ISO 9001 is an important certification that specifies the exact requirements for a Quality Management System, also known as a QMS. The goal of the ISO 9001 certification is to help businesses of any size ensure that they can continuously deliver goods or services that meet the necessary regulatory requirements. The ISO 9001 certification is one of the most well-known and widely-used management tools used across the globe, due to its coverage of a vast number of distinct industries.
How does a Quality Management System Work?
A good quality management system, or QMS, is essential for any business that strives for consistent improvement in delivering customer satisfaction. The ISO 9001 certification does this primarily by helping to put in place effective strategies and frameworks that are needed in order to streamline processes involves in the quality management endeavor. This is beneficial for businesses as it means that they do not necessarily have to start from the ground up, nor will have to completely re-formulate strategies that are already in place. Instead, the ISO 9001 certification allows businesses to implement manageable, and highly effective, strategic changes in order to engender long-term success through the creation of new opportunities in quality management.
The ISO 9001 certification achieves these aims by focussing on seven key quality management priorities, which comprise of:
- Customer Focus
- Leadership
- Engagement of people
- Process approach
- Improvement
- Evidence-based decision making
- Relationship management
So, whilst an ISO 9001 certification is not mandatory for all companies, there are a number of easily recognizable benefits that are associated with achieving the prerequisites for qualifying for the certification itself. First and foremost, an ISO 9001 certification gives a business a heightened status within its particular industry as it demonstrates to customers and clients that the business has dedicated itself to continuously striving for better quality management practices. This also serves to provide a more robust and sustainable business through the practices that are enacted as part of the ISO 9001 requirements.
Should you aim for the ISO 9001 Certification?
Almost any business or organization could potentially benefit from an ISO 9001 certification, regardless of size or age of operation. However, if you are currently unsure whether your organization would benefit from the certification, then consider some of the following ways in which it can help to further develop your practices. Firstly, an ISO 9001 is a great way to signal to old and new customers alike that you have a commitment to quality. The internationally recognized certification serves as a hallmark of excellence that broadcasts that your business meets the highest of industry standards – which can be essential for attracting growth and retaining a customer base. Gaining ISO 9001 certification can therefore also help your organization access new markets that may have previously been out of reach. Perhaps most importantly, the clear communication structures that ISO 9001 puts in place can help to increase the involvement of employees across the business by improving the day-to-day working environment at all levels of the organization. The responsibilities and tasks that the certification necessitates can help to greatly streamline and optimize the quality management processes across the business.
With all of these factors in mind, including the prestige of an internationally recognized certification, it is clear that the ISO 9001 certification can be a boon for any organization. Whether you are a new business striving to excel in an evolving industry, or a larger organization looking for the next leap forward in an already established market, ISO 9001 could be the key to making your particular business as successful as it has the potential to be.