ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems (QMS)
Updated: April 7, 2021
What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It is the most widely used QMS standard in the world, with over 1.1 million certificates issued to organizations in 178 countries. ISO 9001 provides a framework and set of principles that ensure a common-sense approach to the management of your organization to consistently satisfy customers and other stakeholders. In simple terms, ISO 9001 certification provides the basis for effective processes and effective people to deliver an effective product or service time after time.
The key to any successful business is strong quality control. If you want your operation to thrive, your potential consumer base must be confident that the goods or services you offer meet or exceed expected standards. ISO 9001 is a quick and easy way for potential consumers to see if your company has put the time and effort into making sure your product or service is the best it can possibly be.
The standard follows the common structure provided by Annex SL. ISO 9001:2015 is more compatible with other management systems, such as ISO 14001, making it more effective and efficient to integrate management systems.
ISO 9001 has seen a 3.5% increase in worldwide certificates in 2020, showing the growth and importance of UKAS accredited certification in recent times. Statistics straight from the most recent ISO Survey.
Looking to implement an ISO 9001 management system? Not sure where to start? Take a look at our ISO 9001 Implementation Guide here.
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Best Practices for ISO 9001 Certification
Helps you with
- Customer Satisfaction
- Process Improvement
- Product Improvement
- Pre-Qualification and Requests for Quotation
- Operational Efficiency
- Internal Auditing
- Risk Management
- Training and Competence
- Brand and Reputation
ISO 9001 sets the international standard for companies looking for ways to meet or exceed quality control metrics. At the same time, it helps consumers distinguish between companies, allowing them to make educated choices when choosing a vendor. It does this by identifying best practices for each industry, standardizing those practices and promoting adherence to those practices.
Benefits of ISO 9001 Certification
Customer satisfaction
Deliver products that consistently meet customer requirements and a service that is dependable and can be relied on.
Reduced operating costs
Continual improvement of processes and resulting operational efficiencies mean money saved.
Improved stakeholder relationships
Improve the perception of your organization with staff, customers and suppliers.
Legal compliance
Understand how statutory and regulatory requirements impact your organization and its customers.
Improved risk management
Greater consistency and traceability of products and services means problems are easier to avoid and rectify.
Proven business credentials
Independent verification against a globally recognized industry standard speaks volumes.
Ability to win more business
Procurement specifications often require certification as a condition to supply, so certification opens doors.
Is ISO 9001 certification right for me?
Any organization can benefit from achieving ISO 9001 certification and implementing ISO 9001:2015 as its requirements are underpinned by universal management principles:
- customer focus
- leadership
- engagement of people
- process approach
- improvement
- evidence-based decision making
- relationship management
Why become ISO 9001 certified?
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The Annex SL structure provides a common language between ISO management systems that streamlines the path to compliance related certifications.
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The focus on risk identifies areas of concern in advance and allows you to allocate resources where they are most needed.
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The leadership requirement engages upper-level management and brings quality assurance more in line with overall business objectives.
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The performance evaluation and self-governance components can foster innovation and deliver enhanced value for stakeholders.
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The emphasis on organizational context looks at quality management from a big-picture perspective.
Steps to Certification
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Step 1
Complete a Quote Request Form so that we can understand your company and requirements. You can do this by completing either the online quick quote or the online formal quote request form. We will use this information to accurately define your scope of assessment and provide you with a proposal for certification.
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Step 2
Once you’ve agreed to your proposal, we will contact you to book your assessment with an NQA Auditor. This assessment consists of two mandatory visits that form the Initial Certification Audit. Please note that you must be able to demonstrate that your management system has been fully operational for a minimum of three months and has been subject to a management review and full cycle of internal audits.
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Step 3
Following a successful two stage audit, a certification decision is made and if positive, then certification to the required standard is issued by NQA. You will receive both a hard and soft copy of the certificate. Certification is valid for three years and is maintained through a program of annual surveillance audits and a three yearly recertification audit.
