ISO 9001
Quality Management

Q: What is ISO 9001:2015?

ISO 9001:2015 is the most recent revision of the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard, replacing ISO 9001:2008 as of September 2018. The 2015 version of the ISO 9001 standard aims to bring a number of benefits that the 2008 version of the standard either briefly touched on or did not previously offer: It has more focus on risk-based thinking It follows the same structure as other ISO management system standards, making system integration much easier It addresses supply chain management more effectively It now puts more emphasis on leadership engagement It helps address risks/opportunities in a more structured manner within Organisations It now uses a simpler language, with common structure and terms It’s been adapted to be more user-friendly for service and knowledge-based organisations

Q: What does ISO 9001 do for a company?

ISO 9001 can bring many benefits to your company. By creating a quality management system, you can streamline your processes to create a customer and quality-focused business, which means that you can deliver high levels of customer satisfaction. Other benefits include increased efficiency, better supplier relationships and a stronger reputation when it comes to winning new business.

Q: How long does it take to get ISO 9001 certified?

From your first consultation with our ISO specialists through to certification, the process can take as little as 45 days. However, this does depend on the size and complexity of your business. Remember, we can normally save you time and money by drafting the Documented Management System Manual for you. This can also help your business gain certification faster. For more details on what it takes to gain an ISO 9001 Certification, please download our ISO 9001 checklist to see what information you will need to provide to meet the ISO 9001 requirements.

Q: What is ISO 9001:2008?

The 2008 version of ISO 9001 introduced clarifications to the existing requirements of ISO 9001:2000 and introduced some changes intended to improve consistency with ISO 14001:2004. There were no new requirements. ISO 9001:2008 has since been revised and replaced by ISO 9001:2015.

Q: How long does ISO 9001 certification last?

In accordance with ISO 17021, accredited certification bodies are required to issue certified organisations with certificates that are reflective of a 3-year certification cycle . Certifications can be issued for longer than this period providing the requisite external audits are performed and the certification cycle followed. QMS typically issues certificates over the period of a ten year contract.

ISO 9001 – the world’s most recognised Quality Management System Standard

ISO 9001 has been adopted by over 1 million organisations across the world and is used by businesses like yours to continually monitor, manage and improve the quality of their products and services.

It is a powerful business improvement tool, providing the framework and guidance you need to help you consistently meet your customer’s expectations and regulatory requirements.

QMS has issued over 18,000 ISO 9001 certifications to clients that have achieved management excellence.

ISO 9001
Benefits

ISO 9001
Cost

ISO 9001
Requirements

ISO 9001
Process

ISO 9001
FAQs

ISO 9001
Further Details

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is the International Standard for Quality Management Systems, first published in 1987 by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), it is one of the most commonly used management tools across the world.

It is designed to help organisations ensure that they meet the needs of customers and other stakeholders, by having a framework in place that helps ensure consistent quality in the provision of goods and/or services.

This standard uses a process approach and is based on 7 quality management principles, which include having a strong customer focus, the involvement of top management, and a drive for continual improvement.

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The benefits of ISO 9001

An ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) will help you streamline your processes, reduce errors, free up valuable management time and improve internal communications. Companies adopting this approach benefit from increased employee morale, improved customer retention and healthier revenues.

In short, through certification to ISO 9001 you demonstrate that your organisation is customer-focused and committed to delivering high quality services.

Here are the top benefits of using the ISO 9001 framework:

Increased efficiency: by following industry best-practice and focusing on quality you can reduce costs.
Increased revenue: through the reputation of ISO 9001 you can win more tenders and contracts, and by being more efficient you will also retain more customers and experience more repeat custom.
Higher levels of customer satisfaction: by understanding your customers’ needs and reducing errors you increase customer confidence in your ability to deliver products and services.
Improved supplier relationships: because the certification ensures best-practice processes are in place which can contribute to more efficient supply chains, certification increases their confidence in your processes.
Improved employee morale: by improving internal communications you ensure everyone works to one agenda.

How much does ISO 9001 cost?

Prices will vary based on the size and complexity of your business.

To receive your personalised quote, simply fill in your details on the calculator below.

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The requirements of ISO 9001

The ISO 9001 standard uses a structure of ten clauses called Annex SL which covers four key areas:

Management Responsibility – the areas within the QMS that your management team need to focus on, be involved with and be accountable for
Resource Management – how resources such as people, infrastructure and facilities must be assigned to ensure the best possible performance
Product Realisation – details on how your business will operate in order to provide a high quality service or product
Measurement, Analysis and Improvement – how you can determine if your Management System is working as expected, facilitating the continual improvement of your system

Frequently asked questions

What is ISO 9001:2015?

What does ISO 9001 do for a company?

How long does it take to get ISO 9001 certified?

What is ISO 9001:2008?

How long does ISO 9001 certification last?

HOW CAN QMS HELP YOUR BUSINESS?

The QMS process gets your business certified for success:

EXPERT

Our nationwide team of consultants and auditors has provided certifications to clients ranging from SMEs to blue chip organisations across a broad spectrum of verticals and industries.

AFFORDABLE

Our processes add value at every stage, without taking up unwarranted management time. We commit to providing you with the best possible value for money – including a price promise from the outset, along with the ability to stagger payments at no extra cost.

SIMPLE

We remove the red tape and paperwork for you, making the process as smooth and uncomplicated as possible, and ensuring you get the framework that works for you.

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How have businesses benefited from ISO 9001?

Professional service - [the Auditor] took the time to understand our business which gave the external audit context.

Steve Tilling, Commercial Director, Easy Truck Group Ltd

Delightful visit from one of the QMS Consultants - really helpful and enthusiastic. Keen to support the business with its quality endeavours so we're super happy.

Jack Wise, The Raphael Hospital

3 Steps to Certification

With our help, the certification process can take as little as 45 days to complete

Getting to grips with the gaps

We’ll spend some time with you carrying out a gap analysis to see how your current processes and procedures match up to the requirements of the ISO Standard. And we’ll collect details of the areas that already do so we can create your bespoke management system for you in our smart online hub, Atlas.

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Getting up to Standard

Now it’s time to make any changes. With handy reminders to help you keep on track of tasks and editable templates at your fingertips, you can make sure all the records you need are in place to achieve certification.

3 Step Certification

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Getting ISO certification

An ISO auditor will check you’ve addressed any gaps correctly and that you’re following the documented processes. Once everything is in place, you’ll be recommended for certification. Your new certificate and certification marks will be ready to download from Atlas.

3 Step Certification

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Once you have achieved certification the certification cycle will commence. This is made up of surveillance and recertification audits, one of which must take place each year, around the anniversary of your certification issue date. These visits confirm your continued compliance with the ISO Standard(s) and enable us to verify the validity of your certification.

Please note: Inspections carried out by Citation ISO Certification specialists may be performed onsite or remotely. Your appointment coordinator will advise which type of visit is required for your organisation and provide full guidance on what you can expect to happen on the day.

Your all-in-one management system solution

Formerly known as QMS Connect, Atlas ISO delivers all the tools you need to achieve and maintain ISO compliance.

With simple navigation, real-time reporting and the ability to modify and update content on the go, Atlas keeps you in control. Accessible online via your computer, tablet or smartphone 24 hours a day, Atlas ISO helps you manage your ISO Management System in real-time.

Atlas helps engage your teams, so that you can capture data that will drive business decisions – increasing repeat business, reducing customer complaints and ultimately saving you both time and money.

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