The early part of the year is a period where companies often set quality objectives. ISO 13485 specifies quality objectives as necessary for a Quality Management System in clause 4.2.1. So, the question begs, what are quality objectives, why are they significant, and what is their purpose?

Quality objectives are an excellent tool for highlighting key features in your quality policy while providing staff with a framework for continuous improvement.

So how do you set Quality Objectives? By making them SMART.

George T. Doran is credited with coining the term "SMART objectives" in 1981. SMART objectives are a type of goal setting that lets managers and employees create, track, and achieve short- and long-term goals. SMART objectives help you direct your time, resources, and efforts in a more effective way.

SMART is an acronym for the following: Note that you will find slight variances in the words used, but they all ultimately lead to the same goal: saving you from wasting time on unclear or unprofitable goals.

Specific: to make sure the object is clear. You must make sure that an objective is exact and well defined if you want to succeed in achieving it. Generic objectives are far less useful because it is more difficult to determine when you have succeeded.

Measurable: Understanding what success looks like for the subject is crucial. Because of this, objectives must be measurable, trackable targets.

Achievable: Is the goal reasonable or, in some situations, "agreed" In addition to being annoying, unreachable goals are a waste of resources. Involvement of management and staff is required for establishing quality goals. The plan must be supported by all organisational levels; otherwise, they won't be as motivated to contribute to reaching goals.