How much time would take implementing BRC Packaging Materials (Issue 6) for the first audit?

Hi all, we are a packaging company that moved from facility during the pandemic and therefore lost the certification.

Since we moved, all the processes, safety, quality, etc. were completely disregarded by everybody under the excuse of lack of time,  pandemic or new personnel (I find it completely inadmissible, but here is where we stand since management ignored all this situation because "now is not the moment for this"...). Now management is requesting to implement BRC Packaging Materials in 4 weeks.

Considering that at the moment we comply with approx. 50% of the requirements from BRC Packaging Materials Issue 6, do you think it is feasible to complete all in 4 weeks? According to management, some companies do it even quicker.

How long did it take you to implement all and get a satisfactory audit? P.S. I have already own opinion on this matter, but I would like some insight, because maybe it is me being to extensive, or others having unreal expectations. Thanks for your time!

Now management is requesting to implement BRC Packaging Materials in 4 weeks.

Considering that at the moment we comply with approx. 50% of the requirements from BRC Packaging Materials Issue 6, do you think it is feasible to complete all in 4 weeks? According to management, some companies do it even quicker.

 

How long did it take you to implement all and get a satisfactory audit?

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Your management are a bunch of clowns.

Given a different location and that they dropped the ball entirely - 3 months maybe.

Auditors on top of everything will want to see paper train for a at least 3 months - management will be blowing smoke with anything less.

Tell management that certifications are not slam dunk events.

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Considering that at the moment we comply with approx. 50% of the requirements from BRC Packaging Materials Issue 6, do you think it is feasible to complete all in 4 weeks? According to management, some companies do it even quicker.

People tend to overestimate their own achievement. Auditors might find that 30% or 35%.

How long did it take you to implement all and get a satisfactory audit?

We made a binder storing our first certification process (Issue 5) including applications, exchanged emails, submitted documents, audit reports:

- from decision to first completed brief internal audit & management review (which needs so many supporting documents & information): 6 months.

- gap analysis audit: a month later (as procedure in ISO 17065)

- rectification of findings: 4 months.

- real certification audit + CAPA submission: 1 & half months.

So that "BRC project" lasted a year and resulted in an A grade.

For context, we had been operating for a couple years, had our own controlling system (procedures, records, reports, etc.) and held no certificates (e.g. ISO9001) at the time our Management chose BRC to adopt. 

Leaving aside the unrealistic expectations of your management and agreeing with the above comments, a large proportion of audits are currently being carried out remotely, although I don't know the situation in your country.

This is a new site and new certification against a new version of the Standard.

The rules will not allow new sites to be audited remotely if I interpret them correctly - check the BRC website for the latest position statement on this, I haven't looked for a month or so.

You would also be very lucky to find a Certification Body willing or  able to do an audit within that time frame at this time of year in the middle of a pandemic.

I have just checked and there was an update to the position statements about remote audits during the pandemic (BRCGS086) :

"Sites outside these parameters including “new to BRCGS” sites may be eligible for certification, under the concession program (approved by BRCGS prior to audit) through their certification body"

So in theory you could have a remote audit, although you are going to have to jump through a number of hoops.

I seldom chime into the forum. This topic for some reason hit home! As a quality manager, we are largely ignored from the production team. Worse, we are to blame when we decide that something should not be shipped based on a valid quality issue. It is unrealistic to think that you can create a process control, in the timeline your management is asking. I also believe that in the future, your processes will fall by the wayside, when another "more important" project is needed. You will be constantly trying to cover your company shortcomings on a yearly basis. 

I do wish you the best of luck