What Should Every Australian Business Know about ISO 9001 Certification?

ISO 9001 is an international standard for quality management. It is the most popular standard across the globe. Most of the Australian businesses are enjoying the growth through compliance with ISO 9001 and assuring the edge over their competitors. Are you still unaware of this buzzing business tool that can take your business to the next level? Then, you have picked the right article. Here, you will learn four basics about ISO quality management that can help you stand one-step ahead of your competitors.

The article has outlined the key things every Australian business should learn about ISO 9001 Certification. Let’s check them out:

ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2015

ISO 9001 sets out the requirements for a quality management system that can be followed by all types of businesses so that they can ensure their offerings exceed the customer and market expectations. In other words, Quality Management System or QMS is a series of methods, processes, and policies that the businesses need to fulfil the customer’s requirements. As the name itself indicates, ISO 9001:2008 is an old version of the quality management standard. In the year 2015, the International Organization for Standardization introduced their last updated version to make the standard more accessible to every type of businesses.

A Comprehensive Comparison between ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 9001:2008

AREAS OF DIFFERENCES

Structure:
ISO 9001:2015
This version contains ten clauses, and the order of the clauses content should be aligned with other standards
ISO 9001:2008
It contains only eight clauses.

Context:
ISO 9001:2015
As per this version, an organization should determine, observe, and assess the internal and external issues. This version wants the organization to look after the associated third-parties as well.
ISO 9001:2008
It contains only eight clauses.

Documented Information:
ISO 9001:2015
ISO 9001:2015 makes an organization document the quality management scopes, objectives, quality policy, and the existing.
ISO 9001:2008
ISO 9001:2008 requires only six procedures.

Risk-Based Thinking:
ISO 9001:2015
This version compels the organizations to take actions to address the risk concerns and opportunities.
ISO 9001:2008
This version requires a plan for preventive actions.

Exclusions and Requirements:
ISO 9001:2015
This version may exclude any requirement that the organization cannot apply.
ISO 9001:2008
In this version, exclusion of a requirement depends on the product realization.

Objects, Outputs, & Services:
ISO 9001:2015
This version demands an expanded process model to include anything influencing the business system.
ISO 9001:2008
This version demands only for a process-based model.

Terminology:
ISO 9001:2015
This version focuses on “products and services,” “External Provider,” Risks and Opportunities,” “Documented Information” etc.
ISO 9001:2008
ISO 9001:2008 highlights “Product,” “Supplier,” Preventive Actions,” “Documents and Records” etc.

From this brief comparison, it is clear that every Australian business should consider ISO 9001 requirements for the latest version released in 2015. Now, it is important to know why a business requires quality management system in Australia.

Why Does Every Australian Business Count on Quality Management System?

Quality management system is a strategic investment. This system transforms compliance into performance, energizes the productivity, and ensures the consistency. Moreover, ISO 9001 quality assurance systems set up businesses for continual improvement and prospects. A flawless quality management system helps to minimize the bounce rate by meeting customers’ requirements even when the leadership is going through changes or in the face of market volatility. Many businesses may have a quality assurance system. Then, how do the customers know which system is effective? Here comes the importance of ISO 9001 Certification. This certification is awarded only to those businesses that meet all the standards and requirements suggested by ISO. An ISO certified business is the favourite choice of most of the customers, stakeholders, and industry experts.

The key benefits of quality management certification have been outlined below:

It is a hallmark of credibility. This certification demonstrates that the certified company is reliable and committed to providing quality services or products. This ISO mark encourages the clients to give a certified business the upper hand in an aggressively competitive marketplace.

Quality management system drives efficiency, enhances the productivity, keeps the expenses minimal, and safeguards a business against uncertainty. The ISO Survey of Management System Standard Certifications – 2014 has stated that this standard has greatly fueled the economic growth in Australia.

Certified companies gain a certification badge that they can display online as well as on their physical establishment. The presence of this badge creates a huge difference. It helps the organizations to win the trust and confidence of their existing customers and at the same time attracts potential new leads.

If you want to upgrade your ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015, you should consult with an ISO expert and perform a three-step process to make the transition hassle-free. If you are yet to consider the certification, you should not waste more time as it may deprive you of many opportunities.