This certificate is a worldwide synonym for a company’s continuous improvement and care for its management systems. It applies to companies representing various industries, no matter their size, and helps them stand out among competition.
It is the ISO 9001 standard, which is the most common (and often underestimated) confirmation of skillful and conscious development of brand image on both domestic and international markets. Earning the ISO 9001 certificate usually serves as a solid foundation for company’s credible image, as well as a starting point for further changes and internal improvement of the quality management system. It also brings powerful benefits when it comes to economy, efficiency, work organisation and raising employees’ awareness when it comes to their daily duties.
ISO 9001 content – key aspects
Because of the frequent, dynamic changes in economic landscape and international markets, this standard is subject to regular updates. And although the modifications usually cover only the structure and form of the document itself, it is recommended to stay watchful and check the implemented changes before each audit. The current ISO 9001:2015 standard is an update of the former one from 2008 – which shows that the modifications are not that frequent, but they aim to address the changing standards and help set new paths and implement good practices. The current version focuses on customers’ needs and risk management, which motivates companies to take direct action to improve on both of those fields.
What is ISO 9001 certificate and why is it so important for business?
Thanks to its versatility, the ISO 9001 standard can be implemented in many types of business: among producers, service providers, and non-profit organisations – no matter the size of the company and the sector it operates in. Such a wide range of certified entities is significant for the document’s content, whose versatility makes it applicable to businesses of diverse trades. On the other hand, it complicates the managers’ task to establish direct actions aimed at improving the company’s operation. The implementation of ISO 9001 often leads to applying extensive changes in the daily functioning of the enterprise – but also brings tangible benefits.
Business development and ISO 9001 implementation
ISO 9001 certification is a globally recognised mark and the most valued method of objective confirmation of a company’s compliance with established requirements. It creates an image of a credible and reliable business partner, which gives you a chance to stand out among the competitors. Apart from a boost in your partners’ confidence and the chance to create a long-lasting cooperation based on mutual respect, the implementation of ISO 9001 also brings about a number of advantages on the operational level of the company. Developing standards of conduct will not only facilitate the training of new employees, but will also have a positive impact on the observance of the procedures and the repeatability of the results of daily actions.
Although changes usually require a certain effort, it’s time to stop reflecting about what ISO 9001 is and start acting. Proper training of employees guarantees their increasing commitment and transparency of their actions, which directly translates into quick problem solving and efficient information flow. The growing awareness of employees allows for their active operation within the maintainance and improvement of the standards set forth in ISO 9001 requirements.
ISO 9001:2015 in a company – can we adapt versatility to our needs?
Contrary to what is seems, the general rules applying to the requirements of the standard can be easily transformed into an asset by adjusting the existing resources to the requirements. Controlling the different areas of the company allows for their continuous improvement and identification of points to be amended, which in consequence leads to building a competetive offer supported by open, customer-oriented attitude. It is difficult to spot precise indications in the content of the standard, and the time spent on reflecting on what ISO 9001 is would be better spent on adjusting your own tools and experience to the achievement of the established goals.
Over the years, the standard has become an international benchmark, serving as a confirmation of a company’s reliability and continuous pursuit of improvement for its international business partners. ISO 9001 may be the most common standard, yet still a significant one, which stands for commitment, dedication and attention to quality. We at Alingua believe that the first certification is a starting point for further reflections on the directions of the company’s growth and exploration of the desired values. Furthermore, we didn’t stop at ISO 9001 – as a reliable and stable business partner, we strive above all to address our customers’ expectations and build relations based on mutual trust.