At Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA), we believe that quality is at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to maintaining high standards in accreditation is supported by dedicated assessors like Mark Rudek, who plays a pivotal role in ensuring that laboratories meet the stringent requirements. In this blog, we take a closer look at what it’s like to be a PJLA assessor, as Mark shares his insights, experiences, and advice for laboratories aiming to achieve or maintain accreditation.
Providing Value Through Quality Assessments
When asked about his role, Mark emphasizes that being an assessor is more than just conducting assessments – it’s about adding value to the client’s processes.
“My role is to provide value-added assessments to clientele on behalf of PJLA, ensuring they meet the minimum requirements of accreditation standards and the policies of the accreditation body,” Mark explains. “It’s about quality, understanding the subject matter, and finding a balance that benefits all parties involved.”
Assessors like Mark help laboratories not only meet compliance but also identify areas for improvement, which ultimately strengthens their quality management systems (QMS) and long-term profitability.
Becoming an Assessor: Experience, Patience, and Passion
Becoming an assessor requires a blend of technical knowledge and experience in the field of calibration and testing. Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific scope of work and developing alliances with other professionals who can provide accurate, objective information in areas that may be outside one’s expertise.
“Patience, common sense, technical knowledge, objectivity, and passion are the key characteristics of a fair and effective assessor,” Mark notes. “No company is perfect, but when nonconformities (NCRs) are identified, they present an opportunity to close weaknesses in the QMS, which sustains future improvement.”
The Preparation Process: No Surprises
Preparation is key to a successful assessment. Mark starts by ensuring all PJLA documentation is in place and creating a folder for each client with the necessary forms and data.
“I reach out to the laboratory to introduce myself and send them a list of items they need to upload to SharePoint,” Mark explains. “Once the documents are uploaded, I review them in advance. This level of preparation allows me to arrive on-site fully prepared, avoiding surprises and ensuring the assessment process runs smoothly.”
Challenges and Rewards: The Journey of an Assessor
Mark has conducted over 6,000 audits & assessments since 1982 and has encountered both challenging and rewarding experiences along the way. While travel is often demanding – whether it’s rushing between gates at airports or dealing with unpredictable weather – there are moments that make it all worthwhile.
“The most rewarding experiences are when you meet clients who genuinely believe in what they’re doing and fully understand the requirements,” Mark shares. “There’s so much to learn from people and industries. Even after all these years, I’m still learning.”
Tools of the Trade: Listening and Observing
When asked about the tools and resources he relies on during assessments, Mark’s response is simple: ears and eyes. Listening and observing are critical to conducting thorough assessments.
“My beautiful wife always reminds me that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason,” Mark says with a smile. “I also follow my instincts – when I’m satisfied with one assessment trail, I move on to another.”
The People Behind the Accreditation
For Mark, one of the most enjoyable aspects of being an assessor is working with people – whether it’s PJLA staff, the clients, or other professionals in the field.
“I’ve been with PJLA since it first started offering laboratory accreditations about 30 years ago,” Mark reflects. “We are like a family, and that sense of trust and support is something I value deeply.”
Mark has played a significant role in mentoring new managers and helping PJLA achieve recognition for calibration and testing accreditations. His long-standing relationship with PJLA is a testament to his dedication and passion for quality.
Advice for Laboratories: Value the Process
For laboratories aiming to achieve or maintain accreditation, Mark’s advice is clear: Read the standards carefully, believe in the process, and approach accreditation as an opportunity to add value.
“If it’s difficult, take it on – never quit. The process of accreditation is not just about compliance; it’s about ensuring that the calibrations and tests conducted by the laboratory meet industry expectations and produce results that can be relied upon.”
At PJLA, we are proud to work with experienced assessors like Mark Rudek, who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to every assessment. Their dedication ensures that accredited laboratories continue to meet the highest standards of quality and reliability, benefiting industries across the globe.
Interested in joining PJLA’s team of assessors? Click Here to apply now.