ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for the certification of Quality Management Systems for businesses. It applies to the processes that create and control the products and services in an organisation.

It prescribes systematic control of activities to ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are met. It is designed and intended to apply to virtually any product or service, made by any process, anywhere in the world.

Implementing a Quality Management System has been shown to motivate staff by defining their key roles and responsibilities, and to improve efficiency and productivity thus producing cost savings. Product or service deficiencies will be highlighted and, from which, system and control improvements can be developed resulting in less waste, lower levels of inappropriate or rejected work and fewer customer complaints. Existing customers gain confidence and will soon realize that orders are met consistently on time and to the correct specification. New customers will place initial orders with confidence. This can open up the marketplace to increased opportunities and company growth.

In almost all cases, companies seek to have their system independently assessed. This enhances the credibility of any system.

• Registration to ISO 9001 by an accredited certification body such as Velosi shows a commitment to quality, to customers, and a willingness to work towards improving efficiency levels.
• It demonstrates the existence of an effective quality management system that satisfies the rigors of an independent external audit.
• An ISO 9001 certificate enhances company image in the eyes of customers, employees and shareholders alike.
• It also gives a competitive edge to an organization’s marketing.

The implementation of a system takes time and commitment from senior management and has several key steps in the process, which include:

• Identify the requirements of ISO 9001 and how they apply to the business involved.
• Establish quality objectives and how they fit in to the operation of the business.
• Produce a documented quality policy indicating how these requirements are satisfied.
• Communicate the quality objectives throughout the organisation.
• Evaluate the quality policy, its stated objectives and then prioritize requirements to ensure they are met.
• Identify the boundaries of the management system and produce documented procedures as required.
• Ensure these procedures are suitable and adhered to.
• Once developed, internal audits are needed to ensure the system carries on working.

Download Service Leaflet