What is ISO 9001:2015?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for a quality management system (QMS). The ISO 9001 series is the most widely used standard in the ISO 9000 series and the only standard that corporations can certify to. By getting your business certified, it builds trust between you and your customers and it assures that they can rely on you to carry out quality work. It drives you to identify and implement improvements, as a result, your customers will be benefited by receiving products/services that satisfy their requirements, as well as a consistent performance from you. The business will be benefited internally from increased job satisfaction, better moral standards, and better-operating results.
ISO 9001 certification was originally released in 1987 A.D. The current version model of ISO 9001 in Nepal was launched in September 2015, which is internationally recognized and the most used quality management system standard in the world, used in over 170 countries by over a million businesses. ISO 9001:2015 can assist your business in monitoring, managing, and even improving quality over key activities while emphasizing customer satisfaction.
What is a Quality Management System (QMS)?
A Quality Management System (QMS) is a set of internal regulations that are defined by a collection of policies, processes, documented procedures, and records. This system sets out how a business creates and delivers its customers with its products and services. A process-based QMS enables businesses to identify, measure, control, and improve various core business processes, resulting in improved business performance.
What does it mean to have an ISO 9001:2015 certification?
Quality management following all the requirements set out in the ISO 9001 standard has been successfully implemented by ISO 9001 certified organizations. Making ensuring areas for improvement are identified and addressed is a part of the ISO 9001 certification. As a result, firms who have earned ISO 9001 certification can be trusted to deliver products and/or services that meet strict quality management standards.
When an organization receives ISO 9001:2015 certification, it has proved that it has met the following requirements:
• Follows ISO 9001 guidelines
• Meets its requirements
• Fulfills customer requirements as well as legal and regulatory requirements
• Maintains documentation
Getting ready with ISO 9001:2015
Here are the steps in the certification process that will help you better understand the ISO 9001 certification process and its requirements.
1. Familiarize yourself with ISO 9001
ISO 9001 offers a structure that meets the core requirement of QMS and is flexible so that it can suit all types of businesses. You need to understand how the standard is specifically applicable to your business. This flexibility will allow you to meet the requirements set out in a way that makes sense for your company.
2. Analyze gaps
To get the most out of a gap analysis, someone who is familiar with your industry and is a competent quality systems auditor should conduct it. This will show you where you need to make improvements. To get the most out of a gap analysis, it should be conducted by someone familiar with your business and a competent quality systems auditor. This will highlight areas where you need to improve.
3. Make a plan
To close the gaps you've identified, you will need to create a plan. The more detailed your plan, the easier and more successful it will be to implement. The plan should include the actions to be taken, who is responsible for what tasks, how long each action will take, and how employees should complete them in the order listed.
4. Train employees
The employees responsible for implementing the new version should be trained to implement and manage the new change. Each individual in your company should be aware of the changes that are coming. Conduct seminars to enable them to learn how and why things will change.
5. Hold an internal audit
An internal auditing team performs a quality audit that ensures your company is ready to be certified to the new standard. Internal audits will not only assist you in minimizing gaps between your current management system and the requirements of ISO standards but will also assist your systems in maintaining ISO 9001:2015 certification. Internal audits can help you realign business objectives with the ISO 9001:2015 certification system.
6. Obtain your certification
It is required that an impartial third-party ISO 9001 team of auditors visit your plant and look over your documentation flow and validate the documentation effectiveness in your current management system to be an ISO 9001; 2015 certified body. Please keep in mind that the ISO 9001:2015 certification audit should only be conducted after the internal audit has been completed and all identified gaps have been closed. After achieving the certification, the company will be accredited for three years, following which it will need to be recertified.
How can you find Certified Consultants for ISO 9001:2015 in Nepal?
Nepal Realistic Solution Pvt. Ltd. offers numerous ISO certification services on different international standards in Nepal. Our experts have years of experience in this field, and we have provided ISO certifications to many businesses in Nepal as per their requirements.
If you want our assistance you can call us at 01-4106579, 980117505, or simply reach us at info@nrsnepal.com.