When it comes to the global market, maintaining consistency and quality in all sectors is critical. This not only help ensure customer satisfaction but also reduces the risk of faulty goods.
Complying with international standards helps in keeping a level playing field, so you don’t only build a solid reputation, but also boost productivity and performance . One of the most popular certifications in the UK is the ISO 9001 from the International Organization for Standardization.
Here’s everything you need to know about ISO certifications and how it affects your business.
What is ISO?
The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a non-governmental, organization that works internationally to develop standards. It is the world’s largest developer of international standards and the most recognizable and widely-known standardization office. There are different types of standards – technical and organisational, intended for certification and not intended for certification and so on. We can think about ISO standard as the best way and the most effective way of doing something. ISO standards related do business management are considered to be the best way of business management in particular business areas such as quality, environmental, health and safety or information security. The main aim of these standards is to maintain the safety and efficiency of all systems, services, and products. With the evolution of technology over the years, these standards continue to develop; and are implemented at all industry levels throughout the world.
What Is An ISO 9001?
Among the ISO 9000 standard family the ISO 9001 is the one that is aimed for a certification. ISO 9001 includes requirements for a quality management system (QMS). QMS concerns an organisation and it’s processes, not a product or service itself, however customers and users usually perceive products and services produced by certified organisations as better and more reliable. Hence, if organisations want to show that their products and services are of a certain quality, they shall implement a strong QMS that works in compliance with ISO 9001. This certification helps in improving production and manufacturing as it requires a thorough process, along with gap analysis and internal audit implementation. Getting an ISO 9001 certification will demonstrate that your business has met all the requirements.
What are the Benefits Of ISO 9001 Certification?
- Improved Productivity
When you adhere to the certification standards, your main business processes will be documented and monitored. You’ll need to review existing objectives or develop new and measure the company’s progress. This helps ensure you’re always on the right track and work towards a certain goal.
- Customer Satisfaction
These standards also help you improve complaint management and quality control. Customers will be able to trust your company and can rest assured all quality issues of your products and services are reviewed carefully and addressed accordingly.
- Works For Businesses Of All Sizes
No matter how big or small your business may be, this certification can work for all and help you increase profit by reducing operating costs, improved efficiency and gaining new businesses.
Implementing ISO 9001 can be challenging and time-consuming, this is worth letting the professionals help you out. Our management consultant at EQM Consult offers stress-free implementation of Quality Management Systems including ISO 9001 and AS 9100. Take your company to greater heights by outsourcing your ISO implementation process!
Ph.D. Beata Paliwoda
Founder and Owner of EQM. Environmental and quality consultant and auditor. Professional career built in Quality Assurance departments in various companies from the automotive, aerospace, railway industries, as well as a management systems consultant. Successfully completed many complex projects related to the implementation of management systems, process improvements and business transformation. Auditor of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS 9100, project manager of APM, lecturer at the Poznan University of Business and Economics, researcher on the effectiveness of EMS and QMS in organisations.
