Re: ISO 9000 was: Re: Public disclosure of discovered vulnerabilities

Bryan Olson wrote:

[snip]

>
> When the PHB suggests we don't really need to get all the
> developers working from the version control system -- just send
> the others the files and they'll send back new versions -- we
> don't have to contradict him and don't have to teach him. Just
> present him, tactfully--not smugly, with the choice of updating
> the enterprise's documented methods through prescribed channels,
> or being responsible for losing ISO 9000 certification. He'll
> give in and think you did him a favor, which, in fact, you did.
>

ISO 9000 is descended from the (incompetent) system the British
Ministry of Defence used to (out of) control military cost
plus contracts. "Does the product work?" was not a question
asked. Reading between the lines it did ask "Is there plenty of
paperwork the reading of which will keep civil servants in a job?"

ISO 9000 can be used as a tool to manufacture high quality goods
but the organisers have to subvert the bureaucracy. Mostly by making
the feedback loops work to cure problems.

Andrew Swallow
Received on Thu Sep 29 21:42:48 2005