About ISO 9001 certification
ISO 9001 is a generic standard for the quality management system. This internationally recognized standard specifies requirements to enhance the quality of products and services that consistently meet customer expectations. This voluntary standard helps organizations to meet the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Implementing the specifications of ISO 9001 ensures the company to deliver high-quality products and services to the customers. It enhances stakeholders’ confidence that certainly creates lots of opportunities to expand your business across the world. As it is a globally recognized standard, you can meet potential customers even from overseas.
This standard helps clients/customers to trace your business that consequently promotes productivity as well as the profitability of your organization. It ensures your management system in place with international standards.
Latest Version – ISO 9001:2015
ISO 9001:2015 is the upgraded version of ISO 9001 which is followed by most of the organizations across the globe. It is developed with a process approach and PDCA cycle to help organizations to reduce operational errors in the process and management system. Its risk-based thinking approach guides the organization to control and manage the risks that arise in the operational system. ISO 9001 can be integrated with other ISO management system standards such as ISO 14001, 27001, 45001, etc.
How does ISO 9001 benefit my business?
Whether it is a construction company or medical industry, proving quality performance is necessary for every business. You can easily establish it by achieving the ISO certification. Some of the incredible benefits of ISO 9001 certification are:
- Powerful internal management system
- Customer satisfaction
- Process efficiency
- Increased employees’ involvement in organizational processes
- Improved stakeholder confidence
- Boosts relationship with clients/stakeholders
- Increased credibility
- New business opportunities
- Can meet clients from overseas
- Develops productivity
- Brings a positive reputation
- Enhances brand image
- Gives access to the international market
- Moreover, provides global recognition.
Who are applicable to obtain ISO certification?
ISO 9001 Certification is not a mandatory requirement for any company. For some industries, the ISO 9001 certification may be a law requirement. However, achieving the ISO 9001 certification not only promotes organization globally but also helps bring amazing internal benefits.
The requirements of ISO 9001 are developed to be applicable to all organizations, regardless of size, type or field of activity. For example, construction companies, manufacturing industries, software companies, banks, hospitals, educational institutions, etc.
How to get ISO certification?
Are you looking for the implementation process to get ISO 9001 certified? Here are effective steps to meet all the applicable requirements of ISO 9001 and get ISO 9001 Certification.
- Documentation
Documentation, preparing relevant evidence is the initial step you should take when you have decided to obtain the ISO certification. You should prepare the documents, records and files of the operational process, on-going projects, system, etc.
- Implementation/preparation
Develop the quality management system, processes and services in compliance with the ISO 9001. It helps the organizations to ensure quality services to the customers and clients.
- Training of staff
Provide awareness training to employees to have a better understanding of ISO 9001 standard and quality management system. It helps the employees to have a clear vision about the organizational goals and objectives.
- Gap analysis/internal audit
After developing the desired requirements, conduct a gap analysis to find flaws in the management system. Rectify the errors before the original audit. Also, schedule a plan to perform an internal audit and take an audit report. Record them and submit them with process documents.
- Scope of the certification
Send a proposal to the certification body. The scope of the proposal should clearly state the operational process of your management system.
- ISO certification audit
After receiving the application, the third party certification body will initiate the audit procedure and verify whether your management system met all the requirements of ISO 9001 Criteria. If there is any non-conformity, the deviation report will be issued with the audit report. The final report will be provided after the effective implementation of given non-conformities. Finally, the CB will release the certificate.
- ISO certification cost
The cost of ISO 9001 Certification depends on numerous factors. It varies based on CB’s brand and reputation. On the other hand, the cost also varies based on the scope of the certification, the complexity of the operational process, number of employees, etc.