Skip Navigation LinksQMII Home > Consulting > Small, Medium, Large
Hot Topics
Small, Medium, Large: Every Company Depends Upon its Management System for Success


When do I start writing procedures?

Related Links

All companies have management systems, whether small, medium or large. And, all companies must manage their processes and systems to ensure they effectively determine, fulfill and deliver upon customer requirements.

How small is “small” and how large is “large”?

The methodology described in this site has been used and improved for nearly twenty years for over one thousand (1000) companies ranging from eight (8) employees to companies with over ten thousand (10,000) employees. And these are only the companies QMII has actively worked with to develop their management systems; since we have made this information freely available across the web since 1996, we expect there are countless other companies that have used this information to manage projects on their own (as we hope!).

The time and $ required to develop a system depends upon several factors, but it is usually directly proportional to the size of the organization. Small companies often have the benefit of better communication, more direct decision-making and simpler company politics. While the business controls used to manage the business are sometimes more transparent, these systems are often as much or more effective than large systems. Large companies face the opposite problems. Additionally, large companies are often burdened with ineffective processes that have been used for many years but are still part of the system.

Every company has its own unique challenges, but using the approach described by this site will help simplify your project.


A misnomer often perpetuated by consultants is that “Developing a System” or “Getting ISO Certified” is about documenting a system. It is NOT! Developing a management system ready for ISO certification and/or driving continual improvement focuses on:

  • Analyzing business processes and the interactivity of business processes
  • Identifying and making available the critical inputs, controls and resources necessary for effective processes
  • Making the team members aware of how the system enables them to do their job
  • Institutionalizing the system so it is used and improved by the organization


How long does it take?


Our experience has proven anywhere from 3 days to 12 months! It can be as simple or complex as you are willing to make it.

If you would like specific answers regarding your system, please contact us. We are always willing to help.




ISO Standards on this site have been provided by ANSI, the U.S. Member of the ISO