The ISO (International Organization for Standardization), is an independent, nongovernmental international organization that creates standards to guarantee the safety, quality, and efficiency products, services, systems, and other related items. Technology is constantly evolving, so new standards are created and implemented by all levels of the global industry that goes through standardization.
ISO 9000 2015, the most recent edition of a group of standards, describes fundamental concepts and principles in quality management that can be applied to any organization seeking success with their management system and supply chain logistics. The ISO 9001 standard is just one element in the ISO 9000 grouping. Certifications can bring many benefits to manufacturers.
What Is ISO 9001 Certification?
ISO 9001 refers to a single measure within the ISO 9000 standards. This standard specifies the requirements for a QMS (quality management system) when an organization needs demonstrate its ability consistently to meet customer expectations.
This standard describes a specific set or regulations. They are divided into a number of clauses. ISO 9001 is a standard for manufacturing quality management. It requires detailed processes and implements gap analysis and internal auditors. All requirements in ISO 9001:2015 can be used by any organization, no matter how large or small or what products or services they provide. Your manufacturing company will be certified ISO 9001, which could provide you with significant advantages over your non-certified counterparts.
What are the Benefits of ISO 9001 Certification?
Although ISO 9001 certification has many advantages, here are five major benefits that ISO certification can offer manufacturers.
#1: Boost Productivity and Employee Performance
Engaged employees will be more motivated to implement processes that help to quickly identify and solve problems. You can also keep your employees focused with consistent process audits using ISO 9001. This will give you critical feedback if your processes diverge from the established standards.
#2: Define Quality Control Processes for Your Company
The foundation of ISO 9001 certification includes defining quality control responsibilities and establishing business processes. Equally important is communicating those requirements to employees. Effective communication between employees and management is what motivates 85% of them. The ISO certification requirements will provide key performance metrics like on-time delivery and throughput as well as overall equipment effectiveness to accurately reflect the system’s performance. These metrics will enable you to make informed decisions that will improve the growth and profitability of your company.
#3: Reduce waste, improve efficiency
ISO 9001 training means you have to implement a continuous improvement strategy. This will ensure that you are constantly looking for ways in which to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase productivity. This will enable you to first identify areas where waste is occurring and then to take preventative actions to avoid such situations. Using ISO 9001 will streamline manufacturing operations so that every moving part can be used efficiently.
#4: Deliver a better customer experience
ISO 9001 certification ensures a better customer experience. It not only identifies key priorities for customers but also outlines processes to further optimize those priorities based upon customer expectations and needs. Quality products result in fewer customer complaints and happier customers. Customers will come back to you if you provide a better customer experience. This is the secret to success for today’s top manufacturers. Your customer will be more loyal if you produce a product with less waste and lower costs.
#5: Increase confidence and profitability in your manufacturing company
A ISO 9001 certificate shows customers and other stakeholders that your manufacturing enterprise is capable of delivering high-quality products, which meet all industry standards and are delivered on schedule. This is important for your business because your products must reflect the steps taken to build trust and consistency in a global manufacturing environment. A ISO 9001 certification ensures your business has all the resources, tools, and equipment needed to produce your product.
How does ISO Certification help SMMs with Quality Control?
Being a SMM means you have an effective management process to oversee the production process. It allows for continuous improvement. Additionally, it may point out any problems in your production. This will allow you to address them immediately and not wait until they affect your budget or bottom line.
SMMs are required to obtain an ISO certificate because it allows them to achieve growth, profitability, cost savings, and increased productivity. You can reduce waste and increase efficiency in your workforce. This will also allow you to establish QMS standards and improve customer satisfaction.
How to become ISO 9001 Certified
ISO certification cannot be obtained by individuals; only organizations and businesses can. Also, ISO does not provide certifications; they can only be granted by third-party organizations. However, the ISO does have an Committee on Conformity Assessment (CASCO), which manages the certification process’ qualifications.
You should evaluate several agencies before choosing the certification body that is right for you. Consider whether the agency uses the latest standards and is accredited. The time required to obtain certification training depends on many factors including the organization’s level of preparation, its size, and complexity. Most people will receive their certification in three to six month.
