ISO 9001

ISO 9001 sets out the criteria for a quality management system and is the only standard in the family that can be certified to (although this is not a requirement). It can be used by any organization, large or small, regardless of its field of activity. In fact ISO 9001 is implemented by over one million companies and organizations in over 170 countries.

Quality Management Principles

The standard is based on a number of quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach and continual improvement. These principles are explained in more detail in the pdf Quality Management Principles. Using ISO 9001:2008 helps ensure that customers get consistent, good quality products and services, which in turn brings many business benefits.

ISO 9001 Revision

ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems is under review and an updated version is expected by the end of 2015. All ISO standards are reviewed every 5 years to make sure they remain as helpful and relevant

Some of the benefits to your organisation:

• Provides senior management with an efficient management process
• Sets out areas of responsibility across the organisation
• Mandatory if you want to tender for some public sector work
• Communicates a positive message to staff and customers
• Identifies and encourages more efficient and time saving processes
• Highlights deficiencies
• Reduces your costs
• Provides continuous assessment and improvement
• Marketing opportunities

Some of the benefits to your customers:

• Improved quality and service
• Delivery on time
• Right first time attitude
• Fewer returned products and complaints
• Independent audit demonstrates commitment to quality