How to Get ISO 9001: Expert Advice for First-Time Applicants

Are you planning to take your business to the next level? In this competitive business world, the simplest way to do that is to get ISO 9001 certified. ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized standard that certifies your commitment to providing best quality service or product. It also ensures a continuous process towards achieving customer satisfaction. 

And the best part is, you can achieve this internationally recognised certification by following some simple steps, irrespective of the size of your business or employee strength. But if you are a first timer, the process of getting ISO 9001 certified may seem daunting. Fear not! We are here to help you.

In this blog, we'll discuss every step involved in this process in detail and provide some expert advice specifically tailored to first-timers. So, stay with us till the end for a successful certification journey.

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems (QMS). It helps small and large organizations maintain the highest standards of regulatory requirements. Getting ISO 9001 certified means that your business operates efficiently and delivers high-quality products or services.

Why get ISO 9001 certified?

Before diving into the process of how to get iso 9001 certified, let’s briefly touch on why a reputed business needs this certification. 

Here are some of the key reasons:

• It improves customer satisfaction

• Enhance operational efficiency

• Open up new market opportunities

• Increase credibility and competitive edge

How to Get ISO 9001 Certified

Now, let's break down the process of getting ISO 9001 certified step by step.

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

The first step in getting ISO 9001 certified is understanding the requirements of the standard. ISO 9001 is built around seven quality management principles. The first step is to collect the guideline booklet from a trusted source or from the ISO official website. This will help you understand the requirements for getting certified.  

Step 2: Conduct a Gap Analysis

The second vital step is to access where your company currently stands. For that, your organization needs to set up a quality management team, that will conduct a gap analysis to compare your existing processes against the requirements of ISO 9001. This will help you identify the areas that need improvement to get ISO certified.

The quality team will make a detailed list of what your organization is already doing well and where there are gaps. This analysis will serve as a foundation for your implementation plan.

Step 3: Develop an Implementation Plan

As your team analyzes the gap, the next step is to develop a comprehensive implementation plan. This plan should align with ISO 9001 requirements.

Your plan should address

• Poper Documentation

• Process improvements

• Employee training

• Internal audits

• Management review meetings

Step 4: Prepare Documents

In this process, documentation plays the most vital part. ISO 9001 requires certain documented information to demonstrate compliance. This includes:

• Quality policy of the organization

• Quality objectives that aligned with your quality policy.

• Proper documentation in detail on how activities should be performed.

• Evidence that your processes meet ISO 9001 requirements.

While preparing the documents, ensure that all the documents are updated, data is clearly mentioned, and it is easily accessible to the auditors. This documentation will be crucial during the actual ISO 9001 audit.

Step 5: Implement the QMS

As soon as the framework is done, the next step is to implement your Quality Management System (QMS). This involves:

• Providing training to all the employees on ISO 9001 requirements and their roles in the QMS.

• Updating all the employees about the importance of QMS in the organization.

• Continuously monitor and implement all necessary changes to ensure desired outcomes.

Step 6: Conduct Internal Audits

The next step is conducting an internal audit. Internal audits are a critical component of getting ISO 9001 certified. This is like a final trial before the actual audit. This will help you evaluate the effectiveness of your QMS and identify areas for improvement for a successful final external audit.

Step 7: Select a Certification Body

Now it’s time to contact a reputable certification body that has experience in your industry. The certification body will conduct the ISO 9001 audit to determine if your QMS meets the ISO standard’s requirements.

Step 8: Prepare for the ISO 9001 Audit

The ISO 9001 audit is a thorough examination of your QMS. It typically involves two stages:

Stage 1 Audit: In this stage, the auditors will review all your documentation to ensure it meets ISO 9001 requirements. This can be done on-site or remotely.

Stage 2 Audit: In the next step, one or more than one auditor (depending on the size of your organization) will visit your organization physically to assess the implementation and effectiveness of your QMS. They will interview your employees, observe processes, and review records.

Step 9: Address Non-Conformities

After the ISO 9001 audit , the certification body will provide a report detailing any non-conformities or areas for improvement. You'll need to address these issues within a specified timeframe to achieve certification.

Next, you have to implement the recommended changes and submit a document within the given timeframe for review.

Step 10: Achieve Certification

Once the certification body verifies that all non-conformities have been addressed, they will issue your ISO 9001 certificate. Congratulations—you’re now ISO 9001 certified! This certification is valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance.

Conclusion

Getting ISO 9001 certified may seem daunting, but with the right approach and dedication, it’s entirely achievable. By understanding the requirements, conducting thorough audits, and committing to continuous improvement, you can successfully navigate the certification process. Remember, ISO 9001 is not just about achieving a certificate—it's about building a robust system that drives your organization towards excellence.

If you are still unsure how to get ISO 9001 certification for your organization , look no further than KSQA. Their expert team will be your guiding partner to make your certification journey a cake walk. Trust their expertise and get certified as soon as possible to conquer the industry with confidence. Call them today!