Obtaining ISO 9001 certification (or making progress towards that goal) is something to be proud of. It is not a Herculean task, but it does necessitate focused attention and commitment over time, as well as a detailed comprehension of each prerequisite.

Many companies who have achieved ISO 9001 status, however, believe that they fell short of keeping their clients satisfied, hitting crucial targets, and successfully fulfilling their short- and long-term goals. Why is there a disconnect in all of these fields that ISO 9001 is planned to strengthen and support?

The solution is not straightforward, since the explanations for gaps after applying ISO 9001 will be as varied as the outcomes of your qualification. Some companies say that their quality scheme has resulted in significant cost savings and increased efficiency. Others, however, say that they have yet to see these advantages. This, ironically, has the potential to boost costs, decrease employee productivity, and add needless complexity.

Any company wishes to stop falling into this latter category. Getting ISO 9001 (or other form of certification) for the right reasons and with the right attitude is the first step.

A Path to (Near) Perfection

Many businesses seek ISO 9001 certification in order to retain core buyers by being an accredited provider and using it as a strategic edge. However, working one layer deeper from this target, it’s easy to see how ISO 9001 can influence consumer views of quality.

In essence, certification is dependent on a company’s ability to not only develop but also maintain a quality control framework. This involves, among other aspects, recording procedures, learning how these processes produce market profit and keeping track of these processes.

It really requires the whole company to accomplish this, so awareness within the organization is critical. As a result, greater leveraging of these systems enables individuals to make better decisions faster. Frontline employees, managers, and corporate executives adhere to and strive for the right values.

These structures can (and should) designed to go beyond and above the bare minimum. This is the sign of true excellence. Taking the quality control strategy to the next step ensures that its components are completely accepted, recognized, and endorsed by the organization, allowing it the greatest chance of success.

Utilizing ISO 9001 to Achieve True Organizational Excellence

It is important to note that, while you can follow ISO 9001 requirements without obtaining official certification. The opposite is not true: you cannot obtain certification without first meeting regulatory standards.

ISO 9001 certification is about more than simply meeting standards and checking off boxes on a checklist; it is about establishing a quality control framework that becomes ingrained in the company. This method fosters patterns and behaviors of individuals and procedures used daily. The entire quality control system can be jeopardized until a company regularly internalizes its core principles.

Ultimately, the individuals in the company are responsible for making quality processes work. Stay tuned for our forthcoming blog series about how to weave excellence and consistency into your culture’s cloth.

Contact us to feel secure partnering with an ISO 9001, AS9100-D supply chain partner.