Regardless of the size of an organization, its focus on quality management should be one of the top priorities, if not the highest one. If this is not the case, a company could face some severe consequences. Reduced sales, being left behind competition, and poor to none customer loyalty are just the tip of the iceberg. It is plain logic that with a good product on the market your chances of better sales, more customer loyalty, and higher revenue are on the table.
Companies who cannot or do not know how to achieve the highest standards of qualities for their products and services are not left on their own battling the unknown. Regardless of the industry, the quality standards are set by the ISO. The International Organization for Standardization is in charge of setting the standard of quality in more than a few fields of work. One of the best known and most reputable standards released by this independent organization is called ISO 9001. This is your chance to get familiar with it.
What is ISO 9001?
The ISO 9001 is a quality management system. It is internationally recognized and it was created by the above-mentioned International Organization for Standardization. During its lifetime it had a few different iterations with the most recent example coming out in 2015. It was designed with an idea to help various organizations in improving the quality of their entire operation. The standard was set through a clear framework which is focused on improving quality of products and services, being in line with the industry regulations, and setting the standard for customer expectations. ISO 9001 does this by putting the focus on strong leadership, meeting customer needs, facing industry regulations, by documenting all processes, and tendency to have all decisions based on the evidence provided by the former. This standard is best implemented through the creation of a Quality Management System.
What is QMS?
In essence QMS is a set of processes and principles. They were created in order to aid any business or organization in always producing high-quality products and services. Quality Management System is an essential part of every company aiming for the highest of standards in manufacturing or placing a service on the market. It is a tool devised to produce a high output in terms of operational activities and strategies and to aid companies in coordinating these to a high extent. Once this system is put into place it helps organizations meet the industry rules and regulations. With enough time it will make any process more efficient. Companies that have QMS put into place are those that show clear intent of being committed to the quality of their products and services while abiding by the regulatory norms. When fully operative, QMS can easily identify company issues such as various forms of weaknesses, production mistakes, all with an intent to fix them and prevent their repetition. QMS consists of the following elements:
- Quality planning
- Quality control
- Quality assurance
- Quality improvement
ISO 9001 Principles
One of the main reasons why ISO 9001 is so widely accepted as an industry standard across so many fields is because of the principles on which it lays. Companies who want to elevate their product or a service up to ISO 9001 standards, can easily understand why they should do it, and how it’s best done, and it’s all thanks to the principles of ISO 9001 listed below:
- Customer-focused organisation
- Leadership
- Involvement of people
- Process approach
- System approach to management
- Continual improvement
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Mutually beneficial supplier relations
What are the Benefits of ISO 9001?
High percent of organizations that put their faith into ISO 9001 quickly reap rewards. This standard wouldn’t be as widely accepted across various industries if it weren’t for results it brings to the table if followed to a point. If you’re interested to learn about the benefits that ISO 9001 brings to the table you have them below:
- Increased business efficiency – From the moment put into motion, ISO 9001 is high on demand for systematic process approach. With it, organizations must streamline all internal processes. This both reduces the cost of operations and cuts on waste. At the same time it maximises resource use and increases productivity.
- Improved customer satisfaction – The underlined goal of implementing this standard at the end of the day is customer satisfaction. ISO 9001 is good at aligning the company’s product with what the customers need. When it’s done properly it results in customer satisfaction, the customer retention increases, and sales receive a boost.
- Enhanced reputation – ISO 9001 as many other ISO standards is badge of honour. Products that carry its certification are recognized by a broader audience. It’s not only that the customers will recognize the effort, but the same will be done by shareholders, partners, and other clients.
- Stronger risk management – What ISO 9001 also brings to the table is a fine proactive approach. With it, this standard protects the product while improving its quality. When in motion it easily pinpoints to the company direction from which the risk is coming. Not only that it resolves the existing risk matters, but it is also good at managing their appearance and disappearance.
- Win new markets & partners – Many lines of work, industries and companies, will not accept partners or clients who do not comply with the ISO 9001 standard. So, when a business introduces this standard to its line of work it gets much easier not only to gain new and loyal customers but it does the same for partnerships. At the end of the day, we’re talking about an internationally recognized standard so this comes as no surprise.
The bottom line, if you’re running a business or are simply a customer, knowing the value of the ISO 9001 standard is vital. It is a clear sign of a product or services’ quality. When trying to get in line with it, companies benefit on more than a few fields, and the results are almost immediately visible.
