It is an international standard which is not obligatory. This belongs to the ISO certification family. It is a technique that applies to any type of business regardless of its size or sector of activity. This is an approach that encourages the company to define its improvement management criteria to continually progress. This type of certification corresponds to a set of criteria to which the company’s quality management must comply. It affects several aspects such as supplier commitment, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement of quality management. To benefit from this certification, companies must undergo an Audit and Organization process.
Principles from ISO 9001 certificates
The ISO 9001 Quality Approach is based on 8 essential principles, namely: Understanding customer needs and their satisfaction, creating value with suppliers which are manifested by beneficial relationships, good analysis of data and information which induces the approach factual for decision-making, resource management, and activity management, motivation and involvement of staff, good management of procedures to achieve objectives, practicing leadership of hierarchical superiors, and considering the improvement and permanent progression as a main purpose, therefore, ensuring the principle of sustainable development.
Advantages of the ISO 9001 quality approach
This policy is considered a control and organization approach to the extent that it helps customer satisfaction. Indeed, thanks to the quality audit, the products and services presented by the company perfectly meet customer expectations. Within the company, the ISO 9001 Certification helps to ensure a more global vision of the company’s activity and for the good practice of personnel management. On the other hand, such certification improves communication between employees and promotes teamwork, as well as creativity, thanks to the ISO 9001 quality council system. In short, it is a tool to correct failures and avoid errors within the company, subsequently improving capabilities efficiency, and personnel.
7 benefits of ISO certification for your business
You may be wondering if it is worth the cost and effort to obtain ISO and other certifications for your business. According to dozens of studies, there is no doubt about it!
Indeed, according to a United Nations survey carried out in 2009, 98% of ISO-certified companies consider it a good or very good investment. In 2012, a review of 82 studies on ISO certification found that it had “clear benefits” in terms of operations, customer satisfaction, and staff engagement. You will be able to build a strong business on top,” explains Reliable, who advises business owners on how to obtain certification to ISO and other standards.
Reliable draws up a list of concrete advantages of obtaining certification.
Promotes the adoption of best practices
ISO certification and other standards allow you to apply internationally recognized best practices in your business.
Helps improve your productivity
Compliance with standards requires you to clearly define, document, and monitor your operational processes. You should also set goals for your business and measure your progress. This work is essential to building a productive and efficient business.
Ensures customer satisfaction
Standards contribute to customer satisfaction by improving complaint management, quality control, and customer satisfaction monitoring. Research indicates that one of the main benefits of certification is fewer customer complaints.
Improves Revenue
A certification can boost your bottom line. In 2015, an analysis of 92 studies indicated that three out of five companies that obtained ISO certification increased their revenue. The increase in their income was significantly higher than that of non-certified companies.
The best-performing companies are those that make a sustained effort to improve their operations, and not just before the next recertification audit. “It’s a good investment, but you have to make the necessary effort,” underlines Reliable.
Facilitates access to new markets
Compliance with standards allows your business to access new markets. For example, you could be eligible for government contracts that require compliance with certain standards or be part of the supply chain of a large company or major project. Several standards are recognized globally and can strengthen your credibility with customers in international markets.
Promotes team engagement
Adhering to ISO standards can promote the engagement and productivity of your staff members. According to a 2012 review of research, certified companies have better results in job satisfaction, employee turnover, absenteeism, employee motivation, and communication between managers and staff.
The certification process causes managers and staff to work more closely together and use consistent processes to achieve common goals. “Managers and staff members become more determined to improve operations,” says Reliable.
Suitable for businesses of all sizes
Certification is beneficial for businesses of all sizes, even those that employ only a few people. Small businesses sometimes obtain certification to meet their supply chain requirements or because they want to adopt best practices.
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