Should you start using the system only after it is fully documented

The word quality means different things to different people. To companies it often means delivering a conforming product/service to a customer aka meeting their requirements. To achieve this conformity consistently successful companies, implement quality management systems. Rather than re-invent the wheel, ISO 9001 is often selected as the standard to use to set up a quality management system (QMS) In addition, ISO 9001 training is provided to individuals at all levels within the company.
As companies start to implement the system ISO 9001 training can prove useful. Leadership is trained so they are aware of their role in the system and how they can positively contribute to its success. The personnel are trained so they are aware of their need to contribute and implication is they don’t. The project managers who own the project for implementing a QMS get training on the process to go about implementing the requirements of the standard as also their correct interpretation. Auditors are trained in an ISO 9001 training course designed to also teach the auditing requirements per ISO 19011.
So should personnel then start using the documentation as soon as it is complete or wait for the entire system to be documented and for the official launch date. If the system has been implemented correctly then the documented processes should reflect the way work is currently done and not a fictional process. It should not increase the burden for the users. As users start to use their newly documented processes, they can begin to provide feedback on its accuracy as well as the need for change. Personnel therefore should have to wait until the entire system is documented. Yes, organizations could however set an official launch date from which point forth records will be maintained. As such all data prior to the launch date is not then auditable nor is there a requirement to maintain it.
It should also be kept in mind that not every process needs to be documented as also that the organization can determine the extent to which to document the system. The extent to which to document depends on a number of factors including competency. ISO 9001 training is one way of increasing awareness of the requirements of ISO 9001 as also the system. Training may not always result in competency however.
At QMII a number of ISO 9001 training options are available and our training can be customized to meet the clients’ needs. The training is also available in an instructor-led virtual interactive format.