Today iso 9001 certification is undoubtedly of great value to your business. With the new 2008 issue of the ISO9001 standard being even more practical and user friendly than the improved 2000 issue and a metamorphosis from the original bureaucratic standard, it is at last receiving the recognition it deserves as a useful quality management system tool. It is now a requirement for ISO 9001 certification that the quality management system closely monitors process activities and implements actions for improvement.The ISO9001:2008 quality management system standard has changed so much from the original which was completely focused on documentation.
ISO 9001 quality management system certification is intended for any organization regardless of size, type or product including service.The standard requires you to aim to achieve Customer Satisfaction through implementation of your Quality Management System.The requirement to measure the effectiveness of your tasks and activities and taking action to improve is clearly defined in the ISO 9001 standard.
In order to achieve ISO 9001 certification an organization should have a “Documented quality management system”, and not a “system of documents”.The three main objectives of quality management system documentation should be for communication of information, evidence of conformity and knowledge sharing. Quality management system documents may be in any form or type of medium, and the definition of “document” in ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.7.2 gives paper, magnetic, electronic or optical computer disc, photograph and master sample as examples.
In order to achieve ISO 9001 certification of it’s quality management system an organization needs to address key elements of the standard..ISO 9001 section 4 dictates that the quality management system should include a % LINK2% and compulsory procedures for document and record control including external documents.
ISO 9001 Section 5 states the requirements for Management Responsibility including a documented Quality Policy, commitment to the quality management system, defined authority and the need for regular reviews.
Resources, training, infrastructure and work environment are key elements of Section 6 Resource Management.The ISO 9001 Product Realisation Section includes clauses for control of customer property, design and development, identification and traceability, calibration, planning, product preservation, production and purchasing.
Section 8 defines the quality management system requirements for Measurement, Monitoring and Improvement and includes sub-clauses internal audit, control of non-conforming product, corrective action and preventative action, all of which are compulsory procedures as defined by the standard.
ISO 9001:2008 refers specifically to only 6 documented procedures, however, other documentation may be required by an organisation in order to manage the processes that are necessary for the effective operation of the quality management system.In addition to the minimum document requirements the standard defines twenty one specific requirements for records. Documentation should not be restricted to the minimum quality management system requirements of the standard because documents like process flow charts, process descriptions, organization charts, specifications, work instructions, approved supplier lists and inspection plans can portray information in a simple and effective manner and aid in a due diligence defence.
There is no longer the need for extensive quality management system documentation to justify ISO 9001 certification.ISO 9001 certification should now be viewed as an opportunity for your quality management system to focus on your objectives, improve the efficiency of your business, the quality of your products, the service you provide and increase customer satisfaction.