How to Get ISO 9001 Certification: A Complete Guide in 2024

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ISO 9001 is the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). This is the most widely used QMS standard in the world.

This Standard has over 1.1 million certificates issued to organizations in 178 countries. This is the most recognized standard in the world. This is one of the most widely used management tools in the world today.

ISO 9001 provides a flexible framework for businesses. This never states that a particular way of running a business is better than another way.

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The certificate however ensures that the business maintains quality system standards. This 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 provides a guideline with a set of principles to ensure a common-sense approach to the management of the organization to satisfy customers and other stakeholders consistently. In simple, ISO 9001 certification provides the basis for effective processes and people to deliver an effective product or service time after time.

Third-party certification bodies provide independent confirmation that organizations meet the requirements of ISO 9001. Let`s know more about ISO 9001 and how to get ISO 9001 certification.

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History of ISO 9001 Certification

ISO 9001 was first time published in 1987. It is handled and updated by ISO. Standards from BSI were proposed to ISO in 1979. Hence it is majorly based on BS 5750 standards.

But the history can be traced back to 1959. It is tracked back to the publication of the government of the US Department of Defence.

Large organizations that supplied government procurement agencies often had to comply with a variety of quality assurance requirements for each contract awarded. Eventually, industries adopted ISO 9000 instead of forcing contractors to adopt multiple requirements. 

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Reasons behind ISO 9001 Certification

The worldwide adoption of ISO 9001 may have been attributed to several factors. In the early days, the ISO 9001 requirements were intended to be used by procuring organizations as the basis of contractual arrangements with their suppliers.

This helped reduce the need for “supplier development by establishing basic requirements for a supplier to assure product quality.

The adoption of a single quality assurance requirement also leads to cost savings throughout the supply chain by reducing the administrative burden of maintaining multiple sets of quality manuals and procedures.

Many people linked the adoption of the certification to superior operational performance in the automotive industry while some linked it to better financial performance. It is also said that a higher stock market performance was observed with ISO adoption.

No direct links between ISO adoption and superior financial performance have been observed. However, many of the organisations have stated superior financial performance.

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Principles of ISO 9001 Certification

ISO 9001 is based on seven main principles. Here is the list of principles that are used for implementing ISO 9001.

Principle 1: Customer focus

Organizations depend solely on their customers. Hence it becomes essential to understand current and future customer needs. Organisations should meet customer requirements and strive to exceed customer expectations.

Principle 2: Leadership

Leaders establish unity of purpose and direction of the organization. They should create and maintain an internal environment in which people can become fully involved in achieving the organization’s objectives.

Principle 3: Engagement of people

People at all levels are the essence of an organization and their full involvement enables their abilities to be used for the organization’s benefit.

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Principle 4: Process approach

A desired result is achieved more efficiently when activities and related resources are managed as a process.

Principle 5: Improvement

Improvement of the organization’s overall performance should be a permanent objective of the organization.

Principle 6: Evidence-based decision making

Effective decisions are based on the analysis of data and information.

Principle 7: Relationship management

An organization and its external providers (suppliers, contractors, service providers) are interdependent and a mutually beneficial relationship enhances the ability of both to create value.

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Contents of ISO 9001 Certification

The major contents of ISO 9001 are scope, Normative references, Terms and definitions, Context of the organization, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance evaluation and continuous improvement.

The layout is based on Plan, do, check and act. But now it is more focused on risk-based thinking.

Before the certification body can issue or renew a certificate, the auditor must be satisfied that the company being assessed has implemented the requirements of some sections.

The standard no longer specifies that the organization shall issue and maintain documented procedures. However, ISO 9001:2015 requires the organization to document any other procedures required for its effective operation.

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Certification of ISO 9001 Standard

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) does not certify organisations itself. Numerous certification bodies exist, which audit organisations and upon success, issue ISO 9001 compliance certificates. An organization applying for ISO 9001 certification is audited based on an extensive sample.

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Auditing of ISO 9001 Certification

Two types of auditing are required to become registered to the standard: auditing by an external certification body (external audit) and audits by internal staff trained for this process (internal audits).

The aim is a continual process of review and assessment to verify that the system is working as it is supposed to, to find out where it can improve, and to correct or prevent identified problems.

It is considered healthier for internal auditors to audit outside their usual management line, to bring a degree of independence to their judgement.

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Advantages of ISO 9001 Certification

Proper quality management can improve business, often having a positive effect on investment, market share, sales growth, sales margins, competitive advantage, and avoidance of litigation.

The latest version brings in many benefits such as new business opportunities, risk analysis, repeat customers, and many others.

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 be.

ISO implementation can give customer satisfaction, reduce operating time, improve stakeholder relationships, improve risk management, increase business, and ensure quality and better operating efficiency.

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ISO 9001 Certification: FAQ

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