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What is TickIT?

TickIT is a guidance document that interprets ISO 9001 for specific application to software development.

TickIT does not add to the requirements of ISO 9001 but ensure its application achieves consistently robust software.

The TickIT scheme is widely recognized as a valuable tool for both business development and client retention purposes not least as it requires an organisation to formalize its design methodology, focus its organizational thinking, improve its use of resources and to continually improve its customer and business performance.

It is common for TickIT certified organisations to implement supporting documents such as ISO/IEC 12207:1995 or ISO 9000-3 as guidance for applying ISO 9001 to their particular business processes. Similarly many software developers have adopted TickIT in addition to other process improvement schemes such as EFQM, SPICE and CMMsm to support the needs of their business.

As TickIT is based upon the requirements of ISO 9001:2008, its structure makes it highly compatible with other standards such as ISO 14001:2004 (environmental management systems), ISO 20000:2005 (IT service management system) and ISO 27001:2005 (information security management system).

Who is TickIT applicable to?

TickIT registration is applicable is any organisation that develops software, typically classified as:

Software product or service development - TickIT is applicable when the software is the delivered products, or where it is embedded into hardware devices such as Programmable Logic Controllers
Internal Software Development - TickIT is applicable where in-house development of software systems is undertaken, that affect the functionality of the delivered product/service
Software Replication and Software-related services - TickIT applies to software replication services where configuration management is critical to the service/ product delivered
Computer operations services - TickIT is applicable where computer operations services offer application or software systems support

Systems integration services - TickIT applies to organisations involved with hardware/software configuration, but not to organisations involved solely in the installation of application software onto personal computers.

Peripheral Services - TickIT applies to organisation that offer software consultancy, system development services where software evaluation or selection is central to the service offered.

What are the benefits of TickIT registration?

Customer satisfaction - through delivery of software products that consistently meet customer requirements
Reduced operating costs - through continual improvement of processes and resulting operational efficiencies
Improved stakeholder relationships - including staff, customers and suppliers
Legal compliance - by understanding how statutory and regulatory requirements impact the organization and its customers
Improved risk management - through greater consistency and traceability of products and services
Proven business credentials - through independent verification against recognized standards
Ability to win more business - particularly where procurement specifications require certification as a condition to supply

How to gain registration

NQA provides certification to TickIT jointly with ISO 9001 registration. The process of registration follows three simple steps:

Application for registration is made by completing the QMS questionnaire
Assessment to ISO 9001 and TickIT is undertaken by NQA - the organisation must be able to demonstrate that its quality management system has been fully operative for a minimum of three months and has been subject of a full cycle of internal audits
Registration is granted by NQA and maintained by the organisation. Maintenance is confirmed through a programme of annual surveillance visits and a three yearly re-certification audit.

Initial Certification Audit

The assessment process for achieving certification consists of a two stage Initial Certification Audit as follows:

Stage 1 - the purpose of this visit is to confirm the readiness of the organisation for full assessment. The assessor will:

confirm that the quality manual conforms to the requirements of ISO 9001 and TickIT
confirm its implementation status
confirm the scope of certification
check legislative compliance
produce a report that identifies any non-compliance or potential for non-compliance and agree a corrective action plan if required.
produce an assessment plan and confirm a date for the Stage 2 assessment visit.

Stage 2 - the purpose of this visit is to confirm that the quality management system fully conforms to the requirements of ISO 9001 and TickIT in practice. The assessor will:

undertake sample audits of the processes and activities defined in the scope of assessment
document how the system complies with the standards
report any non-compliances or potential for non-compliance
produce a visit plan for the first surveillance visit

Please note that if any major non-conformance is identified, the organisation cannot be certified until corrective action is taken and verified.

Contact us

For more information about this service, contact our friendly team today on 08000 522424. We will be pleased to help you.

For further information please download the information below.

TickIT (9001) Factsheet
TickIT is a guidance document that interprets ISO 9001 for specific application to software development.
Download information

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