What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is the ultimate global benchmark for quality management and a critical tool for boosting your company’s success, profitability, and market potential.

ISO 9001 sets out the necessary steps to adopting a quality management system. It is designed to help organisations ensure they meet the needs and expectations of both customers and other interested parties, based on internationally recognised quality management principles set out by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

ISO 9001 is one of the most widely used management tools globally, with over one million organisations certified. It is a ‘generic standard’ as it is designed to fit flexibility around any organisation. Our assessors are there to help you identify what is relevant for your business, whatever the size or turnover.

Steps to getting ISO 9001 certification

Working towards ISO 9001 certification with IMSM is a trouble-free, step-by-step approach.

1. Initial consultation
   We help you outline your goals, focusing on what your business wants to achieve and how it defines success, particularly in relation to your client’s requirements. You and your ISO consultants will agree on reasonable outcomes and delivery dates.
2. Producing your organisation’s ISO 9001 manual system documentation
   Next, the IMSM consultant will audit your existing procedures and help you document the new systems that will help deliver success – both existing and how you will improve these. The manual system documentation sets out how your business should operate going forward so that it can deliver ISO 9001.
   You will be able to view the manual system documentation, along with most other relevant documentation, on our client portal IMSMLoop. It offers a comprehensive insight into the progress of your ISO implementation, along with copies of the relevant audit reports, certifications, and any necessary corrective actions. The portal serves as a central hub for tracking your ISO journey.
3. Training you to adopt the ISO 9001 framework
   While the manual is a vital document moving forward, it is even more important that it gets put to practical use. We work with the senior management team to ensure the framework is embedded throughout your organisation. We can also develop and deliver tailored training for staff to ensure that the understanding and implementation of ISO 9001 is watertight. This will create consistency across your organisation, transforming your business from day one so it is optimised for efficiency, continual improvement, and greater profitability.
4. Submission to a third-party external auditor
   Before you can be awarded the ISO 9001 certification, your organisation applies to the third-party certifying body that you have selected to conduct your audit. This audit objectively determines whether your business conforms to ISO 9001, and the relevant accompanying documentation is accessible through our client portal, IMSMLoop.

As we have provided excellent support and guidance to your business every step of the way, you can rest assured that your ISO 9001 certification will be successful.

How can ISO specialists help your business?

Getting started with ISO 9001 certification might seem daunting; this is often the reason why businesses enlist the help of an ISO consultant. For thirty years, we’ve supported and guided organisations like yours through certification. Our experienced consultants take the lead on auditing your business, helping you use the results to enhance your quality management system. If necessary, there is also plenty of room for training.