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How to get ISO 9001
FAQ: How do we get certification to the ISO 9001 quality standard?
You must first go through a formal
process with an accredited certifier or auditing body (these are known as 'registrar' in the USA and UK). But the
real process
to get ISO 9001 begins
much earlier.
Process Overview
- Make the decision to 'get ISO'. This needs commitment from
'top management' - the person or people in charge.
- Allocate resources. You'll need to decide whether to
use a consultant, or
do it yourself. Also, appoint someone as project manager. It is a project, so
make sure someone has the responsibility to manage it internally.
- Establish what the tasks are to get there. You'll already
have some things in place, others will be missing. Find out where you are now,
versus where you should be: a
'gap analysis'. Then, make
a plan of what to do, who will do it and when.
- Now improve and develop your system: fill the gaps from the Gap Analysis,
revising, adding or improving where you need to. This includes
identifying your processes, documenting your system, and making
all the improvements necessary to meet the
requirements of the Standard. You'll use
the 'PDCA' or
continuous improvement
cycle to do this.
This
is the part which takes the most time & effort.
Make sure you involve people throughout, so that they understand and
use the system.
(A very good reason they should be involved!)
- Review and audit your own system internally. You will find
some problems (if you don't, you aren't auditing properly).
Resolve the issues you
find, using your formal correction procedure/s to do it.
- Pick the certifier who will audit you, make a formal application and
agree on the schedule for audit.
- Undergo the external audit. During this, they will audit your quality system against all of
the specific requirements of ISO 9001.
- Get the certificate and celebrate!
Assuming you are successful, of course, you can now get that coveted
certificate from your certifier.
The certificate will arrive a bit later, after the audit. The exact format varies according to your certifier (type of logo,
etc). Your certifier
enters you onto the official world-ride register of certified
organisations - see Links for more info.
You are now said to be 'registered (or certified) to ISO 9001' or
to 'have ISO 9001 certification'. Note that people often refer to this as
'ISO 9001 accredited', though this term isn't actually correct.
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