The ISO 9001 certification applies to any business as it specifies the requirements for structuring their quality management system (QMS) to maintain the quality of the products or services. The key aim behind achieving this top-level ISO certification and validating a QMS is to deliver quality products or services that consistently meet the satisfaction level of the customers. Apart from empowering an organisation to implement sound quality management practices, the ISO 9001 also helps it access more international trade opportunities due to its status as the most recognised standard for QMS in at least 188 countries.
From enhancing the processes of production to insisting suppliers adopt quality practices, there are many benefits rendered by ISO 9001 certification, proving it to be the ultimate tool for quality assurance. Let’s look further into why certification benefits businesses.
Brings an Organisational Change towards Quality Management
The implementation of the QMS, according to the ISO 9001 requirements, brings an organisation-wide change due to improvement of processes, efficient using of resources, training of staff for quality control practices, and setting up of strong quality commitments or goals. The QMS also has to be continuously monitored by the top management of the organisation to ensure that the quality objectives are met. Also, a well-structured QMS will incorporate enterprise risk management to enable the organisation to identify arbitrary risks in the processes and immediately eliminate them. Thus, it will provide an added assurance to businesses beyond just quality inspection and control.
Leads to Development of Strong Trust in the Customers
Adopting the QMS will help the business develop strong, trustworthy relationships with their customers. It helps the business supply their products/services by genuinely considering the needs of the customers. In other words, the ISO certification reassures the quality management efforts of the business and confirms that every product or service is in line with the interests of the customers. It develops confidence in the customers and ensures their satisfaction. Naturally, this will result in more sales, repeat orders, fewer complaints, and less refund claims.
Results in Sustainability in the Business
The implication of the QMS is far beyond quality assessment and quality improvement. An organisation that has implemented a QMS and achieved ISO certification will need to continue ensuring its compliance with the standard requirements. They need provisions for renewing the certification, and there should be periodic surveillance audits conducted on the QMS. This creates room for improvements in the quality assessment practices and further enhancement in the products or services. Continual improvements in the processes and products/services will directly drive the growth of the business. Sustainability in growth is ensured when the organisation operates with a QMS and maintains its compliance with the ISO 9001 standard.
Whether you own a small or large business, implemented a QMS that is compliant with the requirements of ISO 9001 certification will help you with your business. The ISO standard specifies all the efficient practices which will help you focus on quality management and customer satisfaction. So, from improving the quality of services/products to strengthening customer relationships, there are many benefits that ISO 9001 gives to businesses, proving it to be the best tool for businesses.
Damon Anderson is an ISO 9001 certification consultant who has helped numerous companies meet the mandatory requirements of the ISO 9001 standard and develop a practical QMS with training and resources. He is a blog writer on ISO compliance and mainly writes to guide organisations on ways to comply with the ISO 9001 requirements.
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