Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Implementing ISO 9001:2015 - Steps to Achieving Quality Certification
Introduction
There may be many reasons why companies desire to implement ISO 9001:2015 right away. The most recent edition to the ISO 9001 standard for quality management systems is ISO 9001:2015 which offers a framework for businesses to enhance the overall performance in terms of quality.
Some benefits of ISO 9001:2015 include the following −
Improved customer satisfaction − ISO 9001:2015 places a strong emphasis on satisfying customers' needs. By adhering to this standard, companies want to raise the quality of their goods and services, which will result in more satisfied and devoted customers.
Advantage in the marketplace − ISO 9001 certification may give businesses an edge. Working with accredited companies is preferred by many clients and business partners because it shows a dedication to excellence and ongoing development.
Process effectiveness and efficiency − ISO 9001:2015 places a strong emphasis on using process-based methods and identifying risks and opportunities. By putting the standard into practice, organizations can enhance productivity and cut costs while streamlining their operations and reducing errors.
The worldwide standard known as ISO 9001 outlines the ideal QMS (quality management system) principles. It includes seven guiding principles that support organizations' monitoring, regulation, and performance and service benchmarking efforts. Adopting a QMS is a difficult task that requires you to reconsider your company's operations and strategic objectives. However, there are many advantages, from expanding your business options to enhancing your capacity to provide high-quality goods and services.
How to Proceed with ISO 9001:2015
In case you are wondering how to go about the process, the following are the steps that are involved −
Become familiar with ISO 9001:2015
Recognize the specifications, tenets, and ideas of ISO 9001:2015, a guideline for quality management systems. The clause titles in ISO 9001:2015 are self-explanatory despite being written in formal language and including a lot of jargon, and with the aid of ISO 9000, you will be able to follow its main points. You must take this first action rather than depending on the Standard's general advice because ISO 9001's framework is adaptable enough to fit every type of organization. You can learn how to best match ISO 9001's criteria with your company's needs by acquiring information straight from the source.
Gap Analysis
For the certification process, you have to perform a gap analysis to compare the present processes used by your organization with those mandated by ISO 9001:2015. Create an action plan to address any issues that require improvement. Organizations examine the efficacy of their current procedures and determine what changes are required to achieve compliance through the process known as a gap analysis.
There are many tools available to assist organizations looking for guidance when creating a gap analysis. The ISO 9001 Gap Analysis Tool from IT Governance is made especially for people who are taking on the project for the first time. A concise, color-coded report on the overall status of ISO 9001 compliance is provided by the self-assessment tool.
Build a team for implementation
To apply the criteria of ISO 9001, the quality manager will require a team. Therefore, your organization must designate pertinent people from several business sectors to oversee the conversion to your QMS.
Create fresh roles and obligations
There should be personnel in charge of quality management duties such as audits, record upkeep, and management reviews in every area inside your company. These could be supervisors from your implementation team or additional employees to whom tasks have been assigned, depending on the size of your organization.
Establishing A Quality Management System (QMS)
Create a QMS that adheres to the ISO 9001:2015 specification − Processes, procedures, policies, and documentation should be part of this system and adhere to the standards. As a part of the entire process, you need to conduct internal audits to ensure that your QMS is being introduced and maintained correctly. You have to determine any non-conformities and rectify them with corrective action.
Conducting regular staff training − You need to regularly instruct your workers and include them Before implementing your QMS, provide the appropriate employees an introduction training session. This makes sure that everyone who uses the system knows how it functions and what is expected of them. Additionally, it offers you the chance to address any knowledge gaps that need more attention and respond to any queries that employees may have.
However, employee engagement shouldn't end here. To assist you in identifying areas for improvement, you should encourage personnel to voice any complaints they may have regarding the QMS. Additional awareness training, team evaluations, and specific feedback sessions should all be part of this.
You need to hold management reviews regularly − Along with other things, you need to hold regular management reviews to assess how well your QMS is performing. This entails going over audit findings, client comments, process performance, and improvement goal-setting.
Undertaking corrective measures to ensure things are on track − Corrective measures should be taken to address any non-conformities found during audits or management reviews. These steps ought to deal with the underlying causes of the problems and stop them from happening again.
You have to have external audits conducted − For the ISO 9001 certification, you need to choose a recognized certification organization to carry out your QMS's external audit. The certification authority will evaluate whether or not your company complies with ISO 9001:2015. It is a vital step in the entire certification process.
Decision for certification to be taken by certifying authority − The certification organization will consider the audit results before deciding regarding certification. If your company satisfies the standards, ISO 9001:2015 certification will be granted.
Surveillance Audits by the certification authority − The certification body will perform ongoing surveillance audits following certification to make sure the standard is being followed. These audits normally take place yearly or as specified.
Conclusion
It is obviously crucial to remember that depending on the size and complexity of your company, the particular stages and timelines may change. Working with a consultant with experience implementing ISO 9001 can speed things up and guarantee certification. We hope by following the steps mentioned above your business will be able to obtain the ISO 9001: 2015 certification.
49 Views
