ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)

What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 sets out the criteria for a quality management system. It can be used by any organization, large or small, regardless of its field of activity. In fact, there are over one million companies and organizations in more than 170 countries certified to ISO 9001.

It helps businesses and organizations to be more efficient and improve customer satisfaction.

What is a quality management system?
Organizations use quality management systems (QMS) to ensure quality and consistency when fulfilling customer needs. A QMS is essentially a group of operational processes that are aligned with the organizations goals and encompasses the policies, processes, documentation and resources required to achieve them.

What is the purpose of ISO 9001?
Using ISO 9001 helps ensure that customers get consistent, good quality products and services. It is based on a number of quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach and a commitment to continual improvement.

Why ISO 9001:2015 version?
In 2012, ISO TC (Technical Committee) - responsible for ISO 9001 development - celebrated 25 years of implementing ISO 9001, and concluded that it is necessary to create a new QMS model for the next 25 years. This is why they commenced the official work on creating a revision of ISO 9001, starting with the new QM principles. This moment was considered by important specialists in the field as - beginning of a new era in the development of quality management systems. As a result of the intensive work from this technical committee, the revised standard ISO 9001:2015 was published by ISO on 23 September 2015. The scope of the standard has not changed; however, the structure and core terms were modified to allow the standard to integrate more easily with other international management systems standards.

The 2015 version is also less prescriptive than its predecessors and focuses on performance. This was achieved by combining the process approach with risk-based thinking, and employing the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle at all levels in the organization.

Some of the key changes include:

- Greater emphasis on building a management system suited to each organizations particular needs
- A requirement that those at the top of an organization be involved and accountable, aligning quality with wider business strategy
- Risk-based thinking throughout the standard makes the whole management system a preventive tool and encourages continuous improvement
- Less prescriptive requirements for documentation: the organization can now decide what documented information it needs and what format it should be in
- Alignment with other key management system standards through the use of a common structure and core text
- Inclusion of Knowledge Management principles

ISO 9001:2015 advantages
Proper quality management can improve business, often having a positive effect on investment, market share, sales growth, sales margins, competitive advantage, and avoidance of litigation. The quality principles in ISO 9000:2000 are also sound, according to Wade and Barnes, who says that - ISO 9000 guidelines provide a comprehensive model for quality management systems that can make any company competitive. According to ISO the 2015 version of the standard brings the following benefits:
- By assessing their context, organizations can define who is affected by their work and what they expect. This enables clearly stated business objectives and the identification of new business opportunities.
- Organizations can identify and address the risks associated with their organization.
- By putting customers first organizations can make sure they consistently meet customer needs and enhance customer satisfaction. This can lead to more repeat custom, new clients and increased business for the organization.
- Organizations work in a more efficient way as all their processes are aligned and understood by everyone. This increases productivity and efficiency, bringing internal costs down.
- Organizations will meet necessary statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Organizations can expand into new markets, as some sectors and clients require ISO 9001 before doing business.

What are the major differences between ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2015?
The most noticeable change to the standard is its new structure. ISO 9001:2015 now follows the same overall structure as other ISO management system standards (known as the High-Level Structure), making it easier for anyone using multiple management systems.

Another major difference is the focus on risk-based thinking. While this has always been part of the standard, the new version gives it increased prominence.

What benefits does the new standard bring?
The new version of the standard brings the user a number of benefits. For example, ISO 9001:2015:

- Puts greater emphasis on leadership engagement
- Helps address organizational risks and opportunities in a structured manner
- Uses simplified language and a common structure and terms, which are particularly helpful to organizations using multiple management systems, such as those for the environment, health & safety, or business continuity
- Addresses supply chain management more effectively
- Is more user-friendly for service and knowledge-based organizations

I am currently using ISO 9001:2008. What should I do?
The 2015 edition has now replaced the 2008 version. Since it has been revised to meet the needs of todays business world, we recommend that you update your quality management system to fit the new version. Every organization is different, so the steps needed to adjust your management system are likely to be unique to your situation. However, here are some tips that will help you get started on the journey.

Tip 1 - Familiarize yourself with the new document. While some things have indeed changed, many remain the same.
Tip 2 - Identify any organizational gaps which need to be addressed to meet the new requirements.
Tip 3 - Develop an implementation plan.
Tip 4 - Provide appropriate training and awareness for all parties that have an impact on the effectiveness of the organization.
Tip 5 - Update your existing quality management system to meet the revised requirements.
Tip 6 - If you are certified to the standard, talk to us about transitioning to the new version.

I am certified to ISO 9001:2008. What should I do?
If you wish to maintain your certification to ISO 9001, you will need to upgrade your quality management system to the new edition of the standard and seek certification to it. You have a three-year transition period from the date of publication (September 2015) to move to the 2015 version. This means that, after the end of September 2018, a certificate to ISO 9001:2008 will no longer be valid.

Role of Sagaci Certifcations Pvt. Ltd.
Certification of your Quality Management System, gives a message to customers that your system has been audited and assessed by an independent third party like SCPL which assess how your organization continually improve effectiveness of its processes to enhance customer satisfaction. Auditors, experts in believes in continual improvement and value addition in your system by using their vast experience and expertise, which helps you in maintaining your system and in due course of time you achieve financial benefits and other benefits as highlighted above.

Contact us:
For further information on ISO 9001 certification, please contact us at marketing@sagacicert.com or call us at +91 95604 72730. We will be happy to assist you.