing the registration audit. The auditor coaches the people who are interviewed, and helps train them in how to pass. By the end of the three audits (Rough Cut, Preliminary, Dress Rehearsal), people are ready! The guides who will escort the registration auditors practice that essential skill.

Fine-cut (Preliminary) Audit, day 69-70:

The fine-cut preliminary audit is scheduled once the corrective actions have been completed, and the location thinks they are ready (typically 30 days after the Rough Cut Audit). The fine-cut preliminary audit will be the second complete internal audit cycle, and determines readiness for the registration audit. Location internal quality auditors participate to improve their skills.

The audit is conducted the same as the registration audit to provide training to the auditees. The auditors continue to coach the people they interview as they determine that the system is in full compliance with the ISO 9000 requirements. The guides improve their skills, and the auditors work with the implementation team to ensure that the corrective actions are appropriate and planned.

When the audit finds no significant deficiencies in the location quality system (which is normal at this stage), the date for the registration audit is selected, and the registrar contacted.

Dress Rehearsal Audit, Day 90:

The Dress Rehearsal Audit is held about ten days before the registration audit. The auditor and guides review all the interview questions with the probable auditees to remind everyone what to expect. Any corrective actions from the Fine Cut Audit are reviewed for effectiveness. This audit usually finds details which are easy to clean up, and would have been findings in the registration audit.

Third Party ISO 9000 Registration Assessment, Day 100: