STANDARDS CORNER
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has recognized that in addition to our large manufacturing companies, stakeholders in the micro and small enterprises sector also need to implement and meet the minimum requirements of quality and environmental management system standards within their operations. In this regard, the Bureau has implemented a technical assistance programme to ensure the requisite assistance and guidance are provided to these companies thus enabling them to attain the requirements of these internationally recognised standards. Some companies have achieved international certification as a result of the technical assistance programme.
THE GOAL OF PROGRAMME: to promote the concepts and principles of Quality Management as outlined in the ISO 9001:2008 standard, the Environmental Management principles as outlined in the ISO 14000 series of standards, and Guidelines for Good Management Practices in Micro and Small Enterprises, through the provision of technical assistance to industries.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME: to provide assistance to organisations desirous of implementing a management system meeting the requirements of the ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System), ISO 14000:2004 (Environmental Management System) and GYS 231:2002 (Guidelines for Good Management Practices for Micro and Small Enterprises) standards.
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME
Companies and businesses, through the support of the GNBS Technical Assistance programme, have implemented the requirements of the ISO quality management standard, the ISO environmental management standard or the Guidelines for Good Management Practices for Micro and Small Enterprises and are currently reaping numerous benefits from implementation of these standards. Some of these benefits include: improved effectiveness and efficiency of business operations, increased acceptance of products and services in the domestic and international markets, provision of independent assessments of the business capability and consistency in meeting regulatory requirements, reduction of environmental pollution risks through prevention at the source, increased competitiveness and performance of the entity and the reduction in the wastage of resources and raw materials.
THE GNBS PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO COMPANIES IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
* Conducting gap analyses and training personnel to equip them with the skills to meet the requirements of the particular standard.
* Assisting in the documentation of procedures to meet the requirements of a particular standard.
* Providing guidance in the implementation of documentation (in relation to the requirements of the respective standard).
* Facilitating contact with the registration/certification body;
* Helping companies to correct any nonconformance identified by a registration/certification body; and
* Providing guidance to an organization/business for its continuous improvement.
The GNBS is encouraging local companies and entrepreneurs involved in operating businesses in the micro and small enterprises sector to tap into the Technical Assistance programme and experience the benefits to be derived from the implementation of management system principles into their operations as they strive for greater success and profitability in a competitive trading arena.
For further information, kindly contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or 219-0069 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.com