ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for the quality management of businesses.
With a reputation as the most popular standard for companies to implement, ISO 9001 provides businesses with a framework from which other ISO standards can be built. This framework implements a Quality Management System (QMS) to improve operational efficiency and functionality.
The aim of ISO 9001 is to give improved product, process and service quality within an organisation. It can increase productivity and reduce waste by streamlining current working practices.
ISO 9001 is the initial stepping stone for organisations on the path to success through improved customer satisfaction, staff motivation and continual improvement. Certification communicates to your customers and prospects that you comply with this internationally recognised standard, building confidence whilst demonstrating your commitment to quality.
With continuous surveillance audits, QAS International will help ensure your organisation achieves continual improvement. The team of experienced auditors review the basic business controls, continuously striving to assist you in delivering continuous improvement and business performance.
Benefits of ISO 9001:
Higher customer satisfaction
Improved chance of winning contracts
Lower the risk of product/service problems
Streamlined business processes
Increased consistency in business practices
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is ISO 9001?
The ISO 9001 standard is defined as a standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It is the world's most widely used quality management standard; more than 1 million certificates have been issued in 187 countries.
This standard establishes a framework and set of principles for managing your company to consistently meet the needs of customers and relevant stakeholders. An ISO 9001 certification ensures that processes and people always produce quality products and services. It's a way to show potential customers that your company is committed to making the best products and services possible.
The latest version of the standard was released in 2015 under the name ISO 9001:2015. To help businesses comply with the standard's requirements, the Handbook ISO 9001:2015 was developed.
This standard establishes a framework and set of principles for managing your company to consistently meet the needs of customers and relevant stakeholders. An ISO 9001 certification ensures that processes and people always produce quality products and services. It's a way to show potential customers that your company is committed to making the best products and services possible.
The latest version of the standard was released in 2015 under the name ISO 9001:2015. To help businesses comply with the standard's requirements, the Handbook ISO 9001:2015 was developed.
2What is a QMS?
A QMS defines how a company can satisfy the needs of its stakeholders and customers. It includes the policies, procedures and processes necessary to plan and execute the core business activities of a company. It aligns the company's internal processes and provides an approach to completing projects. With a process-based QMS, businesses can recognise, monitor, manage and enhance the processes that drive business success.
3Why is ISO 9001 important for any business?
There are numerous benefits to being ISO 9001 certified, such as the following:
Enhanced customer satisfaction
ISO 9001 ensures customers' needs are met consistently, increasing their satisfaction. Consequently, you will receive repeat customers, gain new clients, and boost revenue.
Efficient processes
Working more efficiently will be possible once everyone in the organisation understands how your processes work. As a result, efficiency and productivity will increase, leading to lower internal costs.
Increased engagement
Teams will work together more effectively if you improve internal communication. A happy and productive workforce is achieved when employees participate in process improvements.
Revenue growth
Through ISO 9001, you can gain more tenders and contracts, increase efficiency, and retain customers.
Consistent framework
ISO standards are globally recognised, making quality management consistent wherever your business is. Moreover, it simplifies conducting business abroad, as you'll work with a standard set of procedures.
Culture of improvement
Being ISO 9001 certified allows you to identify and systematically exploit improvement opportunities.
Market expansion
Clients and sectors in some industries insist on ISO 9001 certification before doing business.
Improved supplier relations
Supply chains are more efficient when best-practice processes are used, and the certification signifies this.
Enhanced customer satisfaction
ISO 9001 ensures customers' needs are met consistently, increasing their satisfaction. Consequently, you will receive repeat customers, gain new clients, and boost revenue.
Efficient processes
Working more efficiently will be possible once everyone in the organisation understands how your processes work. As a result, efficiency and productivity will increase, leading to lower internal costs.
Increased engagement
Teams will work together more effectively if you improve internal communication. A happy and productive workforce is achieved when employees participate in process improvements.
Revenue growth
Through ISO 9001, you can gain more tenders and contracts, increase efficiency, and retain customers.
Consistent framework
ISO standards are globally recognised, making quality management consistent wherever your business is. Moreover, it simplifies conducting business abroad, as you'll work with a standard set of procedures.
Culture of improvement
Being ISO 9001 certified allows you to identify and systematically exploit improvement opportunities.
Market expansion
Clients and sectors in some industries insist on ISO 9001 certification before doing business.
Improved supplier relations
Supply chains are more efficient when best-practice processes are used, and the certification signifies this.
4What are the principles of ISO 9001?
Several vital principles underlie ISO 9001. With these principles in mind, companies can achieve maximum consistency, increase customer satisfaction, and improve performance.
Customer focus
Being committed to quality begins with a strong customer focus. This process entails identifying customer requirements and establishing processes for meeting them to maintain customer satisfaction.
Involvement of people
All employees within your organisation contribute to management systems like ISO 9001. Having engaged employees help you achieve quality goals and satisfy customers more effectively.
Leadership
A strong leader has a clear vision of the future. Successful organisations have leaders who create work environments where people can accomplish quality objectives.
Process approach
Managing and controlling business processes will increase efficiency, creating a unified system. Implementing ISO 9001 will help your organisation become more process-driven.
System approach to management
Processes are part of the system approach. You will improve individual performance by analysing interrelated processes and managing them cohesively.
Continual improvement
Your company's products, services and processes should be continuously improved. This involves identifying opportunities and risks, identifying non-conformities, and monitoring your progress to improve and increase your business's performance.
Evidence-based decision making
Making informed decisions requires accurate data. To effectively manage your QMS, it is essential to rely on accurate data rather than relying on assumptions.
Relationship management
Relationships built on trust can give you a competitive advantage. Customers, partners, suppliers, and other parties, all contribute to the quality of products and services. With feedback from relevant stakeholders, you can improve your operations and quality management.
Customer focus
Being committed to quality begins with a strong customer focus. This process entails identifying customer requirements and establishing processes for meeting them to maintain customer satisfaction.
Involvement of people
All employees within your organisation contribute to management systems like ISO 9001. Having engaged employees help you achieve quality goals and satisfy customers more effectively.
Leadership
A strong leader has a clear vision of the future. Successful organisations have leaders who create work environments where people can accomplish quality objectives.
Process approach
Managing and controlling business processes will increase efficiency, creating a unified system. Implementing ISO 9001 will help your organisation become more process-driven.
System approach to management
Processes are part of the system approach. You will improve individual performance by analysing interrelated processes and managing them cohesively.
Continual improvement
Your company's products, services and processes should be continuously improved. This involves identifying opportunities and risks, identifying non-conformities, and monitoring your progress to improve and increase your business's performance.
Evidence-based decision making
Making informed decisions requires accurate data. To effectively manage your QMS, it is essential to rely on accurate data rather than relying on assumptions.
Relationship management
Relationships built on trust can give you a competitive advantage. Customers, partners, suppliers, and other parties, all contribute to the quality of products and services. With feedback from relevant stakeholders, you can improve your operations and quality management.
5Who needs ISO 9001 certification?
ISO 9001 is suitable for any organisation in any industry, no matter how big or small. It can benefit all types of business, from small manufacturers to organisations with 5,000 employees. With the revision of ISO 9001:2015, the main objective is to make it more accessible to all businesses, including those in the service sector.
While not legally required, an ISO 9001 certification emphasises the importance of quality assurance in your organisation. As a result, you gain a better reputation and an advantage over non-certified organisations.
A certified QMS performs at its full potential, ensuring your processes run smoothly and efficiently. Moreover, some clients specifically search for certification before purchasing services. Without certification, you may miss out on new business opportunities.
While not legally required, an ISO 9001 certification emphasises the importance of quality assurance in your organisation. As a result, you gain a better reputation and an advantage over non-certified organisations.
A certified QMS performs at its full potential, ensuring your processes run smoothly and efficiently. Moreover, some clients specifically search for certification before purchasing services. Without certification, you may miss out on new business opportunities.
6How do I get an ISO 9001 certificate?
Obtaining ISO 9001 certification is technically limited to organisations. ISO 9001 is not a standard that individuals can get certified to, but, upon completion of audit certification courses, they can become certified auditors.
To get an ISO 9001 certificate, your organisation must create a management system. This includes defining your business processes and documenting them with employee participation.
The ISO 9001 standard is suitable for any organisation, regardless of size or industry. It can benefit all organisations, from small manufacturers to large companies with 5,000 employees. The revision of ISO 9001:2015 was primarily intended to make it more accessible to all businesses, including those in the service sector.
Even though ISO 9001 certification is not legally required, it highlights the importance of quality assurance within your organisation. This way, you can establish a better reputation and gain an advantage over non-certified organisations.
By obtaining a QMS certification, you can ensure that your processes run smoothly and efficiently. In addition, some clients specifically seek certification before purchasing services. You may miss out on new business opportunities if you do not obtain certification.
To get an ISO 9001 certificate, your organisation must create a management system. This includes defining your business processes and documenting them with employee participation.
The ISO 9001 standard is suitable for any organisation, regardless of size or industry. It can benefit all organisations, from small manufacturers to large companies with 5,000 employees. The revision of ISO 9001:2015 was primarily intended to make it more accessible to all businesses, including those in the service sector.
Even though ISO 9001 certification is not legally required, it highlights the importance of quality assurance within your organisation. This way, you can establish a better reputation and gain an advantage over non-certified organisations.
By obtaining a QMS certification, you can ensure that your processes run smoothly and efficiently. In addition, some clients specifically seek certification before purchasing services. You may miss out on new business opportunities if you do not obtain certification.
7How long does it take to achieve ISO 9001 certification?
By preparing correctly and understanding ISO 9001 certification requirements, certification can usually be achieved between three months and six months, depending on the size and complexity of the company.
