Quality Management Systems - ISO 9001
CERTIFICATION
In the world of certification, the concept of quality is not only related to the idea of a product done well or a service provided appropriately, but is related to an organizational model.
A UNI EN ISO 9001-compliant Quality Management System is a guarantee that internal processes are efficient and devoted to continuous improvement, increases confidence in the products and services provided by companies, facilitates relationships between business partners, and supports the choice of suppliers and the selection of participants in calls for tenders.
In fact, the principles on which the UNI EN ISO 9001 standard is based are:
- Customer orientation
- Leadership
- Staff involvement
- The process approach
- The systems approach to management
- Continuous improvement
- Fact-based decisions
- Mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers
THE BENEFITS.
Certification positively affects the company's public image, recognizing superior quality in the eyes of potential customers, with positive implications in terms of business and marketing.
Other benefits of quality certification include:
- The involvement and sharing with all company personnel of the quality culture and tools;
- The application of models and tools for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the service/product offered, thus enabling continuous improvement;
- Increased competitiveness, guaranteed by the highest quality standards;
- The internationality of third-party certification;
- The continuity of the self-assessment process that enables continuous monitoring and improvement of processes/services and products;
- Defect prevention and subsequent cost reduction.
WHY CERTIFY
ISO 9001 Certification is an essential tool especially for:
- Organizations participating in calls for tenders: contracting stations grant facilities to companies with a certified Quality Management System, or ISO 9001 Certification is often a prerequisite for participation in the tender itself;
- Organizations dealing with large contractors: when a large company is looking for a supplier, one of the criteria for determining the quality of the eventual product/service or the reliability of the potential new supplier is precisely ISO 9001 Certification.
WILL MY COMPANY UNDERGO CHANGES?
One of the main concerns for those approaching the certification process for the first time is the thought of having to disrupt their Organization. The interventions required to properly implement a Quality Management system actually consist of a number of activities that already take place, such as risk analysis. Implementing the System is often a matter of better organizing what the company already puts into practice and documenting the information required by the standard.
HOW IS THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS CARRIED OUT?
The process to achieve ISO 9001 Certification begins with the implementation of the System, which can be done independently or through the support of an external consultant. Once the system is implemented, ASACERT will verify the System's compliance with the regulations and issue the certification which is valid for 3 years, subject to annual verification.
The Audit takes place the first year and is divided into two stages (Stage 1 and Stage 2) at the end of which Certification is issued.
Within 12 months of the initial issuance of Certification, a Surveillance audit is conducted to ensure that the certified system has not changed and is still in compliance. In case of major changes, the Certification Body may decide to make changes to the Certificate in order to make it responsive to the changed situation of the company.
Within one year of the first Surveillance audit, a second Surveillance audit then takes place.
At the end of the third year, the Certificate must be renewed by means of a Renewal Verification, otherwise it will lose its validity.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET CERTIFICATION?
Timelines depend on the level of readiness and compliance of the Management System implemented by the Organization and the size of the company. For more detailed guidance on costs and timelines, contact us and we will be happy to offer any support you need.