What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for the quality management of businesses. It applies to the processes that create and control the products and services an organisation supplies. It prescribes systematic control of activities to ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are met. It is designed and intended to apply to virtually any product or service, made by any process anywhere in the world.

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The benefits of implementing ISO 9001
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.

Why seek certification to ISO 9001?

• Registration to ISO 9001 by an accredited certification body shows committed to quality, customers, and a willingness to work towards improving efficiency.
• It demonstrates the existence of an effective quality management system that satisfies the rigours of an independent, external audit.
• An ISO 9001 certificate enhances company image in the eyes of customers, employees and shareholders alike.
• It also gives a competitive edge to an organisation's marketing.

How do you start to implement ISO 9001? What is involved?

• Identify the requirements of ISO 9001 and how they apply to the business involved.
• Establish quality objectives and how they fit in to the operation of the business.
• Produce a documented quality policy indicating how these requirements are satisfied.
• Communicate them throughout the organisation.
• Evaluate the quality policy, its stated objectives and then prioritise requirements to ensure they are met.
• Identify the boundaries of the management system and produce documented procedures as required.
• Ensure these procedures are suitable and adhered to.
• Once developed, internal audits are needed to ensure the system carries on working.

Assessment to ISO 9001

Once all the requirements of ISO 9001 have been met, it is time for an external audit. This should be carried out by a third party, accredited certification body. The chosen certification body will review the quality manuals and procedures. 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 observe the procedures and stated objectives and that appropriate records are kept.

After a 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.