ISO 9001 can be distinguished as one of the worldwide acknowledged standards for quality management systems. For any organization, it is a big achievement to implement and get ISO 9001 certification because it is a sign of quality improvement.
Nevertheless, the certification path is challenging, and there are many misconceptions about ISO 9001 consulting. This blog is intended to discuss some of these myths and explain what ISO 9001 consulting entails and what it can do for your business.
Myth 1: ISO 9001 consulting is too expensive
The first popular misconception is that ISO 9001 consulting is expensive or that it costs a lot of money. The fact remains that it does cost money to go through the process of getting certified, but more importantly, this is considered an investment. Amazingly, hiring an iso 9001 consulting service can be cost effective over the long run, since it eliminates unnecessary steps and increases productivity. Consultants have been known to price their services based on the need and size of the organization, and are therefore not as expensive as one may presume.
Myth 2: ISO 9001 is only for large companies
A second myth that people tend to believe is that ISO 9001 is for large companies that have huge budgets. ISO 9001 is a flexible model of quality management designed for all organizations to implement regardless of their size and type. As we know, the standard is universally applicable, and this means that even small businesses can enjoy the benefits of the improvement the standard offers.
Myth 3: ISO 9001 is just about documentation
Though documentation is a constituent of ISO 9001, it is not the whole concept of the standard. It is important to note that ISO 9001 focuses on the process approach to QMS to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. This includes customer expectations, process control and evaluation, and dedication towards enhancement. The documentation is used to assist these goals to maintain consistency and act as a reference for quality maintenance and development.
Myth 4: ISO 9001 certification guarantees quality
ISO 9001 certification is an evidence of the organization’s focus on quality management but it does not assure the quality of the products/ services. Rather, it guarantees that the organization has a quality management system in place and is in constant pursuit of meeting customers’ needs. The certification proves that an organization has established a QMS aligning with the ISO 9001 requirements; however, it is on the organization to sustain and develop this system for optimum results.
Myth 5: Consulting is a one-time solution
There are a lot of people who think that hiring an ISO 9001 consultant for quality management is a one-time solution. Interestingly, ISO 9001 is underpinned by the concept of continual improvement. A good consultant will assist an organization in establishing a strong QMS and ensure that there is continuous improvement in the system. The process of establishing and maintaining quality is thus dynamic and the role of a consultant is to facilitate this.
Conclusion
ISO 9001 consulting can be an essential resource for organizations interested in establishing and sustaining a superior quality management system. Dispelling such myths allows one to realize that ISO 9001 consulting does not have to be costly, unattainable, or ineffective throughout organizations of various types and sizes. It is not a one-off activity but a constant process of evolution and improvement, and can lead to increased productivity, higher levels of customer satisfaction and thus competitive advantage.
