ISO 9001 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT YOUR CURRENT QMS

Most business at some point will get to a stage in their business lifecycle where they need answers to the following questions:
1

Are we doing it right?

2

Can we keep on doing it right?

3

Are we doing it the best way?

4

Is it the right thing to do?

When these questions are being asked it is the ideal time to consider implementing ISO 9001

ISO 9001 SUMMARIZED INTO A SINGLE REQUIREMENT

*The organization shall determine what it needs to do to satisfy its customers, establish a system to accomplish its objectives and measure, review and continually improve its performance.

The main clauses, with their requirements, are not based on wishlist/ theoretical applications, but reflect sound business principles that are often already addressed to a degree in any successful organization.

If the requirements of ISO 9001 were summarized into five requirements, they would be:

INTERESTED IN A ISO 9001 CERTIFICATION?

    Determine the needs and expectations of customers and other interested parties.

    Establish policies, objectives and a work environment necessary to motivate the organisation to satisfy these needs.

    Design, resource and manage a system of interconnected processes necessary to implement the policy and attain the objectives.

    Measure and analyse the adequacy, efficiency and effectiveness of each process in fulfilling its purpose and objectives.

    Pursue the continual improvement of the system from an objective evaluation of its performance.

    David Hoyle ISO 9000 Quality Management Systems Handbook

    BENEFITS OF ISO 9001

    Implementing ISO 9001 is not just about addressing all the ISO clauses but a well-managed system which will significantly contribute to:

    Consistent service/product delivery

    The reduction of rework, deviations and customer complaints

    The control of work processes

    Improved customer satisfaction

    Improved record keeping

    Continual improvement becomes measurable

    Registration provides credibility and international recognition

    Enabling knowledge retention within the organization

    Contributing to business continuity

    The QMS aids in managing operational risks

    INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTANCE

    There are numerous reasons why the ISO 9001 quality management principles are implemented in more than 170 countries worldwide and why clients often require an organization to be certified as meeting the ISO 9001 requirements. It is not a one size fits all solution.

    ISO 9001 does not prescribe how specific tasks must be performed (affording each organization the opportunity to establish their own ideal operating conditions) but states principles and criteria that must be addressed in order to provide a consistent service or product. ISO 9001 consist of seven main clauses with several sub clauses.

    5 EASY STEPS TO YOUR ISO 9001 CERTIFICATION

    Effective Quality Solutions focus is to provide simplified, user-friendly quality management systems (QMS). This is based on the philosophy that “you don’t change your business to accommodate ISO requirements, but rather integrate ISO 9001 into your current business model”.

    In doing so, the standard’s requirements enhances your business model and shifts your company’s focus to quality and effectiveness.

    INTERESTED IN A ISO 9001 CERTIFICATION?

      STEP 1 - DEFINE THE SCOPE OF QMS

      The organization must define their scope of business; identify interested parties and issues impacting the business. Then establish the core business processes and operational risks that must be managed.

      STEP 2 - FORMULATE YOUR QMS

      Document the controls and steps that must be followed by the organization’s staff to ensure consistent product/service delivery.

      STEP 3 - IMPLEMENT AND EVALUATE

      The documented QMS must be implemented in the work place and internal audits performed to confirm that the QMS is effectively implemented and entrenched.

      STEP 4 - PASS THE CERTIFICATION AUDIT

      Demonstrate to an accredited independent external certification body that your QMS is entrenched, functioning effectively and meeting the ISO 9001 requirements.

      STEP 5 - MAINTAIN YOUR CERTIFIED QMS

      Maintain and improve your QMS on an ongoing basis.