Obtaining ISO 9001 certification is not mandatory, but any organization will have a greater chance of success by choosing this path. Designing and building a Quality Management System can be complex, but it is not impossible to achieve. Below are five key tips to follow carefully to successfully obtain ISO 9001 certification.
It is also advisable to seek guidance from a qualified consultant specializing in ISO Certifications, who can support the organization throughout all certification phases.
1. Set Measurable Goals
Setting objectives is part of the planning process that your organization likely already undertakes. However, to obtain certification, these objectives must be as specific as possible. Simply stating that “the company aims to achieve high-quality standards” is not enough. The best way to be specific is to define measurable objectives. For example, instead of vaguely stating that you aim to achieve high standards, a clearer goal would be: “We want to increase customer satisfaction rates” while specifying the exact percentage you aim to reach.
2. Identify Areas for Improvement
The most valuable aspect of pursuing certification is the continuous focus on ongoing improvement, which must be the foundation of the entire quality management system. Even before initiating the certification process, every employee should actively contribute by identifying areas within their scope that could be improved. This approach should be an integral part of a well-structured quality policy. Keeping in mind that improvement is always possible will make it easier to focus on this objective.
3. Keep Your Team Informed
The certification process involves not only management and the Quality Manager but the entire organization. Any changes to work processes must be implemented collectively, and employees need to be fully informed about everything necessary to actively participate in this initiative.
Workers must understand how their actions contribute to the overall project and how changes in daily operations will ensure total customer satisfaction.
Learning to communicate effectively with all members of your organization can foster the collaboration needed to achieve your objectives.
4. Be Honest
Before launching the entire ISO 9001 certification project, it is crucial to establish a simple rule: always be honest about what has been accomplished and what still needs to be implemented. Getting off to the right start is essential, and your employees will notice if you are not being truthful or if you are using ISO 9001 as a cover for undisclosed motives.
Of course, being honest does not mean exposing an organization’s weaknesses. It simply means providing accurate answers without hiding facts while clarifying the purpose of the entire initiative and the role each employee will play.
5. Rely on an Expert
Every organization can choose whether to pursue certification independently or seek external consultants who can provide the necessary know-how to become self-sufficient in the future.
An expert should be able to quickly and precisely explain what needs to be done and where immediate action can be taken to save time and effort.