Most people seem to
be primarily interested in how to get ISO 9001 certification - the quicker the
better. Before we explain how small and mid-size companies can achieve ISO 9001
certification easily and inexpensively, we would like to point out that the ISO
9001 implementation and certification process itself will provide numerous
valuable benefits. Ideally you should begin your ISO 9001 implementation when
you first start up your company.
First step, you should make yourself familiar with the ISO
9001:2008 standard and its requirements. You can hire a consultant to
implement if required. We found that ISO 9001 consultants can be of great help,
and they can also cause great damage, depending on the ISO 9000 consultant and
depending on how you use them. Good ISO 9001 consultants can add value as
trainers. It may be beneficial if an expert in ISO 9001 requirements is used to
train the ISO 9001 Management Representative, or to “sell” the benefits of ISO
9001 certification to top management.
Second Step, Developing the ISO 9001 documentation is a
significant part of any ISO 9001 implementation process. The ISO 9001 standard
contains specific requirements on the nature and content of several documents. The
required documents are: a quality manual, quality procedures, a quality policy
and quality objectives; in addition, ISO 9001 requires work instructions that
provide detailed guidelines to employees on how to perform their work.
Third Step, Once the company has completed all ISO 9001
documentation (including the all-important quality manual and quality
procedures), the company may apply for ISO 9001 certification. The
certification is issued by an independent and accredited ISO 9001 registrar.
There are many such ISO 9001 registrars, so you can choose the one that fits
your company's circumstances the best. We recommend that you choose your ISO
9001 registrar early during the ISO 9001 implementation process as some
registrars offer free support materials that help you implement ISO 9001.
Fourth Step, Perform one complete internal ISO 9001 audit. Such
an internal audit is performed internally by one or more company employees who
verify that their company in fact follows the requirements described in the ISO
9001 documentation. Your company needs to have a track record of operating
according to ISO 9001 requirements; most registrars require about 2 months of
track record.
Fifth Step, Once the above requirements are fulfilled, an
accredited ISO 9001 registrar will have an auditor (or a team of auditors)
perform two audits.
Contact
us for ISO 9001 Certification: 09654656507, 9718380800