Digital Q management with SharePoint at Agathon

Agathon digitizes the management system with the quality management solution from Online

Agathon has fundamentally overhauled its entire management process in terms of quality management and document control by introducing a modern IMS solution based on Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Online. Previously, the management system was organized document-centrically on a traditional file repository, which involved considerable manual effort. Thanks to the new solution from Online Consulting AG, all processes and documents can now be managed centrally, in compliance with standards and completely digitally, and the requirements for the existing ISO certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001) can be met.

With its products and services, Agathon has been offering modern, high-quality and pioneering solutions for more than 100 years. The portfolio includes grinding and laser machines for precision grinding and lasering of indexable inserts as well as precision parts for machine, tool and mold construction.

The digital quality management solution from Online Consulting AG integrates and simplifies all processes of the management system and thus enables a significant increase in efficiency and quality in the administration of around 2000 documents.

The solution

The project implemented for Agathon provided a central platform for the integrated management system (IMS), which is based on SharePoint Online. Using an agile approach and a short conception phase, the solution was developed and implemented together with Agathon. With the help of standard functionalities and specially developed extensions for document management, such as metadata integration and PDF creation, a solution was created that meets Agathon’s high quality standards.

The IMS solution offers the following functionalities:

• Entry page and process house: A central SharePoint site collection forms the heart of the system and provides direct access to the process house. The process house visualizes the process levels and facilitates navigation.
• Centralized document control: Documents are managed centrally and in accordance with standards, with Microsoft Power Automate as the workflow engine for automated approval processes. Metadata integration in the header and footer ensures clear labeling and traceability. Watermarks prevent authors from accidentally using draft documents productively.
• Document check via QR code: Employees can use a QR code in the footer to check via mobile whether they are working with the valid document.
• Expansion options: In addition to document control, the solution offers flexibility for additional list applications, such as for CIP processes or risk management, which can be integrated as required.
• Navigation and process pages: The process pages provide structured overviews of the respective process documents and other relevant information. Users navigate through the main processes and quickly find the desired content.

How Agathon benefits from the quality management solution

• Efficient process control: The previously manual document control process is now fully digitized. All process documents are managed centrally and can be revised and approved directly in the system.
• Real-time data availability: The digital solution means that all information and documents are always available in real time, enabling quick decisions and rapid responses.
• Standardized and centralized documentation: All documents and processes are organized in a central SharePoint platform, which significantly facilitates clarity and accessibility and prevents redundant data storage.
• Improved communication and collaboration: Thanks to the availability of the solution via Microsoft 365, employees worldwide can access all information and participate interactively in processes.
• Security and access management: SharePoint Online offers comprehensive security functions that ensure data protection and access control. This is particularly important for quality management and compliance with legal regulations in production.
• Efficient data analysis and evaluation: Thanks to digitalization, Agathon AG has access to well-founded data analyses that clearly present and evaluate the progress and quality of the processes.

With the new quality management solution from Online Consulting AG, Agathon AG has not only minimized the administrative effort, but also created a powerful and future-proof platform for the management system.