Why Implement 9001?

Why Implement ISO 9001?

Top reasons given for registration:

• Internal operational efficiency improved
  Lower production costs because of fewer nonconforming products, less rework, lowered rejection rates, streamlined processes and fewer mistakes.
• Access to new markets
• Some markets require ISO 9001 Registration, some markets favour companies with ISO 9001 Registration
  Customer request – Many organizations are asked by a customer to obtain registration as a requirement to continue or to start doing business with them.
• Reduced cost – Organizations are recognizing that an effective Quality Management System leads to reduced costs and greater operating margins

What will ISO 9001:2008 do for my organization?

A well designed and implemented Quality Management System, based on ISO 9001:2008 has been shown to provide organizations with the following benefits:

Reduced costs through:

• - Improved product reliability
• - Better process control and flow
• - Better documentation of processes,
• - Greater employee quality awareness
• - Reductions in product scrap, rewords and rejections

Can I do ISO 9001:2008 myself?

Getting ISO 9001:2008 certification does take time, effort and resources. You must know what the Standard says, identify your gaps, and work out how to fill them. You’ll also need to know how to interpret the Standard and apply it to your business. But it will take you time to figure out what’s involved, so expect it to take longer, and it may involve more effort and cost.

Who gives the certificates?

The organisations that do this are called certifiers, registrars or external auditors. Only companies who are accredited can award certifications – provided of course you meet the requirements at the audit. You make a formal application with them, agree on the particular Standard (e.g. ISO 9001) and a suitable scope, pay the fees, and jointly agree the scheduled date(s) for assessment.

Are all certifiers the same?

Definitely not. While they all assess you against the same Standard, they are service providers, and there are differences between them. You should choose who you want to use. Contact at least 2, preferably 3, discuss your needs, and choose one you think will suit your business. See the Certification link for more information.

What do consultants do?

There are consultants and certifiers. Certifiers award the certificates: think of them as something like an examiner – they test (audit) your system, and provided it meets requirements, they give the certificate. They don’t coach you, or help prepare you, or tell you how to ‘pass’! But good certifiers will adopt a partnering-type approach, rather than a dictatorial or inspector-like attitude.

Consultants assess your system against the requirements, tell you where the gaps are, give advice, help you with the process, prepare you for the external audit, show you how to meet the various requirements, and will usually coach you too. A good consultant can add enormous value, speeding up the process and making it easier and more efficient, and thus will save you time and money. They should make sure you avoid the common mistakes. And good consultants should help you get a system that supports you, as well as getting certification.

Why Implement 14001?

Why Implement ISO 14001:2004?

An Environmental Management System (EMS) helps you to:

• Manage environmental risk
• Reduce costs
• Gain competitive edge
• Minimise environmental impact

The process involved in implementing an EMS will include:

• Creation of an ‘Environmental Policy’
• Evaluation and recording of the operation’s environmental aspects/effects
• Setting of measurable goals and targets that will comply with legislation
• Documentation of policy objectives and proposed action
• Audit and review of policy