ISO 9001 Standard For Quality

The International Organization for Standardization, ISO, is a non-governmental agency that publishes and develops standards for the public and private sectors. From mechanical engineering and technology to agriculture, the ISO 9000 Standards establishes benchmarks and guidelines for quality products and services. ISO 9001 quality standards are a highly regarded and internationally recognized set of standards that are used in businesses, nonprofit groups and government organizations.

Since 1947, the ISO has published more than 17,500 standards. Many of these standards are specific for a product or process. In 1979, the ISO established the quality management and quality assurance committee. This committee established international quality management guidelines. The first guidelines published in 1986 were referred to as ISO 8402. These standards were updated and replaced with the ISO 9000 family of quality management systems standards. The latest round of quality standards fall under the ISO 9001:2008 title.

ISO quality standards include technical requirements, customer service levels, continual improvement requirements and documentation of key systems and processes. Quality is assured through strict process monitoring, checking for defects and routine internal and external reviews. Conformance with the rules and regulations of the ISO standards results in a company being publicly labeled as ISO 9001 certified or ISO 9001 registered.

Companies and organizations that adopt ISO quality standards increase their visibility as a quality-focused company. The public recognition as an ISO 9001 certified company could lead to increased access to contracts, especially for the government and to higher prestige in an industry. For some businesses, ISO 9001 certification is seen as a competitive advantage, while in other industries compliance is a requirement for continued operation.

The ISO claims that implementation of ISO standards increases a company’s return on investment, increases market share and profits and improves operational results. Societal benefits are improved health and safety, corporate compliance with legal requirements and reduced environmental impact.

The ISO quality standards and audits confirm compliance with the processes and business framework for a company to produce quality goods and services. Audits and reviews do not certify the actual products or services provided by a company, only the business methodology and quality systems that are designed to ensure quality. It is also a misconception that the ISO standards for quality only apply to manufacturing and physical goods. The ISO standardsare also applicable to the service industry.