ISO 9001 Certification Updates
Founded in 1947, The International Organization for Standardization (IOS), based in Geneva, Switzerland, has created the world’s most recognized quality management system and standardization process known as the ISO 9001. Currently, there are over 29,000 organizations in the United States and 1.1 million organizations across 178 countries and economies that are ISO 9001 certified.
ISO 9001 promotes a competitive advantage through continuous process improvement and quality control. These standards are rigorously documented and provide requirements, specifications and guidelines, in order to ensure materials, products, processes and services work as intended.
Importance of Getting Certified
Many manufacturers question the importance of seeking ISO 9001 certification and wonder ? “What are the benefits?” ISO 9001 certification improves efficiency and ultimately improves customer relations for all operations through the use of a Quality Management System. According to research, 85% of certified organizations reported benefits including improved company perception, higher demand for products and services, and increased market share.
Manufacturers, both large and small, can benefit from achieving this credential, as obtaining ISO certification also:
- Lends credibility to your manufacturing company
- Ensures the safety and quality of your goods and services
- Demonstrates ability to meet expectations
- Meets legal and regulatory requirements
- Provides an efficient management process
- Sets out areas of responsibility across the organization
- Is mandatory for many potential clients
- Communicates a positive message to staff and customers
- Identifies and encourages more efficient and time saving processes
- Highlights deficiencies
- Provides continuous assessment and improvement
- Creates marketing opportunities
Certification Updates
The new set of standards help certified manufacturers become a more consistent competitor in the marketplace. Because ISO 9001 focuses on quality management, ISO 9001 certified manufacturers can effectively further attract and meet the needs of highly valued customers. Certification requirements for ISO 9001 change each year. In 2016, changes were made that manufacturing companies need to pay particular attention to:
- Top management engagement with ISO 9001 (Clause 5)
- Managing change (Clause 6)
- Performance and evaluation (Clause 7)
- Management review (Clause 9)
- A Risk-based approach (Clause 4)
Once ISO 9001 certification is successfully obtained, manufacturers can accurately focus on the quality throughout their organization. ISO 9001 forces manufacturers to examine every process and every product thoroughly. The ultimate goal for you, as a manufacturer, is to not only produce quality products and services, but to optimize your profitability. As more and more larger corporations are requiring ISO 9001, you do not want to limit your business opportunities.
Keep in mind, certification is administered and granted by external certifying bodies. They develop international standards, but do not grant certifications. Third-party certification bodies provide independent confirmation that organizations meet the requirements of ISO 9001.
If your manufacturing company is ISO 9001 certified or considering achieving this credential, let the professionals at NJMEP help guide your efforts
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