To become ISO 9001:2015 certified is no easy feat. It takes discipline and commitment. Here’s where to start and a few how-tos.
Start by learning about ISO 9001:2015, for quality management and the only standard in the 9001 family that can be certified. There are paid courses online and many free resources. Just google “Learn about ISO 9001:2015”. It’s important that you know what is required. You can purchase the ISO 9001 requirements online at www.iso.org.
Next, perform a gap analysis for your organization. What this means is to assess how your organization is performing compared to the standard. This requires planning and support from your workforce. There are Gap Analysis Checklist and tools online that can make this easier; however, a big mistake is to just rely on the checklist or tool. A process approach will actually produce the best results.
Based on the findings of your Gap Analysis, and process improvements you’ve identified, put together a plan to bring your organization into compliance with ISO 9001, then implement it. Once your plan is implemented and your quality management system is in place, document your system. You also need to put controls in place. To be ISO 9001 compliant there are specific records you must maintain.
With ISO 9001, you are required to train your workers, ensuring they all understand how their role relates to the performance of the QMS and its relevance to them. Train them on ISO 9001, and I’d recommend you retrain them periodically. Ongoing QMS management includes setting-up an auditing and management review process. In the ISO 9001:2015 standard, clause 9.3.1 states “Top management shall review the organization’s quality management system, at planned intervals, to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, effectiveness, and alignment with the strategic direction of the organization.” Be disciplined about your auditing process. It is important to ensure your QMS is in top condition.
Denver Rubber company is an ISO company since 2010 and continually improving its quality management system to meet all interested parties expectations. We audit our process on a monthly basis and review performance in our weekly management meetings. Quality management is a continuous journey and DRC’s ISO 9001:2015 certification reflects our unwavering commitment to meeting or exceeding international world-class standards in everything we do. It means that we produce quality products and develop quality relationships in a quality environment.