ISO 9001 is an international standard for quality management systems (QMS). It provides a framework and a set of principles that help organisations ensure that their products and services consistently meet customer requirements while maintaining a commitment to continual improvement. ISO 9001 is applicable to any organisation, regardless of its size or the industry it operates in.
Key principles and requirements of ISO 9001 include:
Customer Focus
Organisations are required to understand and meet customer needs and expectations.
Leadership
Strong leadership and commitment from top management are essential for the effectiveness of the QMS.
Involvement of People
Involving and empowering employees is crucial for the success of the QMS.
Process Approach
Activities and related resources are managed as processes to achieve the desired outcomes more efficiently.
Systematic Approach to Management
Identifying, understanding, and managing interrelated processes as a system contributes to the organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency in achieving its objectives.
Factual Approach to Decision Making
Decisions are based on the analysis and evaluation of data and information.
Mutually Beneficial Supplier Relationships
Organisations are encouraged to establish mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.
Continual Improvement
Regularly reviewing and improving the QMS ensures that the organisation is constantly enhancing its performance.
Achieving ISO 9001 certification involves a thorough assessment of an organisation’s quality management system by an accredited certification body. Once certified, organisations are required to continually monitor and improve their processes to maintain compliance with the standard.
ISO 9001 is widely recognised and implemented across various industries globally, providing a common language and framework for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
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