Is ISO 9001 a Legal Requirement?

ISO 9001 is the only standard in the ISO 9000 series that requires a certification. ISO 9000 defines the standards for quality management, and ISO 9001 maps out the requirements for meeting these standards.

While many companies abide by these principles, ISO 9001 is not a legal requirement for operating a business. However, many companies do benefit from being ISO 9001 certified.

ISO 9001 is a quality management system (QMS) that allows businesses to maintain a high level of productivity and quality while delivering products and services to customers. Quality is not associated with a specific product sold but is applied to the process of making it.

All aspects of a business's supply chain and operation are compared to the ISO 9001 standards to ensure that quality is upheld.

The Standard Focuses On:

• Customer driven-outlook
• Leadership
• Engagement
• Improvement
• Decision Making
• Relationship Management
• Process Approach

Details in all of these areas are required to maintain an ISO 9001 certification. To ensure these standards are met, companies undergo an audit, which is driven by a third party to ensure objectivity.

The auditors will test all these metrics to ensure a company follows the standards in the ISO 9001 guidelines. Having this certification can be very beneficial to a company’s success and reputation.

Who Needs ISO 9001 Certification?

While no company needs a certification to operate, many companies will find significantly greater success if certified.

The ISO 9001 is applicable in both production and service industries. Quality management can be instrumental in manufacturing and customer-based companies.

Most Popular Industries For ISO 9001

• Construction
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Technology
• Hospitality
• Healthcare

These industries either operate hardware processes to bring customer value or are highly service-based. With many working parts across all business areas, these industries would see substantial improvements in efficiency if they were held to ISO 9001 standards.

All companies will benefit from such adherence, but these specific industries should most definitely be incorporating these policies.

Especially with businesses that involve manufacturing or significant customer contact, there are always ways to evaluate efficiency and quality inspection to deliver the best product or service to the client or customer.

Is ISO 9001 Certification Worth It?

ISO certification benefits companies because it instills trust in the company and establishes a reputation for quality.

Industry leaders and consumers will recognize this certification as a commitment to constant improvement and efficiency, which will create a positive relationship on both the business and client sides.

Customers will know they are receiving a product or service built upon high standards! Similarly, companies will be opened up to a larger client base that only works with ISO 9001-certified firms.

ISO 9001 Certification Creates Opportunity For

• Increased productivity
• More efficiency
• Lower costs
• Higher quality products and services

ISO 9001 certification is a great marketing tool for raising brand value. Taking the time to become certified and stay committed to its goals will only enhance your firm’s image and reputation for clients and other businesses!

Becoming certified is another step in raising profits and delivering a valuable product.