What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for quality management and its focus is to regulate processes that your company may already have in place to make quality improvements. There is a reason why ISO 9001 is the most popular ISO standard worldwide, and that is because it offers benefits such as creating the opportunity to win new business and improving customer satisfaction.
Driving for Improvement
ISO 9001 improves staff training and sets new goals and targets which will drive employees to work more efficiently and minimise mistakes. This will attract new customers but will also keep existing ones as they know they can trust the company, which in turn increases profitability. Constant improvement means better teamwork, better customer satisfaction, and better business.
Improve Employee Morale
Employee morale is improved as a result of clearly defined objectives. An efficient management process supports employees as when structured processes are implemented, employees are likely to feel more competent in their roles.
Replacing poor or even non-existent methods with functional processes invariably leads to a more confident and driven workforce. Due to the training employees will receive on the ISO 9001 accreditation, they will be aware of how quality and overall success depend on them. By making sure your organisation involves employees throughout the certification process, your business will be sure to receive benefits from both the buy-in of the team and enhanced overall motivation.
Risks and Opportunities
Addressing business risks and opportunities typically results in better investments which can impact your business positively long-term. Understanding what could go wrong in your business is crucial as you are saving a costly outcome by reducing the risk. By implementing ISO 9001 into your organisation, you will be better able to identify risks and opportunities.
Reputational Improvement
ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard. Obtaining an accredited certification is a stamp of approval that your organisation meets a high level of quality. Therefore, not only does your organisation’s reputation improve but you will find you qualify for more tenders and public contracts. The public sector favours the certification as it demonstrates that taxpayers’ money is being spent wisely and that your company is trustworthy and has met the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard. Public sector bodies can rest assured that they do not need to waste time checking an organisation’s credentials as your certificate does the talking!
Similarly, ISO 9001 is typically a requirement in the private sector too. If you are applying to become part of a large supply chain, where the main contractor has ISO 9001 implemented, then certification can be particularly desired. Many organisations who originally attained ISO 9001 to qualify for work, are pleasantly surprised to discover the positive influence it can have on their organisation as a whole.
Improve Customer Satisfaction
Getting customer service right will ensure your business thrives the way it should, helping your SME grow faster. Word of mouth is a huge thing, especially online, and it is crucial to ensure that people are happy with your products and services. Customer satisfaction can be significantly boosted by implementing ISO 9001 due to the fact your business will be able to identify problem areas more quickly within the business. For example, problems could include slow shipping, poor quality of products, lack of communication, and more. By identifying these issues, you can take appropriate corrective actions. ISO 9001 will ensure you get in the habit of doing this.
Getting Started with ISO
If you want to boost profitability within your company and demonstrate your ability to meet your customers’ and other key stakeholders’ requirements, then becoming certified in ISO 9001 is the right next move for your organisation.
Click Here for more information on ISO or Get in Touch.