Documents for standardization of technological and business processes are developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). One of the most well-known standards is ISO 9001 “Quality Management Systems. Requirements”. Certification for compliance with its requirements is not mandatory, but many companies take this step consciously. Is it necessary to be certified to ISO 9001 and what can it do for the company?

What is ISO 9001?

There are now about 23,000 international standards that have been developed and are in effect, regulating all aspects of doing business. The ISO 9000 series deals with the management requirements of an enterprise to ensure quality products. ISO 9001 is aimed at different industries, ranging from construction companies and furniture makers to materials manufacturing and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

On the consumer side, certified products can be identified by the ISO 9001 logo, indicating compliance with a complex set of requirements. These include installation of quality assurance measures, control of product distribution and proof of this control through audits, testing, performance testing and documentation.

ISO 9001 certification can have a lot of benefits for businesses and consumers. For companies, certification means that their reputation is guaranteed. Certification also provides added credibility for products and services, encouraging consumers to spend their money. Consumers, on the other hand, can look for companies certified by the ISO to avoid the scams and possible scams when choosing their products.

What does ISO 9001 do for me and my company

Companies that take the step to implement ISO 9001 will get certified. This helps them get access to a more targeted market of consumers, which is more knowledgeable about the standards and what quality products mean. Further, certified companies can control the distribution of their products to more specified markets, and can concentrate their efforts on a narrower and profitable scope of markets. In short, they can get the chance to sell more.

Becoming certified, however, comes at a cost. The required investments, preparation and time may seem difficult or expensive, but the benefits are worthwhile. The companies which can take the step to make ISO 9001 standards are well on their way to a more established market position.

How is ISO 9001 Certified

The first step is to conduct market surveys to get detailed information about the products and services offered by the industry. A part of the studies consist of creating reports and descriptions on the characteristics of the market and product offerings. These reports can then be compiled into a benchmarking report which contains quantitative and qualitative information. If your business can obtain this certification and provide proof of it, you have achieved an important milestone on your path to success.

Becoming certified, however, is not all about a certificate. The best companies, those that have successfully implemented ISO 9001, are awarded a certification level. There are nine levels of certification:

Level I

This is the lowest certification level and is meant to test compliance with ISO 9001 in the business and internal management aspects. It is primarily intended for companies that can gain the certification.

Level II

This certification is given to companies that have set up a specific organization and have used ISO 9001 for their business processes.

Level III

This certification is given for companies that have taken on the certification on an extensive scale, and are using ISO 9001 as their business processes, as well as their products and services.

Level IV

This certification is given to companies that have also implemented the ISO 9001 standard in the scope of their production.

Level V

This certification is given to companies that have proven their willingness and ability to continuously improve their quality management systems through their quality management system and procedures.

Level VI

This certification is given for companies that have developed their systems on the ISO 9001 standard on the entire scope of their businesses and have proven their commitment to maintaining the best practices within their companies.

Level VII

This certification is given for companies that have implemented ISO 9001 standards on an extensive scale, but have not applied their process to the entire scope of their production and are relying on maintaining or introducing new products and services within their business.

Level VIII

This certification is given to companies that have implemented ISO 9001 standards on an extensive scale and can demonstrate that their systems are continuously improving and are supporting the growth of their business.

Level IX

This certification is given to companies that have proven their willingness and ability to continuously improve their quality management systems through their quality management system and procedures.

Level X

This certification is given to companies that have set up an organization with an extended scope of their internal management.

Level XI

This certification is given for companies that have demonstrated a consistent commitment to quality and continual improvement of their processes.

Level XII

This certification is given for companies that have implemented ISO 9001 standards on an extensive scale, but are not using their processes and standards on all of their products and services.