Is MRM (Management Review Meeting) Solely for Top Management?

An effective MRM has a widespread impact contributing to the overall implementation of QMS, system effectiveness, reducing non-compliances, maintenance and monitoring, audits, new product innovations, supplier evaluations, etc.

This blog is an excerpt from the whitepaper, “Management Review Meeting (MRM) – Let’s think again!”.

“This myth of MRMs being solely for top management has to be overcome because the MRM is for managing the organization and each participant has an equal role to play just as much as the top management does”.

In the yesteryears, inputs were collected from paper-based records which were then presented in a PowerPoint or spreadsheet during the MRM as a normal practice. This is becoming obsolete. As an organization, if you are still practicing this then it’s high time to consider moving to virtual MRM.

Availability and accessibility of data or information in a virtual MRM can be quick and at your fingertips with advanced technology. How about having an automated ready-to-use platform or module that enhances the discussion more efficiently?

For instance, if we wish to look into the customer complaints or manufacturing defects during a period or specifically the type of customer complaints or defects over a period of time then maybe we find some trend. Discussion of those findings in a virtual MRM can result in quick traceability. We can refer to the dashboard to understand the graphs, trends and identify outliers (whenever applicable). This would help the participants to come up with an almost immediate plan of action, which is more than discussion and minutes. Such a feature is not a possibility with an onsite MRM where we are generally lost in flipping pages or pressing hard on our mind to recall the past history.

Another area to be considered is a meaningful interpretation of MRM discussion due to the availability of real-time statistical data. This can actually boost the efficiency of the organisation as a whole. The use of any methods (e.g., statistical techniques, software etc.), as well as the extent of their use for determining, collecting and analyzing of data can be automated. All this data can be represented in real-time in dashboards making it easier to discuss and sort out the issues before they become a bigger problem costing time, money and effort to the organization. This approach would be more proactive than reactive in MRM meetings. For any other follow-up on action initiated, a Management Review representative/participant can propose and discuss with the applicable operational management and ensure that it is effectively implemented. The whole process is a lot more time saving than a traditional onsite MRM.

MRM Input:

It has been observed that most ISO standards recommend certain basic input and output to be discussed in a management review meeting. This should include findings from previous MRM, changes in external and internal issues, policy and objectives, information on the performance and effectiveness of the quality management system, that may include:

• Customer satisfaction, complaints, feedback the extent to which quality objectives have been met
• Process performance and conformity of products and services
• Monitoring and measurement of processes, products & their results
• Corrective actions & preventive actions
• Internal results, third party inspections, regulatory authority audits and their outcomes
• The performance of external providers, suppliers and sub contractors’ evaluation
• Opportunities for improvement
• Issues and applicable new or revised regulatory/legal requirements
• Environmental, social, occupational health and safety performance of the organisation (if applicable)
• Any adverse or severe adverse events, vigilance, FSCA activities (if applicable)

Checklist: Check if your management review meeting minutes are complete

MRM Output:

• Any improvement, technology or method needed to maintain the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the quality management system and its processes
• The need for changes to quality management system supporting continual improvement including equipment, machinery, infrastructure, resources (including manpower) and requirements.
• Changes needed to respond to applicable new or revised regulatory requirement / legal / environmental / occupational and health safety (if applicable).

The above-stated inputs and outputs are just the general points that should be considered in a review meeting, particularly from an organizational quality system perspective irrespective of the industry. However, one may choose to introduce or reduce specific input or output review points depending on their specific domain or industry.

Meetings can’t be avoided, no matter how hard you try. One of the key features of CQ’s Management Review solution is Meeting Management. It is a tool that helps in planning and guiding team meetings to ensure meetings are fruitful and focused. From meeting preparation to minutes, scheduling, planning and even task management, Meeting Management offers everything in one place.

Know more about ComplianceQuest’s Management Review Solution by requesting an online demo: https://www.compliancequest.com/online-demo/