Adopting ISO 9001 can help companies improve efficiency

ISO 9001 is a globally recognized standard that outlines the criteria for a quality management system (QMS). It is designed to help organizations ensure they consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements while enhancing customer satisfaction through effective application of the system. This includes processes for continuous improvement and assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. By adopting ISO 9001, companies can improve their operational efficiency, reduce waste, and provide products and services that meet high-quality standards.

Is ISO 9001 certification required for a business

ISO 9001 is not mandatory for any business. However, depending on the industry, some companies may encounter customers who prefer to work with ISO-certified suppliers.

Since certification is not required, determine if it makes sense for your company. Certification can reassure customers that your products meet their expectations, but some companies benefit from using the standard without seeking certification.

What is ISO 9001:2015

ISO 9001 is one of the most widely recognized and implemented ISO standards, with over a million businesses and organizations in more than 160 countries certified globally. This certification signifies that these entities have integrated ISO 9001 requirements into their quality management systems (QMS), underscoring its importance across industries.

ISO 9001 certification is beneficial for any organization, regardless of size or industry, but individuals cannot be certified. The standard is periodically updated to stay relevant. For instance, in 2015, ISO 9001 was revised to better accommodate smaller businesses. These updates are reflected in the naming, such as ISO 9001:2015.

ISO 9001:2015 remains a critical tool for global supply chains, government procurement, and other market drivers for managing supplier quality.

What are the benefits of ISO?

Here are the main objectives for the ISO 9001:2015 update:

• Broaden Applicability: Ensure the requirements are equally beneficial for product-oriented businesses (e.g., manufacturers, distributors), service-oriented, and other non-manufacturing entities.
• Emphasize Process and Results: Focus on a process approach with measurable outcomes to demonstrate continual improvement.
• Increase Flexibility: Allow more adaptability in documentation, leadership, and management activities to meet the specific needs of individual companies.
• Incorporate Risk-Based Thinking: Expand preventive actions to include risk-based planning, identifying, and addressing potential risks that could impact products, services, and customers.
• Align with Related Standards: Harmonize ISO 9001 with related standards like ISO 14001, ISO 45001 (formerly OHSAS 18001), and ISO 27001 to simplify maintaining multiple certifications.

There are many benefits of ISO certification, including an efficient QMS. These updates make ISO 9001 certification more effective for companies of all sizes and industries, helping them manage risk, improve quality, and better serve their customers. The quality management system can also be significantly simplified and tailored to your specific needs and team.