QUALITY MANAGEMENT
ISO 9001:2015 is the International Standard
for Quality Management Systems.
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It is the most widely used QMS standard in the world, with over 1.1 million certificates issued to organizations in 178 countries. ISO 9001 provides a framework and set of principles that ensure a common-sense approach to the management of your organization to consistently satisfy customers and other stakeholders. In simple terms, ISO 9001 certification provides the basis for effective processes and effective people to deliver an effective product or service time after time.
The key to any successful business is strong quality control. If you want your operation to thrive, your potential consumer base must be confident that the goods or services you offer meet or exceed expected standards. ISO 9001 is a quick and easy way for potential consumers to see if your company has put the time and effort into making sure your product or service is the best it can possibly be.
The standard follows the common structure provided by Annex SL. ISO 9001:2015 is more compatible with other management systems, such as ISO 14001, making it more effective and efficient to integrate management systems.
ISO 9001 has seen a 3.5% increase in worldwide certificates in 2020, showing the growth and importance of UKAS accredited certification in recent times. Statistics straight from the most recent ISO Survey.
Looking to implement an ISO 9001 management system? Not sure where to start? Take a look at our ISO 9001 Implementation Guide here.
One benefit of the ISO 9001 certification is that it is a flexible framework. It doesn’t tell a potential consumer that one way of running a business is better than any other; instead, certification verifies that a particular business meets ISO 9001’s quality management system standards. It also verifies that their method of manufacturing a product or providing a service has been designed to ensure a high-quality outcome for the customer.
ISO 9001 sets the international standard for companies looking for ways to meet or exceed quality control metrics. At the same time, it helps consumers distinguish between companies, allowing them to make educated choices when choosing a vendor. It does this by identifying best practices for each industry, standardizing those practices and promoting adherence to those practices.
Deliver products that consistently meet customer requirements and a service that is dependable and can be relied on.
Continual improvement of processes and resulting operational efficiencies mean money saved.
Improve the perception of your organization with staff, customers and suppliers.
Understand how statutory and regulatory requirements impact your organization and its customers.
Greater consistency and traceability of products and services means problems are easier to avoid and rectify.
Independent verification against a globally recognized industry standard speaks volumes.
Understand how statutory and regulatory requirements impact your organization and its customers.
Any organization can benefit from achieving ISO 9001 certification and implementing ISO 9001:2015 as its requirements are underpinned by universal management principles:
The Annex SL structure provides a common language between ISO management systems that streamlines the path to compliance related certifications.
The focus on risk identifies areas of concern in advance and allows you to allocate resources where they are most needed.
The leadership requirement engages upper-level management and brings quality assurance more in line with overall business objectives.
The performance evaluation and self-governance components can foster innovation and deliver enhanced value for stakeholders.
The emphasis on organizational context looks at quality management from a big-picture perspective.
Complete a Quote Request Form so we can understand you and your business. We will then use this to personally prepare a proposal for your certification and define what is known as your 'scope of assessment'.
We will then contact you to book your assessment with an NQA assessor. This consists of two mandatory visits that form the Initial Certification Audit. Please note that you must be able to demonstrate that your management system has been operational for a minimum of three months, has been subject to a management review and a full cycle of internal audits.
Following a successful two stage audit, a decision is made and if positive, your certification is issued by NQA. You will receive both a hard and soft copy of the certificate. Certification is valid for three years and maintained through surveillance audits (years one and two,) and a recertification audit in year three.
