ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems

What Is ISO 9001:2015?

ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). This standard helps organisations demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements and allows organisations to improve customer satisfaction, optimise internal processes, reduce costs from non-conformities, and demonstrate their commitment to continual improvement. It is the most popular standard in the ISO 9000 series and the only standard in the series to which organisations can certify.

Who Can Be Certified by ISO 9001:2015?

ISO 9001 is aimed at all companies regardless of size or the sector to which they belong. ISO 9001 establishes the criteria to achieve a Quality Management System and is ideal for companies looking to go beyond legislative compliance, in pursuit of business excellence.

Who Needs ISO 9001:2015?

While ISO 9001:2015 is designed to be applicable to any organisation, certain types of companies often find it particularly beneficial or are required to seek certification. This includes:

• Manufacturing Companies: To ensure product consistency, reduce defects, and improve production efficiency.
• Construction Companies: To manage complex projects, ensure safety and quality standards are met, and coordinate with multiple subcontractors.
• Technology and Software Development Firms: To standardise development processes, manage project requirements, and ensure the final product meets client specifications.
• Service-Based Organisations: Including consulting firms, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and translation services, to ensure consistent service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Companies in Regulated Industries: Such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, food safety, drug packaging, and cosmetics manufacturing, where quality and safety are paramount and often mandated by law.
• Organisations Bidding for Public or Private Tenders: Many contracts, especially with government bodies or large corporations, require ISO 9001 certification as a prerequisite.
• Businesses Looking to Expand Internationally: As a globally recognised standard, it facilitates trade and demonstrates a commitment to quality to international partners.

Why Is ISO 9001:2015 Important?

ISO 9001:2015 is important because it provides a strategic framework that helps organisations improve their overall performance and provide a sound basis for sustainable development initiatives. Its importance lies in its core principles:

• Customer Focus: The primary focus is to meet and exceed customer expectations, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.
• Process Approach: It requires organisations to manage their activities as interrelated processes. This improves consistency, efficiency, and the ability to achieve desired results.
• Risk-Based Thinking: The standard integrates risk management into the QMS, enabling organisations to identify potential issues, take preventive action, and seize opportunities.
• Continual Improvement: It embeds a cycle of continuous improvement into the organisation's culture, ensuring it remains competitive and resilient.
• Global Recognition: As an international standard, it enhances an organisation's credibility and provides access to new markets by creating a common language for quality.

By implementing ISO 9001:2015, a company signals to its stakeholders—customers, suppliers, and employees—that it is committed to quality and operational excellence.

Benefits of ISO 9001:2015 Certification

The benefits of implementing a Quality Management System and achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification are substantial, helping to improve performance and market standing:

• It ensures that organisations operate with consistent quality standards, which translates into greater customer satisfaction and a reduction in complaints, returns, and costs associated with non-conformity.
• It provides a structured framework for the continual improvement of processes, allowing for the identification of inefficiencies, optimisation of resources, and an increase in organisational productivity.
• It is fundamental for business competitiveness, as many organisations, especially in the public sector and large corporations, require their suppliers to have this accreditation as a mandatory requirement.
• It strengthens market confidence and improves corporate reputation, facilitating access to new customers, international markets, and business opportunities that value quality as a key differentiating factor.
• Provides the organisation with a Quality Management System based on internationally accepted and recognised standards.
• Makes it easier to establish certain business relationships that demand high levels of quality and efficiency.
• Increases productivity and ensures efficiency in the company's processes and activities (minimising costs derived from shortcomings and optimising process sequences).
• Helps to identify business risks and opportunities by evaluating and monitoring each of the organisation’s processes as well as applying other management tools to improve performance.
• Increases the overall satisfaction of the organisation’s stakeholders, improving the company's image and its positioning in the market.
• Brings transparency through clearly defined processes, improving brand reputation and trust.

Why Become ISO 9001:2015 Certified with Applus+ Certification?

Choosing Applus+ Certification means partnering with an independent and prestigious entity. Our approach is to thoroughly analyse our clients' needs. This allows our auditors, who are specialists in their respective sectors, to deliver a service that provides maximum value during the audit of your management system. We operate with strict independence and impartiality, helping your organisation fulfil its commitment to continuous improvement and meet the highest industry standards.