ISO 9001 :
What Is It and Why Is It Important ?
ISO 9001 is the highest standard in
quality management certification . Companies holding this certification are dedicated to providing an excellent customer experience and consistently working to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency . The holistic ISO 9001 framework also fosters better management decision making by implementing a factbased approach . This means the critical decisions that affect both the customer and the business are made through the careful analysis of data instead of merely on a hunch .
In many cases , companies use internal quality management systems that are not certified by the ISO 9001 framework . Unfortunately , in such cases , the customer has no way of knowing these companies are being honest and transparent in their customer satisfaction measures because no external auditing process is in place . They also have no way of knowing how important decisions are being made by management . ISO 9001 Certified companies like Metalfab are audited every year to verify that we are implementing all of the measures we claim to be .
With an ISO 9001 Certified company , the need for the customer to review each quality system for its key elements is eliminated .
With an ISO 9001 Certified company , the need for the customer to review each quality system for its key elements is eliminated . In the case of manufacturing fire trucks and rescue apparatus , this is especially important because the majority of our customers are volunteers who do not have the time to sift through layers of fine print . Adhering to the highest standard in quality management makes it easy for our customers to know what to expect when dealing with us .
As established by the ISO 9001 framework , any company with the certification will adhere to the following standards :
1 . Have a set of procedures in place that cover all key processes within the business .
2 . Monitor these processes to ensure they are effective and revise processes that are not effective in achieving the goals set out within the framework .
3 . Keep adequate records .
4 . Check products for defects and implement corrective actions wherever necessary .
5 . Regularly review individual processes within the organization and the quality system itself .
6 . Maintain a culture of continuous improvement .
ISO 9001 Certified companies are committed to providing smoother ordering and seamless customer interaction . Having this framework in place ensures that misunderstandings are avoided and you , as the customer , won ’ t be asked the same questions over and over again . These commitments improve our operational efficiency and help us to build better relationships with our valued clientele .
In general , ISO 9001 Certified companies are better at delivering quality products and services on time than those who have opted for an internal model . Data shows that , overall , those companies with ISO 9001 certification perform better than those without it . It ’ s simply a matter of dedication to development and efficiency .
Becoming ISO 9001 Certified requires a company to take part in a three-step process . First , a consultant visits the establishment to perform a gap analysis . During this portion of the process , current procedures are reviewed and any areas that do not meet the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard are highlighted . Following the gap analysis , any changes that need to be made to existing procedures are put in place . When the company is satisfied that it has met all of the requirements , an ISO 9001 auditor visits the establishment to ensure all of the documented processes are being followed . Certification is then issued . Audits are performed each year with a new certification being issued following each successful audit .
Selecting an ISO 9001 Certified company when purchasing your fire truck or rescue apparatus comes with a range of benefits beyond improved customer interaction and increased customer satisfaction . From advanced internal processes and better decision making to greater credibility and support for other industry-specific standards , ISO 9001 ensures that certified companies take a holistic approach to improving operations , zeroing in on how to best serve customers and our respective industries . ISO 9001 is not just quality control but a comprehensive framework for building a company that is dependable , honest , and transparent .
Without quality management certifications like ISO 9001 , there would be little incentive for companies to pursue a constant state of improvement . Excellence in quality management cultivates products and services that are consistent , safe , and reliable like Metalfab ’ s line of fire trucks and rescue apparatus .
Although there are many quality management systems that offer certification , ISO 9001 is the preferred framework because it has proven time and time again that it works . In fact , ISO 9001 is recognized as the gold standard among all quality management systems available today . It is the most well known and widely used system worldwide . By using ISO 9001 as the foundation for our quality management , we effectively leverage the tried and tested processes designed and implemented by international experts and leading companies from around the globe .
As our customer , knowing that we have this certification gives you peace of mind that we are consistent and reliable in our production processes and working every day to improve your customer experience , behind the scenes and on the front lines .
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