Are you interested in obtaining the ISO 9001 certification but are unsure how?
If so, you’re in the right place! The ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) is the International Standard for Quality Management Systems and one of the most popular management tools across the world.
This management system aims to simplify the processes within your business, reduce errors and improve internal communications. But, how do you become ISO 9001 certified? Read our blog to find out!
A Brief Overview of the ISO 9001 Certification
Obtaining the ISO 9001 certification allows you to demonstrate to others that your company provides high-quality services and prioritises customer satisfaction.
In order to achieve the ISO 9001 certification, your business must:
- Implement a quality management system that meets ISO 9001 standards
- Verify its effectiveness through internal audits
- Successfully complete a certification audit by an external registrar
The ISO 9001 certification isn’t a legal requirement; however, whether or not your business would benefit from this certification depends on the industry you work in, business goals and customer requirements.
For example, being ISO-certified offers a wide range of benefits for the following sectors:
- IT services
- Hospitality
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing or engineering firms
So, how do you go about becoming ISO 9001 certified? Keep reading to find out!
How to Become ISO 9001 Certified
The ISO 9001 certification can help businesses to improve quality and customer satisfaction. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can become ISO certified:
Step 1 - Research ISO 9001
The first step to becoming ISO certified is to do your research so you have a thorough understanding of what you are applying for.
This certification is a quality management system (QMS), which helps businesses meet customer expectations and improves efficiency.
Step 2 - Develop a Quality Management System
The second step is to develop a QMS system. In order to meet ISO 9001 requirements, you must document and implement key business processes that focus on:
- Customer satisfaction
- Risk management
- Performance monitoring
- Continuous improvement
Step 3 - Train Employees and Apply Changes
Once you have your QMS in place, you will then need to educate your team on the new processes. Make sure that everyone has a thorough understanding of the ISO 9001 certification.
Step 4 - Complete an Internal Audit
Before you apply for this certification, you must review and evaluate your QMS. Make sure to:
- Perform an internal audit to check for compliance
- Identify and fix any non-conformities or areas for improvement
This ensures that your system is fully prepared for an external audit.
Step 5 - Get Certified by an External Auditor
Finally, choose an accredited certification body to conduct your official audit. The auditor will review your QMS, documentation, and business operations and if you pass, you will receive your ISO 9001 certification, which is valid for three years.
However, if the accredited certification body finds any issues, you will need to correct them before certification is granted.
So, there you have it, a step-by-step guide to becoming ISO 9001 certified.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming ISO 9001 Certified?
There are many benefits to obtaining this certification, such as:
- It can improve the efficiency and productivity of your business
- It can increase your sales and profit margins
- It can attract new clients
- It can help you to stand out from your competition
As you can see, there are many benefits to obtaining this certification and it can potentially contribute to the growth of your business.
Become ISO 9001 Certified With BeaconBMS
Here at BeaconBMS, we understand that the ISO Accreditation process can be extremely time-consuming, which is why we want to remove the paperwork and hassle so you can continue doing what you do best - running your business.
Here are a few reasons why you should choose us to support you through the ISO Accreditation:
- Cost-effective - Our service is cost-effective and there are no hidden costs.
- Hassle-free – We will remove the bureaucracy and paperwork so the process is as straightforward as possible for you.
- Expert knowledge - Our consultants are not only experts in their fields but lead auditors, so you can rest assured that you get the framework that suits your business.
For more information on how to obtain the ISO 9001 certification or to speak to a member of our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 0151 647 8658. We are more than happy to help!