What is ISO and why do I need it
ISO 9001 is one of a series of quality management system standards. It can help bring out the best in your organization by enabling you to understand your processes for delivering your products/services to your customers.
ISO 9001 is suitable for any organization looking to improve the way it is operated and managed, regardless of size or sector. However, the best returns from ISO90001 on investment come from those companies that are prepared to implement it throughout their organization rather than at particular sites, departments or divisions.
ISO 9001 is by far the world’s most established quality framework, currently being used by over ¾ million organizations in 161 countries, and sets the standard not only for quality management systems, but management systems in general.,SO 9001 really is THE standard.
It helps all kinds of organizations to succeed through improved customer satisfaction, staff motivation and continual improvement.
In addition, ISO 9001 is designed to be compatible with other management systems standards and specifications.
As PQQ, bid and tender writers we recognise the importance to SME of accreditation to the ISO 9001 system.
It’s a question that’s being asked more frequently in Pre-Qualifying Questionnaires, especially for public sector contracts. Even if most of your business comes from the private sector, having that ISO 9001 tick in the box goes a long way towards elevating your organisation to ‘preferred supplier’ status.
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised Quality Management Standard for all types of organisation. The emphasis is on managing your processes and continually improving the way you do things. It doesn’t require you to change any of your operating procedures or do anything that isn’t good practice. It simply asks you to “Say what you do, and do what you say”
What it means for your business
Having ISO 9001 demonstrates that your organisation is well managed, knows where it is going and has a plan to get there. Also, having a plan means you are far more likely to succeed.
ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised Environmental Management Standard and is recognised globally as being the most important of its type. It actively controls the way businesses manage their ‘footprint’ to protect the environment, prevent pollution and improve environmental performance.
OHSAS18001 sets out the requirements for an Occupational Health & Safety management system that enables organisations to control risk, protect employees’ health and improve business performance.
ISO 9001 is founded on the adoption of the eight Quality Management
principles that promote good business practice:
• Customer focus
• Leadership
• Involvement of people
• Documented processes
• Integrated systems
• Continual improvement
• A factual approach to decision making
• Mutually beneficial supplier relationships
If you think you need ISO 9001 certification just give us a call for a no obligation chat. We can provide ISO 9001 certiication across the UK and to any industry and specialise in the SME market.
ISO has developed over 18 000 International Standards on a variety of subjects and some 1100 new ISO standards are published every year. We can guide you through the ISO process and ensure that you meet certification criteria. As ISO experts we will make your ISO journey as painless as possible. Plus by using us your ISO certification will be delivered at an affordable price.
