ISO-9001 Certification Basics

ISO-9001 is one of the most recognized and popular quality management standards around the world. Designed to improve the effectiveness of business operations, the certification covers key functions such as business management, techniques of continuous improvement, fine-tuning internal processes, and so on. However, to implement and make it work for you, it's important to gain a deep understanding of ISO-9001.This guide will discuss some of the basics of the ISO-9001 certification, starting with what is ISO-9001?

What is ISO-9001 Certification?

Originally introduced in 1987, ISO-9001 is a quality management standard that has become a valuable tool for businesses to increase their customer appeal through improved operations. Currently, more than a million organizations of all sizes, industries, and sectors operating in 190 countries are ISO-9001-certified.

To obtain ISO-9001 certification, companies need to implement a comprehensive quality management system (QMS), which is defined as an integrated mechanism to running an organization in a way that improves its overall performance. Directly related to management, a QMS provides an organization with a set of tools that help perform various tasks efficiently.

This may compel you to think that an ISO-9001 quality management system revolves around how a company's management handles quality control. In reality, ISO-9001 is a lot more about quality assurance or quality control. The concept adopts a much broader approach to quality, perceiving it as a degree to which customer's expectations are met. This means that the system spans all areas of an organization, from strategic planning to quality control to documentation and more.

What Type of Organizations Does ISO-9001 Apply To?

ISO-9001 can be applied to any kind of business in any industry around the globe. Whether you own a retail store, a law firm, an educational institution, or any other organization, you can prepare it to obtain ISO-9001 certification. As an international certification, it applies equally to all countries worldwide.

Continuous Improvement is the Key

ISO-9001 prioritizes continuous improvement in all areas of an organization. It's based on the premise that companies can better respond to internal and external changes if they have a positive improvement outlook. For example, to address the ever-changing nature of technology, organizations should train their employees on how to implement new methodologies and tools from time to time.

Employment Engagement Drives Productivity

Employee engagement is one of the most significant ISO-9001 basics. It's based on the idea that employees become more dependable, competent, and empowered to deliver value when they're kept engaged. Hence, ISO-9001 emphasizes constant communication with them, giving them recognition for their accomplishments, enhancing their professional and personal development, and respecting them.

Evidence-Based Decision-Making

ISO-9001 also stresses to base decisions on evidence. This means proper data analysis and accurate facts should form the basis of decision-making. It also means that all the information used by management should be reliable, secure, and accurate and be analyzed by competent individuals.

Conclusion

We hope that the above-discussed insights helped you understand the basics of ISO-9001 certification. Not only did you learn what is ISO-9001 but you also went through some of the top areas it covers. If you really want to earn customer trust in your relevant B2B or B2C market, nothing proves more powerful than an ISO-9001 certification. It can help you secure those lucrative contracts you’ve been eyeing for a while.

Yours in Operational Excellence

Abdulla AlThawadi