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The Benefits of implementing ISO 9001
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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.
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Why seek certification to ISO 9001?
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Registration
to ISO 9001 by an accredited certification body shows committed to
quality, customers, and a willingness to work towards improving
efficiency.
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It
demonstrates the existence of an effective quality management system
that satisfies the rigours of an independent, external audit.
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An ISO 9001
certificate enhances company image in the eyes of customers, employees
and shareholders alike. |
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It
also gives a competitive edge to an organisation's marketing. |
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How do you start to implement ISO 9001? What is involved?
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Identify
the requirements of ISO 9001 and how they apply to the business
involved.
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Establish
quality objectives and how they fit in to the operation of the business.
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Produce a
documented quality policy indicating how these requirements are
satisfied. |
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Communicate
them throughout the organisation.
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Evaluate
the quality policy, its stated objectives and then prioritise
requirements to ensure they are met. |
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Identify
the boundaries of the management system and produce documented
procedures as required. |
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Ensure
these procedures are suitable and adhered to. |
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Once developed,
internal audits are needed to ensure the system carries on working.
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Assessment to ISO 9001 - The Standard for Quality Management
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Once all
the requirements of ISO 9001 have been met, it is time for an external
audit.
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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
documented information. 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 follow
the procedures and stated objectives, besides ensuring that appropriate
records are kept.
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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 ICS’s ‘Audit Procedure’ information sheet. |
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