ISO 9001 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Every organization would like to improve the way it operates, whether that means increasing market share, driving down costs, managing risk more effectively or improving customer satisfaction. A quality management system gives you the framework you need to monitor and improve performance in any area you choose.
ISO 9001 is by far the world’s most established quality framework, currently being used by 1,064,000 organizations in 178 countries worldwide, and sets the standard not only for quality management systems, but management systems in general.
It helps all kinds of organizations to succeed through improved customer satisfaction, staff motivation and continual improvement.
ISO 9000 series of standards
ISO 9001 is a quality management system standards. It can help bring out the best in your organization by enabling you to understand your processes for delivering your products/services. The ISO 9001 series of standards consist of:
ISO 9000 – Fundamentals and Vocabulary: this standard introduces the user the concepts and terminology.
ISO 9001 – Requirements: this sets out the criteria that organization will need to meet.
ISO 9004 – Guidelines for performance improvement: based upon the eight quality management principles, these are designed to be used by senior management as a framework to guide their organizations towards improved performance by considering the needs of all stakeholders.
Who is it relevant to?
ISO 9001 is suitable for any organization looking to improve the way it is operated and managed, regardless of size or sector. However, the best returns on investment come from those companies that are prepared to implement it throughout their organization rather than at particular sites, departments or divisions.
In addition, ISO 9001 is designed to be compatible with other management systems standards and specifications, such as ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety and ISO 14001 Environment. They can be integrated seamlessly through Integrated Management. They share many principles so choosing an integrated management system can offer excellent value for money.
The Benefits of implementing ISO 9001
Please click here to find Expected Outcomes for Accredited Certification to ISO 9001.
Competitive advantage
ISO 9001 should be implemented and managed by top-management, which ensures that senior management take a strategic approach to their management systems. Our assessment and certification process ensures that the business objectives constantly feed into your processes and working practices to ensure you maximise your assets.
Improves business performance and manages business risk
ISO 9001 helps your managers to raise the organization’s performance above and beyond competitors who aren’t using management systems. Certification also makes it easier to measure performance and better manage business risk.
Attracts investment, enhances brand reputation and removes barriers to trade
Certification to ISO 9001 will boost your organization’s brand reputation and can be a useful promotional tool. It sends a clear message to all interested parties that this is a company committed to high standards and continual improvement.
Saves you money
Evidence shows that the financial benefits for companies that have invested in and certified their quality management systems to ISO 9001 include operational efficiencies, increased sales, higher return on assets and greater profitability.
Streamlines operations and reduces waste
The assessment of your quality management system focuses on operating processes. This encourages organizations to improve the quality of products and the service provided and helps to reduces waste and customer complaints.
Encourages internal communication and raises morale
ISO 9001 ensures that employees feel more involved through improved communication. Continued Assessment visits can highlight any skills shortages sooner and uncover any teamwork issues.
Increases customer satisfaction
The ‘Plan, Do, Check, Act’ structure of ISO 9001 ensures that the needs of the customer are being considered and met.
Why seek certification to ISO 9001
Registration to ISO 9001 by an accredited certification body shows committed to quality, customers, and a willingness to work towards improving efficiency.
It demonstrates the existence of an effective quality management system that satisfies the rigours of an independent, external audit.
An ISO 9001 certificate enhances company image in the eyes of customers and employees.
It also gives a competitive edge to an organisation's marketing.
How do you start to implement ISO 9001?
Identify the requirements of ISO 9001 and how they apply to your business.
Establish quality objectives and how they fit in to the operation of the business.
Produce a documented quality policy indicating how these requirements are satisfied.
Communicate them throughout the organisation.
Evaluate the quality policy, its stated objectives and then prioritise requirements to ensure they are met.
Identify the boundaries of the management system and produce documented procedures as required.
Ensure these procedures are suitable and adhered to.
Once developed, internal audits are needed to ensure the system carries on working.
Initial Certification Audit (Assessment to) ISO 9001
Once all the requirements of ISO 9001 have been met, it is time for an external audit. This should be carried out by a third party, accredited certification body, as Vericert Company.
Accredited certification body will review the quality manuals and procedures. This process involves looking at the company’s evaluation of quality and ascertains if targets set for the management programme are measurable and achievable. This is followed by a full on-site audit to ensure that working practices observe the procedures and stated objectives and that appropriate records are kept.
After a successful audit, a certificate of registration to ISO 9001 will be issued. There will then be surveillance visits (usually once or twice a year) to ensure that the system continues to work.
Where to obtain further information or help?
For more information about this service feel free to contact us by phone. We will be pleased to help you.