Improving R&D processes by an ISO 9001-based quality management system

Practical experience in planning, implementing and adopting a Quality Management System (QMS) for embedded systems development at VTT Electronics is presented. The main objective for the development of the QMS was to make it practical for real-life embedded systems research and development (R&D) projects. The ISO 9001 standard and ISO 9000-3 guidelines have been applied in building the quality system. The most important parts of the system have been document skeletons and plan templates that were made accessible to everyone. One of the major quality improvements resulting from the use of the QMS has been the enhanced predictability of R&D projects. This makes it possible for the organization to concentrate on essential matters. Customer service and human resources management are examples of important areas for further quality improvement.