Let's not Forget the Benefits of ISO 9001...

Let's not Forget the Benefits of ISO 9001...

With all the talk about the 2008 changes in ISO 9001 being so minor that they don't add value, sometimes people start wondering if they offer any value besides paperwork.  The answer is a resounding YES, and here are just some of the benefits of implementing a QMS:

Increased Efficiency: The companies have done extensive researches on the processes they are following, how to maximize quality and efficiency before going through the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standards certification process. Once they achieve certification, the processes are established. There are guidelines which can be easily followed by anyone, making it easy to provide training, transitions and even for trouble shooting purpose.

Increased Revenue: It has been observed that ISO QMS certified companies have showed improvements in the field of productivity, financial performance as compared to the uncertified ones.

Employee Morale:  The staffs are more satisfied and motivated once there are defined roles and responsibilities, accountability of management, established training procedure and a well defined picture of how the roles of the employees affect quality and overall success of the company.
 International Recognition: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is recognized worldwide as the authority on quality management.

Factual Approach to Decision Making: The ISO 9001 QMS standard sets out clear instructions regarding audits and process reviews. This helps in information gathering and decision making based on data.

Supplier Relationships: ISO certification has been found beneficial regarding supplier relationships. The documentation and testing procedures helps to ensure the quality of the raw materials used for production purpose. This also helps in properly evaluating a new supplier before changing suppliers. There is procedure to check consistency with respect to how and where orders are placed.

Documentation: Since the ISO QMS standard requires proper documentation of all processes, and changes made, errors or discrepancies, it ensures consistency of the production procedure. The staffs are also more accountable. Documentation also guarantees that traceable records are available in case of non-compliant products or raw materials.

Consistency: Since all processes are documented, there is minimum scope of errors. Processes starting right from research and development, covering production, shipping are well documented. Even any small change in the process have to be documented ensuring that the changes are well planned and implemented in the best possible way to ensure maximum efficiency.

Customer Satisfaction: Companies can gain confidence of clients easily because the ISO is a universally acceptance standard. ISO 9001 QMS certification ensures efficiency, consistency and dedicated quality service by the companies thereby ensuring satisfaction of the customers.

Improvement Processes: The ISO 9001 QMS emphasizes on audit processes, management review and improved processes based on collected data. Based on facts and using a system of documentation and analysis, improvements are carefully planned and implemented. This ensures that the best decisions are made for your company.

So as we debate the significance of the revision, let's all focus on the overwhelming benefits of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and try to improve our processes.

Comments

[Stephen Nibebale Bemile]

Thank you very much.I had been looking for a number of clear benifits of ISO 9001 but this piece has made my day.

This helps me prepare for my MBA (Project Management) final exans in Total Quality Management for 3 July 2009

I would be vey grageful to join all discussions henceforth.

Please keep me posted.

Thank you

[Robert Jarquio]

It's really a good advocate not to forget the benefits of ISO 9001. Sad reality still that many organizations, at least here in the Philippines, are dropping their ISO certifications where cost is the primary concern. Apparently, ROIs are not realized upon gaining ISO certifications. But, as always, being ISO certified is more than just having that 'badge on the wall', that is, having a total approach to effectively manage the system where attainment of objectives and targets is the real motivation.

[Kofi Amponsah-Bediako]

This is a wonderful piece on QMS. It serves as a good introduction to ISO 9001 and should be sent to as many individuals and organisations as possible+.