ISO 9001
Quality Management

Q: What is ISO 9001:2008?

The 2008 version of ISO 9001 introduced clarifications to the existing requirements of ISO 9001:2000 and introduced some changes intended to improve consistency with ISO 14001:2004. There were no new requirements. ISO 9001:2008 has since been revised and replaced by ISO 9001:2015.

Q: What is ISO 9001:2015?

ISO 9001:2015 is the most recent revision of the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard, replacing ISO 9001:2008 as of September 2018. The 2015 version of the ISO 9001 standard aims to bring a number of benefits that the 2008 version of the standard either briefly touched on or did not previously offer: It has more focus on risk-based thinking It follows the same structure as other ISO management system standards, making system integration much easier It addresses supply chain management more effectively It now puts more emphasis on leadership engagement It helps address risks/opportunities in a more structured manner within Organisations It now uses a simpler language, with common structure and terms It’s been adapted to be more user-friendly for service and knowledge-based organisations

Q: How long does ISO 9001 certification last?

In accordance with ISO 17021, accredited certification bodies are required to issue certified organisations with certificates that are reflective of a 3-year certification cycle . Certifications can be issued for longer than this period providing the requisite external audits are performed and the certification cycle followed. QMS typically issues certificates over the period of a ten year contract.

Q: How long does it take to get ISO 9001 certified?

From your first consultation with our ISO specialists through to certification, the process can take as little as 45 days. However, this does depend on the size and complexity of your business. Remember, we can normally save you time and money by drafting the Documented Management System Manual for you. This can also help your business gain certification faster. For more details on what it takes to gain an ISO 9001 Certification, please download our ISO 9001 checklist to see what information you will need to provide to meet the ISO 9001 requirements.

ISO 9001 – the world’s most recognised Quality Management System Standard

ISO 9001 has been adopted by over 1 million organisations across the world and is used by businesses like yours to continually monitor, manage and improve the quality of their products and services.

The ISO 9001 Standard is a powerful business improvement tool, providing the framework and guidance you need to help you consistently meet your customer’s expectations and regulatory requirements.

QMS has issued over 18,000 ISO 9001 certifications to clients that have achieved management excellence.

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ISO 9001

Benefits

ISO 9001

Cost

ISO 9001

Requirements

ISO 9001

Process

ISO 9001

FAQs

ISO 9001

Further details

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is the International Standard for Quality Management Systems, first published in 1987 by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), it is one of the most commonly used management tools across the world.

ISO 9001 is designed to help organisations ensure that they meet the needs of customers and other stakeholders, by having a framework in place that helps ensure consistent quality in the provision of goods and/or services.

This standard uses a process approach and is based on 7 quality management principles, which include having a strong customer focus, the involvement of top management, and a drive for continual improvement.

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The Benefits of ISO 9001

An ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) will help you streamline your processes, reduce errors, free up valuable management time and improve internal communications. Companies adopting this approach benefit from increased employee morale, improved customer retention and healthier revenues.

In short, through certification to ISO 9001 you demonstrate that your organisation is customer-focused and committed to delivering high quality services.

Here are the top benefits of using the ISO 9001 framework:

Increased efficiency: by following industry best-practice and focusing on quality you can reduce costs.
Increased revenue: through the reputation of ISO 9001 you can win more tenders and contracts, and by being more efficient you will also retain more customers and experience more repeat custom.
Higher levels of customer satisfaction: by understanding your customers’ needs and reducing errors you increase customer confidence in your ability to deliver products and services.
Improved supplier relationships: because ISO 9001 certification ensures best-practice processes are in place which can contribute to more efficient supply chains, certification increases their confidence in your processes.
Improved employee morale: by improving internal communications you ensure everyone works to one agenda.

How much does ISO 9001 cost?

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The Requirements of ISO 9001

The ISO 9001 standard uses a structure of ten clauses called Annex SL which covers four key areas:

Management Responsibility - the areas within the QMS that your management team need to focus on, be involved with and be accountable for
Resource Management - how resources such as people, infrastructure and facilities must be assigned to ensure the best possible performance
Product Realisation - details on how your business will operate in order to provide a high quality service or product
Measurement, Analysis and Improvement - how you can determine if your Management System is working as expected, facilitating the continual improvement of your system

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ISO 9001:2008?

What is ISO 9001:2015?

How long does ISO 9001 certification last?

How long does it take to get ISO 9001 certified?

Find out more

How can QMS help your Business?

The QMS process gets your business certified for success:

Expert

Our nationwide team of consultants and auditors has provided certifications to clients ranging from SMEs to blue chip organisations across a broad spectrum of verticals and industries.

Affordable

Our processes add value at every stage, without taking up unwarranted management time. We commit to providing you with the best possible value for money – including a price promise from the outset, along with the ability to stagger payments at no extra cost.

Simple

We remove the red tape and paperwork for you, making the process as smooth and uncomplicated as possible, and ensuring you get the framework that works for you.

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How have businesses benefited from ISO 9001?

Client Testimonials of QMS and the ISO Certification Process

Excellent from start to finish
I would like to thank QMS for the time spent in helping us obtain ISO 9001 & 14001. The process from start to finish has been seamless and the advice provided was second to none.
Chris Dowling, Operations Manager. Cheshire Moving and Storage Limited

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The auditor was very polite and forthcoming. He was very interested in the company and what we do which helped with the audit and the questions asked. We were able to take the auditor into Manchester on a site visit which helped him view the operational processes. [He] was a great auditor.
Lauren Moore, Manager. 3GS (UK) Limited

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ISO 9001 Certification Process

Our expert consultants will ensure the route to ISO 9001 certification is as straightforward as possible for you, taking as little as 45 days to complete. This includes helping you make any necessary improvements to existing business processes and writing the Documented Management System for you.

The Head of Certification at QMS discusses ISO with a QMS client

1

Gap Analysis

A QMS Consultant will visit your Organisation to review and document your current processes and procedures, highlighting any areas that do not meet the requirements of the Standard.

2

Implementation

Now it's time to make sure any required process or procedural changes are made, as highlighted in the Review. QMS can provide templates to assist you in doing this.

3

Certification

An Auditor must now visit your Organisation to check that the documented processes are being followed and that the necessary changes have been made. Once they are satisfied, you will be awarded your certification.

Once you have achieved certification the certification cycle will commence. This is made up of surveillance and re-certification audits, one of which must take place each year, around the anniversary of your certification. These visits confirm your continued compliance with the Standard and verify the validity of your certification.

Your all-in-one Management System Solution

QMS Connect delivers all the tools you need to achieve and maintain ISO compliance.

With simple navigation, real-time reporting and the ability to modify and update content on the go, QMS Connect keeps you in control. Accessible online via your computer, tablet or smartphone 24 hours a day, QMS Connect helps you manage your ISO Management System in real-time.

QMS Connect helps engage your teams, so that you can capture data that will drive business decisions – increasing repeat business, reducing customer complaints and ultimately saving you both time and money.