ISO 9001

Customers are getting more sophisticated, better informed and their expectations are growing. For any business, the only way to keep up is to offer a real commitment to quality. In fact any organization can give themselves a real future in a marketplace by using a well planned and documented quality management system (QMS) such as ISO 9001.

ISO 9001 is suitable for any organization looking to improve the way it is operated and managed, regardless of size or sector. 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. This standard provides a structured yet flexible framework for a customer focused business management system that will drive business performance improvement.

ISO 9001 is based on the following eight Quality Management Principles, which are incorporated within the requirements of the standard, and can be applied to improve organizational performance:

		Customer focus
		Leadership
		Involvement of people
		Process approach
		System approach to management
		Continual improvement
		Factual approach to decision making
		Mutually beneficial supplier relationships

Benefits of implementing an ISO 9001

Many organizations implemented ISO 9001 because their customers demanded it, or their competitors had it. However, the organizations soon realized that if properly implemented, ISO 9001 gave them many significant and noticeable benefits.

For management, an important benefit has always been improved financial performance. Many studies have shown that companies implementing a quality management system have realized cost savings through improved process effectiveness and efficiency. In addition to benefiting the bottom line, companies also realize many other advantages, including improved employee and customer satisfaction, resulting from better defined and implemented business processes.

		Competitive advantage ISO 9001 should be top-management led, which ensures that senior management take a strategic approach to their management systems.
		Improves business performance and manages business risk ISO 9001 helps 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 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 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.