BS5750 quality assurance system-a knowledge based approach to system audit and implementation

British Standard BS5750 describes the requirements for setting up and maintaining an effective quality assurance system. This paper describes a structured and knowledge-based approach which may be used to identify, and highlight in advance, the basic problems which could inhibit the effective implementation and ongoing maintenance of BS5750 quality systems. The developed knowledge base is based on a decision tree approach, whereby structured questions are asked to establish whether the necessary pre-requisites for implementation and maintenance are satisfied. The knowledge base also highlights the implications of not satisfying a particular pre-requisite and the corrective action that should be taken. A rating system has also been designed to assess the level of non-compliance with BS5750. The complete knowledge-based system is designed to allow the management to decide on the need for corrective action which should be taken to ensure compliance with the standard. It can also be used on an ongoing basis to check that the pre-requisites continue to be satisfied