Summary
Are you going to implement a Quality Management System to gain ISO 9001 certification? Wait a while! Go through this article to learn about ten vital features about the QMS before starting the implementation.

These days, every organization, be it small or mid-level is inclining towards the adoption of an ISO –certified Quality Management system. However, if you too are driven by this latest business trend, then you must be well aware of some prominent features of a Quality Management System or QMS before you incorporate the system in your business set up.

Quality is an important element when it comes to meeting the customer’s expectations. It is obvious that the companies implement a QMS in hope of benefits. However, it can be just the opposite if you fail to design a QMS suitable for your business. This article is going to reveal the ten most significant features of a QMS that is accredited to ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard.

10 Significant Features of an ISO Quality Management System:

1. The QMS should ensure that your business functions are meeting the customer requirements and surpassing their expectations. It should clearly define the process through which you are manufacturing the products or designing the services you offer. In this context, it is important to note that the third interested parties, such as stakeholders and business associates may have some expectations from you. The QMS must ensure that your existing business operations meet these requirements as well.

2. Your QMS should be easy to understand. Well, this is one of the most important features. Why? If you want your QMS to work as per your expectation, you must ensure that the employees who are responsible for dealing with the QMS are competent enough. If your employees do not have a clear idea about the system, they will never be able to operate it properly. So, make sure your QMS is easily understandable.

3. Every organization specifies the responsibilities of personnel to meet their end goals. Employees are asked to follow certain processes for meeting the goals. In most of the cases, skilled ISO certification consultants suggest the organizations channelize the processes in a format that can be easy to understand and update. Always remember that your QMS is subject to change with the revision of the ISO 9001 Standard.

4. It is important to choose the resources wisely. What kind of resources you may employ? Your resources can be in the forms of processes, devices, infrastructure, or even human resources. First, you need to realize what your system requires. Employ the resources that can help work according to the ISO 9001 guidelines and your business norms.

5. If you want the Quality Assurance Software to work properly, do mention relevant statistics for each of the planned and running processes. Metrics should also be established. It must be noted that if you forget to measure or monitor even a single process, it may create inconsistencies within your organization.

6. Ensure that your management is committed to using the statistics for the process improvement and the internal communication of an organization. The senior management should track the quality performance and the competence of the people who are accountable for the quality performance. In this context, it is important to note that the accountability of the people depends on two factors:
A) assigned people’s acquaintance with the organizational objectives,
B) updates given by the management.

7. In the event of identifying a non-conforming product or service, you should plan and implement a process that can effectively prevent these things. Under such circumstances, you need to segregate the non-conforming products. This process stops the product from reaching the customers as it may expose the non-conformity before to the customers. Only after resolving the issue, the products should be released. An organization should always keep the QMS under review to determine whether it meets all the requirements of ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard or not.

8. ISO 9001 is known as a continuous improvement approach. Hence, you must ensure continual improvement for gaining the certification and retaining the validity of the certification once you’ve gained it. This technique is beneficial as it keeps engaging people throughout the organization who could add value to the organization.

9. You must have a logical framework in place for monitoring the QMS regularly. The procedure includes internal audits for the processes and product quality.

10. Management review has been made a mandate for an ISO certified QMS. Therefore, ensure your management reviews the system on a regular basis.

Well, these are the ten remarkable features of an ISO 9001 accredited QMS. Don’t forget to discuss these ten features with your ISO consultants!

Author's Bio: 

Damon Anderson is a successful ISO consultant who has been working on ISO 9001 Quality Management standard for years. He has a team of experienced ISO certification consultants that is always ready to help gain the certification.