What is ISO 9000?

"ISO 9000 is a series of international standards developed by quality experts from around the world for use by companies that either want to implement their own in-house quality systems or to ensure that suppliers have appropriate quality systems in place. The standards were developed under the auspices of the International Organization for Standardization for both quality management and quality assurance that has been adopted by over 90 countries in the world. The ISO 9000 standards are developed and maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). International standards promote international trade by providing one consistent set of requirements recognized around the world". A quality management system (QMS) defines and establishes an organization's quality policy and objectives. It also allows an organization to document and implement the procedures needed to attain these goals. A properly implemented QMS ensures that procedures are carried out consistently, that problems can be identified and resolved, and that the organization can continuously review and improve its procedures, products and services. It is a mechanism for maintaining and improving the quality of products or services so that they consistently meet or exceed the customer's implied or stated needs and fulfill their quality objectives".

Benefits of ISO 9000

The primary value of ISO 9000 registration is consistent delivery of a product or service to a defined standard and improved bottom line performance. ISO registration also has a significant bearing on market credibility as well. The ISO 9000 quality management system can enable your company to increase profitability and customer satisfaction through reduced waste and rework, shortened cycle times, improved problem tracking and resolution and better supplier relations. Other benefits of ISO certification:

Some prospective buyers may require their suppliers to be ISO registered, 90 countries around the world have adopted ISO standards, Companies wishing to do business in Europe may have no choice but to adopt it as it is an accepted part of doing business, perceived higher quality product/service, objective third party verification of quality assurance.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

Registration is the formal assessment of a company's quality management system by an independent third party known as a quality registrar. (In some countries, the term "certification" is used in place of registration). While it is possible for organizations to self-declare conformity, many clients (customers) want their suppliers to have a registered (or certified) quality system. Organizations known as "quality system registrars" perform initial assessments and ongoing audits to verify compliance with ISO 9000 quality management system standards. Registrars establish their competence through accreditation by accreditation bodies.

The process of becoming registered/certified takes approximately 12 to 18 months depending upon whether small business has procedures and records for management of the business. To go through the ISO generally requires four main tasks: 1. Make a formal application to ISO certification/registration body. The application should include: description of business activities, product scope and any information requested. 2. The review. The body will look over your quality manual. If weaknesses are spotted they will identified and you will have to modify your manual. 3. The body may hold a assessment check or if no problems exist you will go straight to the audit. 4. The Audit. This is where your documentation of your manual/procedures will be put to the test. If there are problems with these then either your certification/registration could be withheld until such time as the problems are corrected or if minor in nature, then you may be given a conditional registration. A further compliance audit would have to be conducted to see if the problem/s are corrected. 5. Certification/registration granted. Periodic audits are done for the life of the certification/registration. Compliance with the current standard is necessary to maintain registration.

WHAT IS THE COST?

The cost of acquiring ISO certification varies depending on the nature and the size of the business. For an estimate consult a registrar.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ISO? ADVANTAGES

quality is maintained, opportunity to compete with larger companies, more time spent on customer focus, confirmation that your company is committed to quality, may facilitate trade and increased market opportunities, improvements in facility performance and quality as a result of implementing and maintaining the process, can increase customer confidence and satisfaction.

DISADVANTAGES

- costly, time consuming to document and maintain, requires employee buy-in

To achieve maximum benefit from ISO 9000 the focus must be on documenting, understanding and improving your systems and processes.

The ISO 9000 standards require:

A standard language for documenting quality procedures; documented procedures, covering all parts of the organization within the scope of registration, for ensuring that quality objectives are met; A system to track and manage evidence that these practices are instituted throughout the organization; and A third party auditing model to assess, certify and maintain certification of organizations

ISO 9000 Series

The ISO 9000 series classifies products into generic product categories: hardware, software, processed materials and services. The standards are applicable to all industry sectors. The standards are published in a series of five booklets, each covering a specific area:

ISO 9000 - Explains fundamental quality concepts and provides guidelines for the selection and application of each standard. ISO 9001 - Model for quality assurance in design, development, production, installation and servicing. ISO 9002 - Model for quality assurance in the production and installation of manufacturing systems. ISO 9003 - Quality assurance in final inspection and testing. ISO 9004 - Guidelines for the applications of standards in quality management and quality systems. ISO 9000 and ISO 9004 are guidance standards. They describe what is necessary to accomplish the requirements outlined in standards 9001, 9002 or 9003.

Organizations choose the standards to which they want to become registered, based on their structure, their products, services and their specific function. Selecting the appropriate standards is an important decision.

Inside this issue:

Inside this issue:

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