I read the comments on the use of consultants and since I am one I had to comment again of course...
We have worked with new QA managers that were given the task of creating their SQF systems and everything that go with that endeavor - I think we are about 50/50 on requests, meaning half the time it is ownership that calls us first or ownership has informed the manager to use all tools needed, including bringing in a consultant.
Now, if it were just writing a program there are a couple of outlets for ready to fill in (cut and paste) templated systems, one of which is marketed here on the IFSQN. But normally it is substantially more hollistic - meaning we are in on the front end meeting and working directly with ownership and QA to review the physical plant for suggestions on capital and operational improvements that will be needed, many times detailed training and sourcing of various needs, recommendations and even interviewing of new personnel and service contractors etc.
One thing we don't do and really can not (OK, well I guess if someone paid me a lot I would) do is completely write a system, fill in all the needed logs, records, etc and get someone to their first audit in 30-45 days - thus our work is an enhancement to the QA position, regardless of pride level - we all have that, we think we do a very needed job and interestingly enough putting together a printed SQF System is most certainly not the bulk of our work - it is many times what appears to be the bulk to the client because it is the end product after 30 or so days, but the amount of work done during those days and the fact that we are then available for use of facility personnel to call on us for help during implementation is substantial.
We also normally end up saving companies lots of money and in a number of cases have helped companies (thru connections) land new customers that generated into the multi-millions of more yearly income - does it pay to use a consultant, most times yes.
Recently I had a call from a new QA manager who was also made the SQF Practitioner by their ownership. He was told to the company had less than a year to get SQF certified, they had gotten a letter from a large customer demanding it.
He said he checked with ownership and asked if he could bring an SQF Consultant in and the response was, why spend that money when we have you - and his gut reaction was, why lose a multi-million account when you only need to spend a fraction of it on a consultant that can help us to get certified in about 6 months and maybe even help us make more.
Ownership thought it was a pretty gutsy move on the QA manager's part and frankly as a business owner and former employee myself I thought so too - and my question first was the first question that the owner asked him... what's the cost and I want a breakdown on value to the company.
We helped the QA Manager what options were available and how to get a handle on cost vs labor vs time etc + potential loss of business, etc and we arrived at what we always arrive at, it's a dang great investment to bring in the expertise.
So, he goes back to ownership the next day with our pending bill and that in the afternoon we got engaged, worked on the first fact finding part of our assignment and have already saved the company twice the amount of our fee - that makes the QA manager look great because ultimately it was his decision to bring us onboard and once we complete the bulk of our work, the printed system becomes their system (it is always a cooperative effort) and we are available by phone and email to help thru the 3-4 month implementation period and beyond as our clients go on life-time eConsultant .
So, not a matter of pride or for that matter price, but value thru expertise.
Interestingly enough I have a consultant on retainer myself and one would think what for? Well, I am a former chef and love cooking - I absolutely fell in love with making cheese and want to start a small professional operation in Florida... but I lack the knowledge needed to springboard into the cheese business - thus I have a consultant that will be working with me to get us up and running and stay in business.
Actually had to sell the idea to my wife (partner) when she said, you are a consultant, what do you need a consultant for and I said, well I want to turn the investment 100% within a year, he'll charge $50,000 over the year and we'll make $200,000 - without him we are around $25,000 maybe. She said, go for it.
