What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for the quality management of businesses. It applies to the processes that create and control the products and services an organisation supplies. It prescribes systematic control of activities to ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are met. It is designed and intended to apply to virtually any product or service, made by any process anywhere in the world.

The Benefits of implementing ISO 9001

Implementing a Quality Management System will motivate staff by defining their key roles and responsibilities. Cost savings can be made through improved efficiency and productivity, as product or service deficiencies will be highlighted. From this, improvements can be developed, resulting in less waste, inappropriate or rejected work and fewer complaints. Customers will notice that orders are met consistently, on time and to the correct specification. This can open up the market place to increased opportunities.

Why seek certification to ISO 9001?

• Registration to ISO 9001 by an accredited certification body shows committed to quality, customers, and a willingness to work towards improving efficiency.
• It demonstrates the existence of an effective quality management system that satisfies the rigours of an independent, external audit.
• An ISO 9001 certificate enhances company image in the eyes of customers, employees and shareholders alike.
• It also gives a competitive edge to an organisation's marketing.

How do you start to implement ISO 9001? What is involved?

• Identify the requirements of ISO 9001 and how they apply to the business involved.
• Establish quality objectives and how they fit in to the operation of the business.
• Produce a documented quality policy indicating how these requirements are satisfied.
• Communicate them throughout the organisation.
• Evaluate the quality policy, its stated objectives and then prioritise requirements to ensure they are met.
• Identify the boundaries of the management system and produce documented procedures as required.
• Ensure these procedures are suitable and adhered to.
• Once developed, internal audits are needed to ensure the system carries on working.

Assessment to ISO 9001

Once all the requirements of ISO 9001 have been met, it is time for an external audit.
This should be carried out by a third party, accredited certification body. In the UK, the body should be accredited by UKAS (look for the ‘crown and tick’ logo). The chosen certification body will review the quality manuals and procedures. This process involves looking at the company’s evaluation of quality and ascertains if targets set for the management programme are measurable and achievable. This is followed at a later date by a full on-site audit to ensure that working practices observe the procedures and stated objectives and that appropriate records are kept.

After a successful audit, a certificate of registration to ISO 9001 will be issued. There will then be surveillance visits (usually once or twice a year) to ensure that the system continues to work. This is covered in more detail in ISOQAR’s ‘Audit Procedure’ information sheet.

Why choose ISOQAR for your audit?

ISOQAR has an enviable record for customer satisfaction for its certification services. A friendly approach and a dislike of bureaucracy has led to unprecedented growth through referrals from contented clients. ISOQAR only employs auditors that have empathy with this approach. They are also carefully allocated by their experience in the industry they are auditing. This results in a practical, meaningful audit, carried out in an air of mutual understanding. ISOQAR firmly believes that its audits should benefit the organisation that requests it, not be an intellectual exercise to ‘please’ the auditor.

What is the cost of an audit to ISO 9001?

Unlike a majority of its competitors, ISOQAR produces a guidance price list based on company size. For a copy please get in touch.

For a fixed, written quotation however, we require a few more details. These can be submitted to ISOQAR via a short questionnaire or alternatively contact ISOQAR for more details. Quotations are provided without any obligation. An information pack about ISOQAR's certification services can also be requested by clicking here - or call us.

About ISO 9001

The actual standard can be obtained from the Stationery office. The ISO Publications section can be contacted on 020 7242 6410. Mention ISOQAR for a 10% discount.

Standards can also be ordered/downloaded from The Stationery Office On-Line Bookstore. Click Here:

The standards are also available at www.standards.com.au

The Institute of Quality Assurance operates a 'Quality Information Centre' on 020 7245 6669. Better still, go to www.iqa.org. Click on 'information centre' then 'resources' for information and guidance.

An organisation in Canada has translated ISO 9001 into plain English (in fact, American English!). Although it is their own interpretation of the standard, it certainly makes for simplified reading if you are new to the subject. Go to www.praxiom.com

Implementing ISO 9001

A document named ISO 9004 (obtainable as above) provides practical guidance and examples of how to interpret the requirements of ISO 9001.

An area of this web site (www.isoqar.com/iso9001/b4isoqar) is dedicated to providing further pointers for help.

Many organisations choose to employ the services of a 'quality' consultant to help with the implementation of ISO 9001. ISOQAR can provide a list of consultants known to them. Please get in touch.

If you prefer to ‘go it alone’, Croner’s Quality Manager is a one stop reference manual for developing management systems. It contains model systems and covers quality, environmental and health and safety. Call 020 8247 1630 or try www.croner.net/manufacturing.

Training courses about how to put together a Quality Management System are also readily available. Contact ISOQAR for more details.

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