Management Information

How to Meet Quality Standards with ISO 9001


In today's hectic business environment, it is vital that we are all on the same page, right? But how do we know if we meet those standards? Business owners and executives can avoid the uncertainty, and that's where ISO 9001 certification comes in.

Standardizing Quality Systems

The ISO, or International Organization for Standardization, was established in 1947 to develop international standards for everything from electronics to management systems. Having over 13,000 standards currently in place, ISO has created the auditing and certification process known as ISO 9001. This began the drive toward quality standards.

Improving Customer Satisfaction

Companies choose to implement ISO 9001 and get certified because many customers and industries require it. By keeping customers happy, they can increase sales and profitability for their business. And if an area of the company's program appears to be too bureaucratic and non-value-adding, then it might also be an area for continuous improvement efforts.

Enhancing Company Policy and Performance

Both customers and industries alike use ISO certification as a way to evaluate and audit their suppliers and products. Through an independent verification process, customers can gain assurance of their suppliers' products. And as a supplier becomes certified, the testing requirement is waved, which saves the company both time and money.

Developing a Best Practices Process

Employed as a "Best Practices" model, ISO 9001 utilizes the philosophy of the "Plan-Do-Check-Act" continuous improvement cycle to achieve requirements. This process approach centers around eight quality management principles used by management as a guide toward improving performance and identifying the main elements needed in a good quality system:

1. Customer Focus

2. Leadership

3. Involvement of People

4. Process Approach

5. Systems Approach to Management

6. Continuous improvement

7. Factual Approach to Decision-Making

8. Mutually Beneficial Supplier Relationship

Building Stable Processes

ISO 9001 policies, procedures and forms can provide employers, managers and employees with a systematic and consistent approach to implementing policies, plans, procedures and work routines. Instead of building their own policies and procedures from scratch, some companies prefer to hire professional writers that have already prepared a set of written policies and procedures to help on the way to certification.

Auditing a Company System

In the certification process, an independent registrar will perform an on-site audit of a company's operations to verify that it complies with the ISO standard. If the business complies, then that company will be registered as ISO 9001 compliant.

Effective Policies and Procedures

On the way to certification, a business can meet its ISO needs by:

? Using well-defined processes and procedures to build stable processes

? Training in the audit and certification process

? Continuously improving with ISO 9001 standards

Quality Management System

With complete procedures manuals for ISO 9001 Quality Management System, required HR procedures, and an ISO training class, a template like an ISO 9001 Quality Manager Procedures Manual Series can help a business on its way to ISO 9001 certification. Sometimes the effort can be very great, but companies typically notice a remarkable difference in efficiency and effectiveness after the first year.

Chris Anderson is currently the managing director of Bizmanualz, Inc. and co-author of policies and procedures manuals, producing the layout, process design and implementation to increase performance. To learn how to increase your business performance, visit: Bizmanualz, Inc.


MORE RESOURCES:


CMG Holdings Inc. (CMGO), Creative Management Group Inc. Agency Client Jose ...
MarketWatch (press release)
It is possible that assumptions made by management are not necessarily most likely and may not materialize. In addition, other important factors that could ...

and more »


Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Appoints James Wrigley Group President, Global ...
MarketWatch (press release)
Checkpoint Systems is a global leader in shrink management, merchandise visibility and apparel labeling solutions. Checkpoint enables retailers and their ...

and more »


GE Capital Provides $70 Million to EP Management
MarketWatch (press release)
based EP Management Corporation, a diversified holding company of industrial and automotive product manufacturers. The loan will be used to refinance debt ...

and more »


CNN International

One person killed when three tornadoes strike Arkansas
CNN
The tornado damaged 22 homes, an Arkansas Emergency Management spokeswoman said. A resident said she could hear the storm roaring as it approached the area. ...
Sheriff identifies storm victimArkansas Online (subscription)
Homes damaged, 4 injured, in Arkansas tornadoesThe Associated Press
Powerful Tornadoes in Arkansas Damage Homes; Injuries ReportedInsurance Journal
Ozarks First -Boston Herald -Gant Daily
all 328 news articles »


NuMobile, Inc. Announces Management Change and Business Plan Expansion
CNNMoney.com (press release)
NuMobile, Inc. (OTCBB: NUBL) today announced a Webcast scheduled for Tuesday, March 16, 2010 to present a major management change and business plan ...

and more »


Council eyes Calif., Oregon, Wash. salmon changes
The Associated Press
The Pacific Fishery Management Council meets Thursday in Sacramento and is expected to issue three proposals that outline where West Coast fishermen would ...
Council eyes Calif., Oregon, Wash. salmon changesForbes

all 143 news articles »


Nissan Announces Senior Management Changes at Nissan Design Americas and ...
MarketWatch (press release)
... of NDA," said Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer, Design and Brand Management, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and president, NDA. ...

and more »


The Hindu

PHF fires team management, selection committee
USA Today
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan Hockey Federation president Qasim Zia has fired the national side's management and selection committee hours after the team ...
Hockey WC: Pak finish last; team, selectors sackedIBNLive.com

all 222 news articles »


Reuters South Africa

MOZAMBIQUE: Flood situation "under control"
IRINnews.org
... have been relocated to higher ground, but national disaster management authorities and aid agencies in Mozambique say "the situation is under control". ...
800 people trapped by floodwaters in MozambiqueThe Associated Press
Mozambique: Red Alert in Central River BasinsAllAfrica.com

all 173 news articles »

Google News

AdaptInfo2.com     Grp1    home    site map
© 2008