ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for the quality management of businesses. It applies to the processes that create and control the products and services an organisation supplies. It prescribes systematic control of activities to ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are met. It is designed and intended to apply to virtually any product or service, made by any process anywhere in the world.

 

Some of the requirements in ISO 9001 include:

 

·    A set of procedures that cover all key processes in the business

·    Monitoring processes to ensure they are effective

·    Keeping adequate records

·    Checking output for defects, with appropriate and corrective action where necessary

·    Regularly reviewing individual processes and the quality system itself for effectiveness

·    Facilitating continual improvement

 

The term ISO 9000 refers to a set of quality management standards. ISO 9000 currently includes three quality standards: ISO 9000:2000, ISO 9001:2000, and ISO 9004:2000. ISO 9001:2000 presents requirements while ISO 9000:2000 and ISO 9004:2000 present guidelines.

 

ISO 9000:2000 (Fundamentals and vocabulary): Covers the basics of what quality management systems are and also contains the core language of the ISO 9000 series of standards. A guidance document, not used for certification purposes, but important reference document to understand terms and vocabulary related to quality management systems. In the year 2005, revised ISO 9000:2005 standard has been published, so it is now advised to refer to ISO 9000:2005.

 

ISO 9001:2000 (Requirements): Is intended for use in any organization which designs, develops, manufactures, installs and/or services any product or provides any form of service. It provides a number of requirements which an organization needs to fulfill if it is to achieve customer satisfaction through consistent products and services which meet customer expectations. It includes a requirement for the continual improvement of the Quality Management System, for which ISO 9004:2000 provides many hints. This is the only implementation for which third-party auditors may grant certification. It should be noted that certification is not described as any of the 'needs' of an organization as a driver for using ISO 9001 but does recognize that it may be used for such a purpose.

 

ISO 9004:2000: (Guidelines for performance improvements): This gives advice on what could be done to enhance a mature system. This standard very specifically states that it is not intended as a guide to implementation.

ISO 9001:2000 is the most accepted management system standard in the world because it controls quality as well as it saves money. Regardless of the organisation size, effective management systems are critical for maintaining and improving business performance. This standard has proven itself to be a measurable success in many organisations. It is not specific to a particular product or service, but applies to the processes that create them. As a generic set of standards, manufacturing and service industries around the world are using it.

 

The Quality Management System requirements defines the system creating a comprehensive and user friendly application. The process-based structure of the standard provides real value, which recognizes that every organisation and process is different. Therefore, it is flexible enough to allow differences by offering the option of omitting inapplicable requirements.