If your company is involved in production or service delivery, you are undoubtedly aware of the growing competition, both locally and globally. Furthermore, it's undeniable that customer expectations have been on the rise, making it easier for them to look towards the competition. In this landscape, it is crucial to develop strategies to stand out and stay in the market. The implementation of the ISO 9001 standard and obtaining certification can be your path to delivering high-quality products and services to your customers.
The ISO 9001:2015 standard, published in 2015, modified the previous version, ISO 9001:2008, to stay up-to-date with the latest practices in management systems. Any company, whether small, medium, or large, in the manufacturing or service industry, can benefit from ISO 9001 to improve their quality management systems.
Below, we will explore some reasons why you should consider implementing the ISO 9001:2015 standard in your company, along with the benefits that you should not overlook. These advantages are being leveraged by numerous companies and organizations worldwide.
1. Standardization of Processes
During the implementation, you will have to define procedures that specify what needs to be done, how to do it, how often, and who will be responsible. In addition, control mechanisms will be established to ensure compliance with the plan.
Standardization brings other benefits:
- Employees can follow procedures step by step, ensuring consistent results.
- The company will not depend on individual expertise, as everything will be documented, facilitating continuity in case of personnel changes.
2. Customer Satisfaction Focus
There is no doubt that "without the customer, the company does not exist." The ISO 9001 standard fundamentally aims to guide the company toward customer satisfaction. This focus is promoted from top management and transmitted to every employee through the quality policy, internal policies, and quality objectives.
3. Performance Measurement
The ISO 9001 standard requires the company to establish mechanisms to measure the performance of its processes through key performance indicators (KPIs). These indicators must have goals and be evaluated at planned intervals. This provides a clear view of the company's status and allows informed decisions for improvement. Remember, "what is not measured cannot be improved."
4. Continuous Improvement
The ISO 9001 standard incorporates mechanisms such as internal audits, corrective actions, and management reviews, which encourage constant evolution and the pursuit of improvements in the company.
5. Quality Assurance for Your Customers
The standard requires the company to establish procedures for controlling non-conforming products and preventing them from reaching customers. During implementation, the necessary procedures are created to identify products or services that do not meet expected specifications.
6. Increased Sales
The implementation of ISO 9001 and the acquisition of certification instill confidence in your customers, helping you retain current customers and attract others seeking quality in a competitive market.
The effectiveness of ISO standards in business success has been demonstrated repeatedly. The decision to implement ISO 9001 is in your hands. If you choose to propel your company, Beira Consultores will be delighted to assist you in the process, guiding you towards certification.
If you wish to avoid the common mistakes that many companies make when implementing ISO 9001, we recommend reviewing this publication.
Learn more about ISO 9001 at our Free Learning Center.