In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes back Kate Behr, consultant at Core Business Solutions, for a deep dive into the practical tools that drive continuous improvement under ISO 9001. Together, they unpack essential concepts like the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, root cause analysis, internal audits, and corrective and preventive actions, explaining how these methods help organizations strengthen their processes and culture of quality. Kate shares expert insights on overcoming common pitfalls, engaging employees in improvement efforts, and using tools like AI to enhance quality management systems. Whether you’re new to ISO or a seasoned professional, this episode offers actionable strategies to keep your QMS alive, evolving, and effective.

Helpful Resources:

How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented

For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015

Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected]

A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources

ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Stuart Kelly and Kevin Franklin of LRQA to unpack the upcoming ISO 9001:2026 updates and what they mean for businesses worldwide. The discussion dives into the growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making, digitalization, ethics, sustainability, and organizational resilience—showing how ISO standards are evolving from compliance tools to strategic frameworks for agility and competitive advantage. With insights on risks, opportunities, and the importance of early adoption, this conversation highlights how organizations can future-proof their management systems in a rapidly changing world.

Helpful Resources:

How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented

For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015

Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected]

A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources

ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes back Suzanne Strausser, VP of Consulting and Development at Core Business Solutions, to explore the benefits of outsourcing QMS administration. Together, they break down what it means to outsource your Quality Management System administration, and why more small and mid-sized businesses are choosing this path. Suzanne shares how outsourcing saves time and money, ensures continuous compliance, and gives companies access to seasoned ISO professionals without the cost of a full-time quality manager. They discuss how Core’s experts handle everything from document control to internal audits, keeping systems audit-ready and efficient, while still letting organizations maintain full control. With insights on scalability, improved compliance, and peace of mind, this episode highlights how outsourcing can transform QMS management from a burden into a business advantage.

Helpful Resources:

How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented

For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015

Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected]

A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources

ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In part two of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis continues his conversation with Rick Krick, Director of Security Solutions at Core Business Solutions, to explore what the CMMC becoming law truly means in practice. Rick explains how contractors can still compete if they're not yet fully certified, what “conditional certification” allows, and the critical flow-down responsibility that requires every subcontractor in the defense supply chain to meet compliance standards. The discussion covers the biggest readiness gaps across the DIB (Defense Industrial Base), how small businesses can gain a competitive edge by acting now, and why documentation, monitoring, and continuous compliance are vital for long-term success. With real-world examples of costly noncompliance and practical advice on narrowing scope, maintaining SPRS scores, this episode is an essential guide for any company preparing for the future of cybersecurity and defense contracting.

Helpful Resources:

What is CMMC?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/nist-cmmc-3

CMMC Webinars: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cybersecurity-webinars

The Core Vault Solution: https://www.thecoresolution.com/core-vault

Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected]

A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources

In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Rick Krick, Director of Security Solutions at Core Business Solutions, to discuss a monumental update — CMMC is now law. As of November 10, 2025, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) becomes legally enforceable under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), transforming compliance from a policy into a contractual requirement for all Department of Defense contractors. Rick breaks down what this means for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to major defense contractors, explaining the three CMMC levels, phased rollout timeline, and common misconceptions about compliance. Together, they explore the real-world implications for defense suppliers, the importance of early preparation, and how companies can protect sensitive information while staying contract-ready in this new cybersecurity landscape.

Helpful Resources:

What is CMMC?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/nist-cmmc-3

CMMC Webinars: https://www.thecoresolution.com/cybersecurity-webinars

The Core Vault Solution: https://www.thecoresolution.com/core-vault

Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected]

A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources

In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis is joined by Suzanne Strausser, VP of Consulting and Development at Core Business Solutions, to bust some of the biggest myths about ISO certification. Together, they tackle misconceptions like “ISO is only for big companies,” “it’s just paperwork,” or “certification is permanent,” and reveal how ISO standards are actually scalable, practical, and designed to drive continuous improvement for businesses of any size or industry. From affordability and agility for small businesses to empowering innovation and building customer trust, this episode shows why ISO certification is not a burden but a powerful tool for growth and long-term success.

Helpful Resources:

How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented

For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015

Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected]

A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources

ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis sits down with consultant Norman Verbeck to explore how organizations can effectively maintain their ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS). They discuss the importance of leadership commitment, embedding ISO practices into daily operations, and simplifying processes to encourage company-wide ownership of quality. Norman shares insights on document control, tracking key performance indicators, leveraging customer feedback, and ensuring management reviews remain meaningful and actionable. The conversation also covers training strategies, the value of internal audits, and how to use findings as opportunities for improvement rather than compliance hurdles. Packed with practical advice, this episode highlights how making ISO standards part of everyday business culture drives continuous improvement and long-term success.

Helpful Resources:

How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented

For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015

Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected]

A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources

ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis welcomes Core Business Solutions consultant Norm Verbeck to explore the most common pitfalls organizations face in maintaining ISO 9001 certification. From overlooked clauses to the importance of leadership engagement, employee involvement, and effective documentation, Norm highlights both the sustaining and sabotaging factors that can make or break a quality management system. Together, they discuss how to combat ISO fatigue, integrate QMS practices into daily operations, and keep enthusiasm alive, all while avoiding the trap of treating ISO as a mere box-checking exercise.

Helpful Resources:

How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented

For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015

Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected]

A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources

ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

On this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis chats with Stuart Kelly and Kevin Franklin from LRQA about one of the biggest shifts in ISO standards we’ve seen in nearly a decade. With the 2026 update to ISO 14001 on the horizon, they dive into what’s changing, why it matters, and how businesses can get ahead of the curve. From climate change and sustainability to new tech, regulations, and consumer expectations, this conversation unpacks how ISO standards are no longer just about passing audits—they’re about building resilience, protecting your brand, and staying competitive in the world. If you want to understand how these changes could impact your organization and why now is the time to prepare, you won’t want to miss this discussion.

Helpful Resources:

How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented

For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015

Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected]

A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources

ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Danny Norman, Advanced Manufacturing Consultant with Tennessee MEP, to explore whether AI in manufacturing is a real opportunity or just hype. Together, they dive into how manufacturers can begin experimenting with AI—particularly large language models. The conversation highlights three major areas where AI can make an impact: driving growth through product development, improving efficiency by customizing existing tools, and enhancing workforce training. They also emphasize the importance of starting small, focusing on data security, and leveraging national Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) for guidance and pilot projects. This episode offers manufacturers a clear roadmap to responsibly explore AI while avoiding costly missteps.

Helpful Resources:

More About ISO 42001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-42001-certification

Why ISO 42001 Certification Matters: https://www.thecoresolution.com/why-grammarlys-iso-42001-certification-matters

How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented

For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015

Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected]

A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources

ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting