Understanding ISO 9001: Making Quality Count
Ever heard of benefits of ISO 9001 certification and wondered what it’s all about? If you run an organization, are a part one or are just curious, here’s a breakdown of ISO 9001 in simple terms.
What is ISO 9001?
1SO 9001 is the initial standard for quality management. A set of internationally recognized standards are formulated by the ISO in the light to guide companies or businesses to create, regulate and maintain an effective quality management system (QMS).
The basic idea of ISO 9001 is ‘continual improvement’. The two major concerns that this standard deals with are- business efficiency and customer satisfaction. By laying out the detailed standard for companies of all sizes and sectors, ISO 9001 certification acts like a road map for ensuring:
- the efficient conduct of activities within the organisation
- customer requests fulfilment and happiness
By following this standard, a business consistently meets the needs of its customers while maintaining high-quality standards.
QMS, or Quality Management System, is the significant backbone of ISO 9001. Essentially, it keeps everything in check. It’s a structured approach to managing processes, resources, and responsibilities to ensure quality products or services. QMS helps companies identify areas for improvement, streamline operations, and enhance customer satisfaction.
ISO 9001:2015 was revised to offer adaptability for a wide array of organisational types, deliberately avoiding strict rules regarding the specific objectives tied to “quality” or “meeting customer needs”. Instead, it asks the organisations themselves to define their objectives and continually enhance their operations to achieve them.
After reaching these goals, they need to be reevaluated, forming a continuous cycle of improvement. An effective quality management system has the potential to yield advantages for companies regardless of their size or sector.
For example, a small manufacturer of traditional tea lights with a manpower count of 30. on the other hand, a mega city mall that employs over 1000- both these organizations may follow ISO 9001:2015 to help improve and maintain their business.
Let’s Talk Perks - Benefits of ISO 9001 Certification
Implementing a robust QMS can do wonders for your business. With the endless improving benefits of ISO 9001 certification, here are a few major benefits of this standard.
Analyze the structure of operations within your company. This allows you to define those who are on the receiving end/ are affected by your work. Additionally, you recognize what the customers expect from you. It also includes a thorough gap analysis in order to identify fields of improvement in the implementation of your quality management system. This means that while implementing a QMS or iso 9000 through international standards organization 9001, an auditor will visit your company, examine your current procedures, and work with you to pinpoint areas for improvement.
ISO 9001 nudges businesses to level up their game in providing top-notch quality. When processes are well-structured and consistent, it’s easier to repeat them in the same order and produce the best-quality results. It builds confidence within the organization and among customers- that everything you sell/serve and everything the customer buys/avails is of the highest quality… and it is credited with a certificate!
Retain customers with full satisfaction and commitment towards your organization. The soul and running force of your firm are your customers. Hence, it is the basic understanding that every customer must be happy with your products or services. Regulated and smooth operations yield repeat customers, and new clients through current loyal customers, leading to an increase in your business and a growth of goodwill in the market. ISO 9001 highlights that this certification is bound to increase customer satisfaction rates.
Efficiency is the name of the game. With added benefits of ISO 9001 certification, your business becomes more streamlined, incurs minimized errors, reduces waste, and saves both time and money. By laying out the objectives and operations of the company, the employees have a clear picture of their personal role and the overall idea of the company’s output. This boosts their motivation and instills a positive attitude towards work. Making informed decisions becomes a breeze when the system encourages data-driven choices, ensuring you’re on the right track and always improving.
Increase your profits. A growth in efficiency is one of the main advantages of establishing a QMS through ISO 9001 certification. By saving time and using fewer resources, it not only improves productivity and lowers stress levels in the workplace, but also saves internal costs. Overall, it allows you a good profit, and frees up money that you can invest in new ventures and expand your business.
ISO 9001:2015 is a green flag in itself!
When you let your customers know that you’ve achieved ISO 9001 certification, it shows them your investment and commitment towards installing a firm QMS and providing only the best experience. The word then spreads, bringing in more clients and customers who are on the lookout for a genuine and accredited organization. From a wider spectrum, you gain credibility and better opportunities. It opens doors to new markets and partnerships. As a matter of fact, there are so many companies that partner or indulge in business relationships – only with firms that are ISO 9001 certified. Instead of having to prepare documentation proving you fulfil every quality management prerequisite specified for a tender, you can save time and just attach the specifics of your recognized benefits of ISO 9001 certification.
How can CertBureau help your firm?
At CertBureau we believe in a detailed, informed and transparent process of certification. Depending on how long the certification is valid, we offer support to any organisation for 3 years. CertBureau offers assistance throughout the entire certification process because we know how important it is for you and us to be happy as customers. The 3 years process is divided in this manner:
- Initial certification- Since this is the first year of certification, policies and procedures are very important.
- Surveillance I- Following the first year, the management system shifts its focus to Records and Compliance.
- Surveillance II- We start this phase two years after certification, with a focus on long-term, continuous improvement.
With that said, let’s take you through the simple yet foolproof methodology we follow.
- Application– The customer will fill in a detailed application that becomes our basis for understanding their business operations & scope requirements.
- Gap analysis– is conducted on current practices of the company. Upon analysing those, the auditor provides a set of new & improved practices that align with the standard. A detailed plan for implementing the same is also included.
- Assistance in the documentation process– All the essential documentation templates and guidance procedures will be given to the customer. This makes it less complicated or intimidating for you!
- Training– With a roster of the best, most experienced, and renowned auditors, CertBureau provides expert-developed training on the standard, process, and internal audits.
- Preparation for audit– In order to get the organization ready for an external audit, CertBureau will conduct pre-audits and internal audits.
- Finally, Certification– Following an external audit, the organization is granted certification and receives full assistance. you will reap all the benefits of ISO 9001 certification.