Quality management is a central facet of many businesses, but not every company has proven their commitment to high standards with an ISO 9001 2015 certification. Often seen as the gold standard of quality management, the ISO 9001 2015 certification sets companies apart in their field – but exactly how can a business earn this noteworthy credential?
The process of attaining the ISO 9001 2015 certification begins with a comprehensive review and upgrade of your company’s Quality Management System (QMS) to meet the stringent stipulations of the standard. An external audit conducted by an accredited certification body is the final determinant. They’ll conduct a two-stage audit, a preliminary examination followed by a more in-depth review. After a successful review, the ISO 9001 2015 certification is awarded.
- Begin with understanding the ISO 9001:2015 standards and requirements.
- Perform a gap analysis to identify what procedures and processes need improvement.
- Develop and implement a quality management system compliant with ISO 9001:2015.
- Prepare for the certification audit by collecting and reviewing necessary documents.
- Contact an accredited certification body to conduct the audit. If successful, certification is granted.
The Journey Towards ISO 9001 2015 Certification
Grasping the ISO 9001 2015 Certification route can appear daunting at first glance, but when dissected into stages, it becomes achievable. Whether you’re a business owner or a quality management professional, understanding the certification process is crucial. This article breaks down the process into digestible parts and provides a roadmap for your ISO 9001 2015 Certification journey.
Understanding the ISO 9001 2015 Standard
The first step towards ISO 9001 2015 Certification involves understanding the standard itself. ISO 9001:2015 is globally recognized as the benchmark for quality management systems. The standard emphasizes a process-oriented approach to documenting and reviewing the structure, prerequisites, and effectiveness of a company’s internal processes, emphasizing continual improvement.
It focuses on the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle to achieve consistent results and continual improvement. In the planning phase, you set objectives and processes required to deliver the expected results. In the ‘do’ phase, you implement the processes. The ‘check’ stage involves monitoring and reviewing your processes against the set policy, objectives, and key performance indicators, and reporting the results. Lastly, ‘act’ phase refers to taking corrective actions based on the results of the ‘check’ phase to achieve continual improvement.
Being proficient in the standard and its clauses is a prerequisite to building an effective quality management system (QMS). Every company aspiring to achieve ISO 9001 2015 Certification should familiarize itself with the standard’s requirements and its relevance to its operations. This is essential not just for certification but for the organization’s desire to enhance customer satisfaction and ensure continual improvement.
Building your Quality Management System
The second critical step to achieving ISO 9001 2015 Certification is implementing a quality management system (QMS) in line with the ISO 9001:2015 standard requirements. The QMS is a set of interrelated or interacting processes utilized to achieve specified objectives. Creating a QMS involves defining the organization’s context, determining customer requirements, establishing policies and objectives, mapping processes, and implementing risk-based thinking.
Internal Audit and Management Review
The two notable steps in the ISO 9001 2015 Certification journey are conducting an internal audit and holding a management review meeting. The internal audit is aimed at evaluating the QMS against the ISO 9001:2015 standards. It is a crucial self-check mechanism that aids in uncovering gaps or non-conformities in the QMS. Post the internal audit, a comprehensive review by top management is conducted. This management review is a crucial step to evaluate the QMS’s effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
Realizing the ISO 9001 2015 Certification Goal
The journey of acquiring ISO 9001 2015 Certification is a testament to an organization’s commitment towards quality. Realizing this goal by smoothly navigating the certification stages will not only set your organization apart in the marketplace but also instill a culture of continuous improvement. Let’s delve deeper into the final stages of this journey.
Third-party Audit
Once the management reviews the QMS and all necessary improvements have been implemented, you are ready for the next step – third-party audits. These audits are conducted by external certification bodies to evaluate your QMS against ISO 9001:2015 requirements. This auditing process is often divided into two stages: Stage 1, which evaluates preparation readiness for the next stage, and Stage 2, which is the certification audit. Successful completion of these audits brings the organization one step closer to ISO 9001 certification.
Achieving and Maintaining ISO 9001:2015 Certification
An organization successfully achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification showcases its commitment to meet internationally recognized QMS standards. However, this is not the endpoint. The standard encourages a philosophy of continuous improvement, which becomes part of the organization’s culture. Regular audits are necessary to ensure conformity to the standard and maintain certification.
Taking the steps towards ISO 9001 2015 Certification marks an organization’s dedication to building a culture of quality and continuous improvement. Understanding the process, investing time and effort, and embracing the standard’s values can propel your organization on a journey of continuous growth. Incorporate ISO 9001 2015 into your work culture, and experience customer satisfaction and operational excellence at its best.
Steps for Achieving ISO 9001:2015 Certification
Obtaining ISO 9001:2015 certification requires following a series of systematic steps. Initially, a company needs to understand the ISO 9001:2015 requirements which necessitates the comprehension of the standard’s clause sequence, terminology, and intent.
Subsequently, the establishment of a comprehensive quality management system is critical. It’s valuable to engage employees at all levels when designing the system to ensure compliance with ISO 9001. Training and workshops can effectively communicate the changes and participation benefits to all staff members.
| Decision Making | Recognize the need for certification and commit to process |
| Understanding Standards | Comprehend the ISO 9001:2015 requirements |
| System Design | Create a robust quality management system |
| Training & Implementation | Train staff and implement the system |
| Audit | Undergo an external audit |
| Certification | Receive ISO 9001:2015 certificate |
After being compliant with ISO 9001:2015, the organization should undergo an external audit from a Certification Body. If the audit is successful, the organization will be granted ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Obtaining an ISO 9001:2015 certification can be a daunting task. Here, we have answered some common questions that could guide you in your pursuit of this certification.
1. Why should businesses consider becoming ISO 9001:2015 certified?
ISO 9001:2015 certification is globally recognized and depicts a business’s commitment to implementing and maintaining top-notch quality management systems. This achievement can bolster a business’s reputation, making it an attractive choice for clients and consumers alike.
On an operational level, adherence to ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems prompts consistent improvement in processes, which leads to improved efficiency and productivity. Adopting this standard can also assist companies in meeting regulatory requirements.
2. What are the stages to get an ISO 9001:2015 certification?
To obtain ISO 9001:2015 certification, the first step is understanding the requirements of the standard. This can be achieved through training or consulting relevant literature. The second stage involves the development and implementation of a quality management system that is compatible with ISO 9001:2015 standards.
Thereafter, the organization conducts an internal audit to verify that the implemented system complies with ISO 9001:2015. Certified external auditors must then conduct an independent audit. If the company passes this audit, it receives the ISO 9001:2015 certification.
3. Does ISO 9001:2015 certification require external audits?
Yes, external audits are an integral part of obtaining ISO 9001:2015 certification. These audits verify the conformance of your quality management system to ISO 9001:2015 requirements. They typically consist of a two-stage process.
In the first stage, the auditors review your quality management documentation. In the second stage, they conduct a full audit of your organization to ascertain that the actual operations align with your documented quality management system and the requirements of ISO 9001:2015.
4. How long does it take to get ISO 9001:2015 certification?
The duration required to obtain ISO 9001:2015 certification depends on various factors, including the size and complexity of your company, and your current quality management practices. Generally, a small organization might require three to six months, while a larger or more complex organization may take up to a year or more.
To expedite the process, a company can consider hiring an ISO consultant. They bring relevant experience and can guide an organization effectively through all the necessary stages, from understanding the requirements to successfully passing the certification audit.
5. Is ISO 9001:2015 certification valid indefinitely?
No, the ISO 9001:2015 certification isn’t valid indefinitely. After initial certification, there are surveillance audits, usually annually, conducted by external auditors to verify that the company is maintaining its quality management system in line with ISO 9001:2015 requirements.
The certification is generally valid for three years, after which a re-certification audit is required. If the organization still meets the ISO standards, it receives a new certificate. If the company fails to meet the requirements at any stage, it risks losing its certification.
Your Quick Guide to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System for Beginner
Obtaining the ISO 9001 2015 certification may seem challenging but with the right guidance and efforts, it becomes achievable. The process involves understanding the standard, performing a gap analysis, developing an implementation plan, executing the plan, conducting internal audits, and finally, undergoing a certification audit by an external party. This certification provides a robust and globally recognized framework that ensures consistent quality in products and services and enhances customer satisfaction.
Additionally, remember that achieving this certification is more than just a checkbox, it is about embracing quality management in all aspects of your business and consistently improving. It’s vital to ensure all personnel fully comprehend the importance and role they play in this quality management system. With continuous effort and commitment, not only you can obtain this prestigious certification but also create an environment of excellence in your organization.
