Introduction of ISO 9000 Quality Management System

    An ISO 9001 certificate is not a once-and-for-all award, but must be renewed at regular intervals recommended by the certification body, usually once every three years. There are no grades of competence within ISO 9001: either a company is certified (meaning that it is committed to the method and model of quality management described in the standard) or it is not. In this respect, ISO 9001 certification contrasts with measurement-based quality systems such as the Capability Maturity Model.

    As the purpose of the standard implies, companies should want to implement the ISO 9000 standard to improve their effectiveness and increase customer satisfaction. Improved system effectiveness and customer satisfaction typically result in greater profitability through gains in efficiency and increased sales from happy customers.

    Some of these benefits can be obtained by implementing and complying with the ISO 9000 standard without going through the registration process. There are some benefits to be expected from registration however. Often times, when companies implement a new system, it becomes their current item of interest and soon fades with the concerns and pressures of business. It is very difficult at times to maintain interest and support for a system over a long term.

    The certification or registration process includes regular visits by the registrar to ensure the system is maintained. Also, the outside perspective of the auditors can be of benefit as well. A system developed and implemented internally may fall short in some areas through no fault of the personnel involved. The objective perspective of an auditor may strengthen the system in weak areas and provide the organization with additional benefit. Implementing your ISO 9001 system represents a major effort. Some things will go rapidly, some will be frustratingly slow. It is essential that you get Top Management and all key personnel on board and not let the effort stall. It is usually harder to get the effort restarted than it was to get started in the first place.