The ISO 9001 quality management system brings with it many benefits and is as advantageous to smaller companies as it is to larger ones. ISO 9001 certification proves your organization has implemented the requirements of a highly regarded Quality Management System (QMS). Certification shows you’ve implemented key processes, identified and rectified areas in need of improvement, and continue to review and improve those processes. Regardless of the industry, you work in, and the number of people you employ, the benefits of ISO 9001 cannot be underestimated.
Not only will ISO 9001 quality management help you improve efficiency and productivity, but it can have a positive and lasting impact on customer relations. Here are just a few of the advantages of becoming ISO 9001 certified.
1. Suitable for all companies
It doesn’t matter whether your company employs one or a thousand people; any organization can benefit from ISO 9001 accreditation. Some smaller companies may think it’s not for the likes of them and is reserved only for the big players in their industry. In truth, smaller companies can benefit as much as larger businesses. Whatever products you produce or services you offer, you still have clients and customers who need to see your commitments to providing them with quality solutions. ISO 9001 certification is highly respected, and, becoming certified means, you’re better able to serve those who buy from you.
2. Better internal management
A company is only ever as good as its internal management. ISO 9001 certification forces you to take a closer look at how your operation is run, identifying areas of weakness and taking proactive steps to correct and improve them. Better internal management means things run much more smoothly, boosting efficiency, productivity, and staff morale.
3. Less wastage and non-conformance
An effective QMS can pinpoint areas where you generate the most waste and reduce or avoid it altogether. Because ISO 9001 certification enforces a strategy for continuous improvement, certified companies are continually innovating and on the lookout for ways to reduce wastage and improve efficiency. It also means spotting and correcting areas of non-conformance. That means personnel are better educated, people know where responsibilities lie, and processes are more clearly defined.
4. Increase in efficiency, productivity and profit
If you’ve streamlined your processes and created clearer communication structures, then it stands to reason that efficiency increases as a result. A robust QMS will help define roles and responsibilities within your organization, so staff are not wasting time on unnecessary bureaucracy or chasing down the wrong people for answers. A more productive workforce naturally means improved performance, so what’s not to love?
5. Improved customer satisfaction
When you become ISO 9001 certified and improve how your company functions, those benefits are immediately passed on to your customer base. A company that has become more productive can fulfil more orders and in a shorter amount of time, which is vital in an age where customers value speed as much as quality. Improve what you’re offering, and you’ll attract new customers and help retain the customers you already have. It’s a win-win situation.
6. Consistent outcomes
With more rigorous systems in place, you’re able to identify and fix problems fast, and hopefully, avoid a repeat of the mistake in the future. Nipping issues in the bud quickly improves consistency, whatever you produce or whatever services you provide. Customers value consistency and want to know they’ll get the same quality standards every time they buy from you.
7. Globally recognised standard
ISO 9001 certification is internationally recognized. It’s a highly valued and much-coveted asset and can build a higher level of trust between your organization, your customers. As we’re all living in an increasingly joined-up world, having that globally recognized standard can open doors in both internal and overseas markets.
8. Compatible with other ISO standards
ISO 9001 is part of the broader ISO 9000 ‘family’ of quality management standards. These were laid out by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) in 1987, and are not industry-specific, so organizations from any sector can adopt them. ISO 9001 certification is entirely compatible with other certificates within the series, so you don’t have to stop at one!
However large or small your company, gaining ISO 9001 certification benefits your business and the people who work in it. Don’t be put off by the complexities of getting your business ready. If you need advice and guidance, then get in touch with the expert team at CS East, and we can guide you through to full certification.