Preparing A Small Business For ISO 9001 Certification

Preparing a small business for ISO 9001 certification might appear expensive, complex, and daunting. You may think that certification is only for large enterprises.
In reality, ISO 9001 uses what an organisation already has in place for quality practices, makes improvements and documents them effectively. When applied practically, it’s easier to implement than it initially seems.
Is ISO 9001 certification worth it for your small business?
Any move towards implementing quality principles and systems, like those outlined by the ISO 9001 standard, benefits a small business.
This is true even if the business isn’t seeking ISO certification because it creates an opportunity for improved processes, business development and scalable growth.
Depending on your current systems, implementing a QMS can be low-cost and low-maintenance. It also demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and quality processes.
ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized standard that helps businesses implement quality management procedures and practices.
If your small business is deciding whether to invest in certification, consider these benefits of ISO 9001:2015 accreditation:
- unlocking new opportunities
- improved, more cost-effective processes
- more efficient performance
- upgraded marketing
- lowered organisational risks
- attracting new customers
- improved products
- enhanced customer satisfaction.
Quick overview of ISO 9001 requirements
For small to medium businesses, compliance shouldn’t involve creating new processes from scratch. It should involve aligning and managing existing quality processes and improving them where necessary.
There are 10 clauses in the ISO 9001:2015 standard. They appear lengthy and complex, but all you need to do is read the standard carefully and understand the principles and objectives of each clause.
You can implement a QMS that fits your business’s needs.
The latest version of ISO 9001:2015 offers simplified criteria, making certification easier for small businesses.
Here’s what’s involved in the 10 clauses (and related sub-clauses) that make up the standard.
Unlike the last seven, the first three clauses don’t contain mandatory requirements or actions. They provide general information, but they must be understood.
1. Scope of the standard
This clause explains the scope of the standard and highlights what quality management intends to achieve.
Businesses must create processes that ensure consistent product and service output and customer satisfaction by conforming to these processes.
2. Normative references
To comprehend the words and terms used in 9001:2015, normative references provide relatable comparisons to the vocabulary used in the 9000:2015 standard.
Businesses must only interpret these terms as directed in this document.
3. Terms and definitions
As with clause 2, you must reference ISO 9000:2015 to fully understand the technical meaning of terms and definitions in ISO 9001:2015.
4. Context of the organisation
Each business is unique and operates within a specific environment. It’s not independent of what customers want or regulators define.
This clause requires a business to regularly determine, review and update information relating to external and internal issues that impact the business in setting and meeting its objectives.
Issues might arise from local and global contexts, including legal, technological, competitive, markets, cultural, social and economic environments. It includes meeting the needs and expectations of interested parties interacting with the QMS.
5. Leadership and commitment
This clause outlines the requirements of senior management in developing leadership, commitment and customer focus.
Leadership must establish a commitment to quality and ensure an adequate quality policy.
6. Planning for the QMS
The clause outlines the requirements for working with risk and opportunities when planning your QMS.
A process for mitigating risks and improving desirable effects must be developed.
7. Support and resource management
No business can work without support, such as human resources, infrastructure, work environment and organizational knowledge.
This clause ensures the right support is in place for the QMS to be successful. It requires management to provide and monitor competent and appropriate support and resources.
8. Operational planning and control
This clause concerns the planning for your product or service. Requirements include determining and reviewing product design, development, purchasing, manufacturing, delivery and supply.
The final requirements deal with quality control and product or service non-conformances.
9. Performance evaluation
This clause requires a system for evaluating, monitoring, and reviewing all aspects of the business, from operational performance to customer satisfaction and supplier performance.
It also includes the need for internal audits, monitoring, analysis and management reviews.
10. Improvement actions
This clause is about the steps for improving your QMS through corrective actions and continuous monitoring and improvement.
With Compliant ONGOING SUPPORT and your QMS in place, the process could not be more stress .free