ISO9001

What are the benefits of ISO9001?

In this section we explain how ISO management system standards put state-of-the-art practices within the reach of any organization, large or small.

ISO9001 is suitable for an size of company from the single owner operator to the very large corporation employing thousands of people.

In a very small company, there may be no "system" at all, just "our way of doing things", and "our way" is all in the head of the manager or owner, not even written down on paper.

The larger the business, and the more people involved, the more the likelihood that there are written business procedures, instructions, forms and records. These help ensure that everyone is not just "doing his or her own thing", and that the organization goes about its business in an orderly and structured way. This means that time, money and other resources are utilised efficiently.

To be really efficient and effective, the organization can manage its way of doing things by systemising it. This ensures that nothing important is left out and that everyone is clear about who is responsible for doing what, when, how, why and where.

Large organizations, or ones with complicated processes, can not function without management systems.

ISO's management system standards make good management practice available to organisations of any size, in any sector, anywhere in the world.

Most good businesses want ISO 9001 accreditation to qualify for to tender or to achieve preferred supplier status typically for a Local Authority contract. However, there are numerous other benefits to be obtained including:

  1. Improved internal working leading to less errors and re-work.
  2. Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  3. Improved morale and motivation.
  4. Preferential insurance premiums.
  5. Competitive advantage.
  6. Increased profitability.
  7. Enhanced status.

ISO 9001 addresses "Quality management".

This means what the organization does to fulfil:

  • The customer's quality requirements, and
  • Applicable regulatory requirements, while aiming to
  • Enhance customer satisfaction, and
  • Achieve continual improvement of its performance in pursuit of these objectives

ISO9001 Requirements

There are six procedures specifically required by ISO9001 which will be documented in the company quality manual:

  1. Document control process
  2. Records control process
  3. Internal audit process
  4. Nonconformance control process
  5. Corrective control process
  6. Preventative control process

The Steps to achieve ISO 9001 Accreditation and Certification are:

1: Preparation

If you are new to the ISO 9001 standard you are going to need expert guidance and ISO9001 training. We will discuss your requirements and suggest a bespoke solution that suits your specific needs.

ISO9001 is concerned with quality management which leads to improved efficiency which in-turn leads to improved performance and profitability. Our ISO9001 consultants will hand hold your ISO9001 project leader through to ISO9001 certification.

2: Application

We will assign a lead assessor to your business and he or she will be your main contact throughout the whole process. The assessor will build a detailed knowledge of your business and will offer the the support you need, when you need it.

3: Pre-Audit Assessment

Your assessor will visit your business and explain the standard to ensure that you are prepared for your audit assessment. He or she will facilitate the whole process to ensure that all of the correct procedures are drafted, ensuring that all documented procedures cover the requirements of the standard.

Together, you will then determine a timetable for your audit assessment.

4: Audit Assessment

When your business is ready to have a formal audit assessment, your assessor will make the necessary arrangements on your behalf. upon completion of your audit assessment you will be informed of the auditor's recommendation before he or she leaves your business.

5: Registration & Certificate

Following the independent Auditor's recommendation, your registration will be and your certificate of conformity to the ISO9001 standard will be issued to you.

6: Ongoing Assessment

Once your business has achieved certification, you will want to maintain your accreditation. Annual audits are part of the process and you must be ready to invite an annual audit. If you refuse the annual audit you will lose your certification.

You will be issued with an official ISO logo and you must record an log all instances of it's use.

Should you require further information regarding ISO9001 or any other ISO standard please contact us directly for more information.

How much will ISO9001 Accreditation Cost?

There are two parts to the process.

Part 1 = Consultancy and preparation for the audit assessment.

Part 2 = The Audit Assessment.

Consultancy fees can only be estimated following a telephone consultation by an assessor, and actual cost can only be determined following an initial face to face consultation.

Typically the consultancy fees for a business with a turnover in excess of £1 Million is around £3,500.00 excluding VAT. However this may be reduced if our assessor finds that you already have "all of the right tools" and they simply need to be organised correctly into the metaphorical box.

Audit fees are as follows:

Organisational Turnover Audit Fee
Up to £300,000.00 £950.00
£300,00.00 to £1,000,000.00 £1,500.00
£1,000.000.00 to £3,000.000.00 £2,000.00
£3,000,000.00 to £6,000,000.00 £3,000.00
Above £6M - Price to be negotiated