HQMS is a web-based application accessed through Microsoft’s Internet Explorer® (IE) web browser. IE is the only software that is required on the client workstation (the computer that accesses HQMS). Currently, HQMS only requires that clients use Internet Explorer® version 6 or higher.
HQMS provides integrated modules including advanced issue management, document control, customer and supplier actions, meetings, project tracking, and more. These modules allow you to share information about business and quality-related operations throughout the organization.
The system is installed as a web site on a central server (either locally, accessible through an intranet, or anywhere in the world, accessible through the Internet) and serves information through each person's web browser as a web site. You access the web site using Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) and log in and navigate the system the same way you would access any other web page.
The modular design supports cross-system information sharing and the addition of future applications. Every HQMS application module shares core framework functionality, such as notification, electronic signatures, references, and access control.
Those who use the system are actively notified of required actions and significant information. HQMS sends out an e-mail newsletter each day that provides each person with a personal summary of alerts, tasks, and areas of responsibility with highlights on coming due and overdue items. Each item in the newsletter acts as a hyperlink that loads the appropriate record in that person's browser. When logged in to the system, a Search & Menu bar (in the left navigation area) provides a convenient summary of alerts, tasks, and responsibilities. Upon login, the HQMS home page also greets you with the list of items requiring attention.
HQMS is specifically intended to meet its full potential in organizations with multiple facilities and employees of varying access levels. Each person may be added to multiple user groups for the purpose of granting system permissions and access to individual data records. For each data record, certain people or groups of people can be selected for notification when aspects of a record change. Others are designated as viewers, editors, or approvers. When editing records, the specific rights that have been given to someone determine which fields he or she can update. As modifications are made to records within HQMS, the system creates an audit trail in each record’s history that includes the editing person's name, a time stamp, and a complete summary of the updates or changes that person made.
HQMS was designed for secure use via the World Wide Web; however it can also be used exclusively within the confines of a company’s internal network (or a combination of the two). The Username and password for each person is maintained within HQMS. System security and data access control for each record in HQMS is administered within the program itself. HQMS requires no regular administrative duties outside of HQMS. We do recommend routine web site and database backups to protect against data loss from potential hardware failure.