The Process Approach in Quality Management Systems
ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards require organizations to adopt a process approach to quality management. This means understanding your organization as a network of interconnected processes, each with defined inputs, outputs, and value-added activities.
Traditional documentation methods struggle to capture the dynamic nature of process interactions. That’s where Nodebook transforms QMS implementation.
🎯 What is Nodebook?
Nodebook is a browser-based graph visualization tool that allows you to map, navigate, and validate your QMS processes as an interactive knowledge graph. Its Workflow Navigator module is specifically designed for sequential process chains, making it ideal for QMS implementation.
QMS Use Cases
📋 Document Control Process
Map the entire document lifecycle from creation to obsolescence, showing approval stages, reviews, and distribution.
🔧 Corrective Action (CAPA) Workflow
Visualize the CAPA process from nonconformance identification through root cause analysis, action implementation, and effectiveness verification.
🏭 Production Process Flow
Chart material flow from incoming inspection through production stages to final delivery, including quality checks and holds.
📊 Management Review Process
Document inputs (audit results, customer feedback, performance data) flowing into management review and resulting actions flowing out.
🔍 Internal Audit Program
Map the annual audit cycle including planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up verification.
✈️ AS9100 First Article Inspection
Visualize the FAI workflow from planning through dimensional inspection, material verification, and final approval.
Why Use Nodebook for QMS Process Mapping?
📊 Visual Process Mapping
Create clear, interactive process maps that show how your QMS processes connect and interact. See the big picture and drill down into details.
🔄 Workflow Validation
Automatically validate that your process chains are complete, properly connected, and follow the required structure from start to finish.
🧭 Step-by-Step Navigation
Walk through processes step by step with the Workflow Navigator, identifying inputs, outputs, and decision points at each stage.
✅ Compliance Ready
Document process interactions required by ISO 9001 clause 4.4 and AS9100 requirements for configuration management and traceability.
🔒 Privacy First
100% client-side processing. Your QMS data stays on your computer—no uploads, no cloud storage, complete confidentiality.
🆓 Zero Cost
Free and open-source. No licensing fees, no subscriptions, no limitations on how many processes you can map.
Nodebook vs. Traditional Process Mapping
| Aspect | Traditional Methods | Nodebook |
|---|---|---|
| Interactivity | Static diagrams | ✅ Clickable, navigable, dynamic |
| Validation | Manual review required | ✅ Automatic error detection |
| Navigation | Visual review only | ✅ Step-by-step workflow traversal |
| Cost | $100-$500+ for software | ✅ Free and open source |
| Data Privacy | Often cloud-based | ✅ 100% client-side, offline capable |
| Updates | Redraw diagrams manually | ✅ Edit nodes/edges instantly |
Privacy & Security for QMS Data
Confidentiality is critical when documenting proprietary processes. Nodebook ensures your QMS data remains completely private:
🔒 No Server Communication
All processing happens in your browser. No data is ever transmitted to external servers.
💾 Local Storage Only
Process maps are saved as JSON files on your computer. You control where they’re stored and who has access.
🌐 Works Offline
Once loaded, Nodebook works without internet connection—perfect for secure or restricted environments.
📂 Version Control Ready
JSON files can be versioned using Git or other version control systems for change tracking.
Contact us to schedule a visit or consultation with us at MQC. We’re committed to understanding and meeting your needs.