Demystifying ISO 9001 starts with a comprehensive understanding of what this certification represents and for whom. This understanding also focuses on defining the main benefits of such a standard. Finally, the demystification of ISO 9001 can be explained by an understanding of how it was obtained.
Discover ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is an international management system standard which is recognized as the reference standard in this field worldwide. Overall, it sets out the requirements for a quality management system. Its aim is to help companies boost efficiency and increase customer satisfaction. Its global reach enables a company to make its mark on national and international markets. Please note that this certification is neither a technical standard linked to a trade, nor a guarantee of product characteristics.
ISO 9001 is based on a number of quality management principles, which are characterized as follows:
– First and foremost, customer orientation is the overriding principle, based on meeting and continually exceeding customer expectations.
– This is followed by the leadership section, which sets out common goals and orientations.
– Next comes staff involvement, which focuses on motivating the company’s teams, followed by the process approach and the principle of improvement.
– Finally, quality management is based on the principle of evidence-based decision-making and on the management of relations with interested parties. For a company, the quality management system is a central point in the operation of their system. In fact, it’s an approach used to characterize how a company can satisfy the requirements of its customers.
ISO 9001 is based on a system of continuous improvement. Obtaining a standard of this kind demonstrates the positive quality of the company’s management to the outside world, and enables the certified company to take stock of its continuous improvement process at a given point in time.
ISO 9001 is aimed at any company or organization wishing to have an effective quality management system and services or products that meet the requirements of their customers and suppliers.
The benefits of ISO 9001 certification
For a company, there are many advantages to ISO 9001 certification. On the whole, this standard helps to develop the organization and to achieve greater competitiveness in international markets.
On a more specific level, being certified for a company gives them the advantage of clearly defining their objectives and perceiving new business opportunities. It should be noted that ISO 9001 enables the company to assess the overall context of the organization, which in turn makes it possible to determine who is interested in the services and activities offered, and what their expectations are.
For some new customers, ISO 9001 compliance is an essential aspect in the choice of company, which is a major asset for the certified company. In terms of company growth, this standard means giving priority to customer expectations by responding to their needs, which generates a positive dynamic for the company’s development.
Within the company, the benefits are manifold: increased productivity and efficiency, combined with reduced internal costs. In this way, internal malfunctions are reduced through continuous improvement. The company also sees and identifies the risks associated with its business more clearly, and responds to them more effectively and efficiently. It is also important to take into account the benefit to the company of responding positively to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Finally, it should be noted that ISO 9001 certification increases customer and employee satisfaction, thanks to clear processes that enhance the company’s reputation and legitimacy.
The procedure for obtaining the standard
To obtain this standard, the company must be audited by a certification body. This organization can be chosen by the company. Following a positive audit, certification is valid for three years. Surveillance audits are carried out during this three-year cycle.
Becoming ISO 9001 certified is a 4-step process. First of all, certification is a real business project in itself, which needs to be properly prepared. You need to decide when you want to obtain certification, define the scope of the project and the players involved, define the budget allocated to the project and draw up an action plan (diagnosis of the company, effectiveness of the quality system, etc.).
The next step is to contact a certification body around four months before the desired audit date. The recognized organization for Quebec is BNQ, and for Canada is BSI. These organizations work with the company to define the scope of certification, and offer a quotation for a three-year cycle. The organization will then visit the company to carry out its audit.
Finally, if the results are positive, the auditor will issue the ISO 9001 certificate. If the results are not conclusive, the auditing organization may propose a period of progress and an additional audit.
In conclusion, ISO 9001 certification is proof of a company’s expertise and commitment to its customers. A real asset for your organization, in the eyes of potential customers!