ISO 9001: Things to Know About Quality Management System

Business organisations worldwide have largely embraced ISO 9001, an international standard for quality management systems (QMS). The standard offers enterprises a framework for enhancing customer happiness, operational excellence, and achieving corporate goals. While many people are familiar with the ISO 9001 standard, some interesting facts are lesser known. 

This article will explore some of these interesting facts about ISO 9001 ISO standard.

ISO 9001 Is the Most Popular Management Standard in the World

ISO 9001 is the most popular management standard in the world, with over 1.1 million organisations certified to the standard. This demonstrates how crucial quality management systems are in the modern business climate.

ISO 9001 Is Not Just for Manufacturing Companies

While many people associate ISO 9001 with manufacturing companies, the standard applies to all organisations, including service providers, government agencies, and non-profit organisations. Any organisation that wants to improve its operations and enhance customer satisfaction can benefit from implementing ISO 9001.

ISO 9001 Is Based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle

ISO 9001 is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, a continuous improvement model. The PDCA cycle consists of four stages: Plan, Do, Check, and Act. The Plan stage involves identifying objectives and planning how to achieve them. The Do stage involves implementing the plan. The Check stage involves monitoring and measuring the results. The Act stage involves making improvements based on the results.

ISO 9001 Emphasises Customer Satisfaction

ISO 9001 places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. The standard requires organisations to understand their customers’ needs and expectations and strive to exceed those expectations. By focusing on customer satisfaction, organisations can improve their reputation, increase customer loyalty, and ultimately increase their bottom line.

ISO 9001 Certification Is Valid for Three Years

ISO 9001 certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. During this period, the certified organisation is subject to surveillance audits to meet the standard’s requirements. After three years, the organisation must undergo a recertification audit to maintain its certification.

ISO 9001 Certification Is Not Mandatory

While ISO 9001 ISO certification is highly recommended for organisations that want to improve their operations and enhance customer satisfaction, it is not mandatory. Organisations can implement the ISO 9001 standard without seeking certification. However, certification provides third-party verification that the organisation meets the requirements of the standard, which can be beneficial for marketing and reputation purposes.

ISO 9001 Is a Generic Standard

No matter the firm’s size, sector, or location, ISO 9001 can be used to improve operations. The standard offers a versatile framework that may be tailored to satisfy any organisation’s unique requirements.

ISO 9001 is Part of the ISO 9000 Family

The ISO 9000 family of standards, which also contains some other quality management-related standards, includes ISO 9001. These standards include ISO 9000, which offers a summary of the terms and concepts used in quality management, and ISO 9004, which offers instructions for putting a quality management system into place.

ISO 9001 is Used by Governments and Regulators

Governments and regulators worldwide use ISO 9001 to ensure that organisations meet certain quality standards. For example, the European Union requires that medical device manufacturers be certified to ISO 9001 to sell their products in the EU. In addition, ISO 9001 is often used as a requirement for bidding on government contracts.

ISO 9001 Has Been in Existence for Over 30 Years

ISO 9001 was first published in 1987 and has been revised several times. The most recent revision, ISO 9001:2015, was published in 2015 and introduced several new requirements, including a stronger emphasis on leadership and risk management.

Conclusion 

ISO 9001 is a widely recognized and implemented standard that delivers a framework for organisations to improve operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve business objectives. While many people are familiar with the standard, some interesting facts are lesser known. The facts outlined in this article demonstrate the importance and versatility of ISO 9001 and its impact on organisations worldwide.

ISO 9001 Consultants is Australia’s leading ISO standards consulting organisation. As ISO consultants, we are specialists in developing and implementing management systems aligned with international standards in Australia. Submit a request for your preparation for an ISO 9001 certificate today!