ISO 9001 is an International standard that provides the framework for an effective Quality Management System. It is one of the most widely recognized and commonly used standards throughout the world, and applies to all types of businesses regardless of their size, industry, product or service offering. An ISO 9001 Quality Management System is intended to provide customers assurance in the quality of your products or services.

A Quality Management System (QMS) is a set of interrelated activities or processes carried out within an organization to provide a product or service which satisfies customer requirements and expectations.

ISO 9001 certification is a seal of quality that indicates an organization’s quality management system meets the ISO 9001 requirements. It is based on an independent evaluation or audit performed by a registrar who provides written assurance that the ISO quality management system standard has been met. ISO certificates are issued for 3 years with the requirement that surveillance audits be performed on an annual basis.

A company that is ISO 9001 conforming means that they meet ISO's quality management system requirements but have not been formally certified by an independent registrar. Although this may be acceptable for some, an official certificate tends to carry more weight in the market place.

• Improve financial performance
  • Reduce operational costs through improved process effectiveness and efficiency
• Improve customer satisfaction
  • Improved product and service quality, including on-time delivery
  • Reduce defects and product recalls
• Improve employee satisfaction
  • Motivate employees by clarifying their roles, responsibilities and contributions to the organizations’ objectives

1. Develop a through understanding of the ISO 9001 standard.
2. Perform a gap assessment to identify where your current system meets the standard and where it does not.
3. Develop an action plan and timeline for achieving certification.
4. Select a registrar.
5. Develop a Quality Management System that defines your processes and procedures for doing business, and conforms to the standard.
   • Define organization’s purpose
   • Define quality policy and objectives of your organization
   • Identify and document processes that are needed to produce your product/service
   • Develop Quality Manual
   • Develop documented procedures required by the standard
6. Implement your Quality Management System.
   • Communicate and provide training
   • Perform Internal Audit
   • Conduct Management Review
7. Have Certification Audit performed by your Registrar.]
   • Quality System should be in place 2-3 months prior to Certification Audit

While the ISO 45001 draws upon the OHSA 18001 standard—the former benchmark for occupational health and safety (OH&S)—ISO 45001 is a new and distinct standard, not a revision or update, and is due to be phased in gradually over the next three years.

Organizations will need to update their current thinking and revise work practices in order to maintain organizational compliance. The benefits of ISO 45001 are significant when implemented correctly. While the standard requires that OH&S risks be addressed and controlled, it also takes a systems, risk-based approach to the OH&S management system itself. This type of systemic approach will ensure that it is effective and that it is being continually improved to meet an organization’s ever-changing environment. Moreover, given that this is an international standard and takes health and safety global, it ensures compliance with current legislation worldwide. Thus, gaining certification and endorsing the new standard can bring a host of corollary benefits, from reducing insurance costs by improving the overall safety and wellbeing of your organization to improving employee morale—all while continuing to meet your strategic targets. Furthermore, by endorsing the standard and becoming certified, your organization will take a public stance that distinguishes itself from businesses around the world as it will be evident to others where your business stands in terms of managing risks.