A quality management plan (QMS) in turn is a recordable and documented set of processes and methodologies that ensure high-quality products or services. A QMS is designed to help you meet the expectations of customers and any government regulations.
The International Organization for Standardization established ISO as the international standard for quality assurance systems. ISO standards address all sorts of business issues.
ISO 9001 promotes a process approach for management. The standard examines over 20 processes. A company can guarantee that its products and services are high quality by following the guidelines.
Why does ISO 9001 Matter?
ISO standards are recognized around the world. They provide a uniform framework for quality management no matter where your company is situated. Working with an established set of practices makes it easier to do business with companies in other countries. Even if your company is purely domestic, you should be able to understand ISO 9001 requirements and how they might apply to your business.
A framework for quality control can make the process more efficient and clearer. A framework will help your company grow and improve efficiency. These improvements will inspire confidence among your customers and your board, as well.
The Seven Quality Management Principles
ISO 9001’s backbone is made up of seven quality management principles, (QMPs). These principles can help improve your organization’s QMS.
The principles listed below aren’t ranked. They are all equally valuable and important. However, their importance will vary according to the priorities of your particular organization.
- Customer Focus: The main focus of quality control is customer satisfaction.
- Leadership: Leaders from all levels set a common purpose and direction. This creates conditions where people can be involved in achieving the organization’s quality targets.
- Engagement: It is essential that all employees are competent, empowered, and motivated to ensure quality management.
- Process Approach: Business processes that work together as one system are more effective and efficient.
- Improvement: Successful organizations commit themselves continuously to improvement.
- Evidence-Based, Decision-Making: Decisions that focus on analysis and evaluation are more likely to produce the desired results.
- Relationship Management: A company must manage its relationships, such as with suppliers, to ensure that it is successful.
Do You Need ISO 9001 Certification
The ISO 9001 Standard is part of the ISO 9000 Family of Standards, which all concerning quality management. However, ISO 9001 is the only one that can be certified.
ISO 9001 certification is not mandatory. Auditing and certification costs can vary depending on the size and scope of your organization. Many organizations decide to be ISO 9001 certified due to the numerous benefits that it offers.
Your enterprise’s commitment to quality assurance is evident when it receives ISO compliance attestation from a certification body approved by ISO’s Committee on Conformity Assessment. It can help improve your brand and position you as a competitor to non-certified companies.
The certification also ensures your QMS works at its best, which means that your processes work efficiently and effectively. Your products and services will be able to meet the requirements of customers as well as those of regulatory agencies and statutory authorities. You could lose potential clients if you’re not certified.
