Although ISO9001 is over 30+ years old, the certification still carries as much – or more – as it did when if was released in 1987. While it’s gone through quite a few revisions, the core still binds the 8 key pillars of quality, into a logical, singular system.
Today we wanted to briefly cover why this certification still matter after all these years and why our organization still commits to the certification.
What ISO9001 Represents
When your business receives an ISO9001 certification from the International Standards Organization it certifies that your organization has in place a quality management system that gives you the ability to provide both products and services that satisfy your customers while also meeting all regulatory requirements and standards.
This certification, besides demonstrating the commitment of your organization to quality also gives an efficient method for management to monitor any production process. It also makes it easier to make improvements continuously. Constant monitoring in turn helps to highlight any shortcomings in the production process and to go in for immediate action to correct them so that costs are controlled.
Production Focus With QMS
Employees involved with the production process have definite standards set down by ISO9001 which they need to adhere to, and this helps them to boost performance and productivity. Any Quality Management System (QMS) system set up, which is certified by ISO, is laid down in documents that contain processes for quality maintenance, procedures to be followed, responsibilities of employees, and the objectives of the QMS.
It also in turn helps to lay down the required training and developmental programs needed to improve skills that will allow them to meet the quality requirements.
An effective QMS focuses on mistakes before they occur and has in place preventive measures to ensure this. It thus goes a long way in reducing waste of time, materials, and manpower, which can then make for healthy bottom lines. ISO9001 certification also enforces a strategy for continuous improvement that is designed to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Quality In Customer Service
This ISO process is well accepted by customers as it also improves customer service, by identifying important key areas that are a priority to customers. During this process, the expectations and needs of customers are outlined and ways and processes implemented to always satisfy these.
If waste and cost are reduced as a result of implementing the procedures laid down in ISO9001, this will give more value to customers and increase their loyalty, and bring in repeat orders.
The Benefits To Documentation
ISO9001 certification is suitable for small, medium, and large organizations. It leads to better internal management as all processes and procedures are very clearly laid down. It goes a long way to reduce wastage, increase efficiency, which then leads to better productivity and profit. Customer acquisition becomes easier as the quality is assured, and the customers acquired are more likely to be retained. All outcomes are constantly measured and monitored. It is a standard that has global acceptance and this helps in the growth and spread of the business to wider markets. Many customers insist on an ISO certification as it then reduces their own need to perform quality checks on products that they buy.
ISO9001 leads to thorough business processes that can define the personnel who have the responsibility for quality control and also lay down guidelines for relaying these specifications and standards to all concerned employees. Any Quality Management System must also commit to on-time delivery and equipment effectiveness that reflects the performance of the system. This in turn helps to improve decision making and can also have a beneficial effect on growth and profitability.