7 Myths about ISO 9001

Let’s bust the myths about ISO 9001 – the world’s most used quality management system standard. Existing for almost 30 years,  many people have heard about ISO 9001, but not many fully understand what the standard involves. As a result, there are common myths about ISO 9001 that simpleQuE can help to clarify.

Is it complicated and difficult to implement?

In most cases, no. SimpleQuE was one of the first consulting companies in the world to become ISO 9001:2015 certified, so we know what it takes to transition to the new standard. It is possible to simplify ISO implementation, transition, and maintenance, by integrating simple solutions that fit into your company’s culture.  This can be done with a gap analysis to identify where you’re already in compliance and more effectively target only those areas that need work.

Isn’t ISO 9001 an outdated model?

While it is true that ISO 9001 has been around since 1987, it has evolved through several revisions to match the changing needs of business. Today there is instant access to information, higher expectations from customers, more complex supply chains and a globally competitive economy.  ISO 9001:2015 takes all of these factors into account.

Isn’t ISO 9001 a standard that only benefits big corporations?

This is not the case. ISO 9001 is intended to be a set of requirements that can be used by any company, of any size, in any industry. The requirements are written as a set of best practices needed to control all the processes of a business system – no matter what the company does. The standard is designed to be flexible; the focus is on improving quality and customer satisfaction, which every organization can benefit from including:

• More efficient use of resources and improved financial performance,
• Improved risk management and protection of people and the environment, and
• Increased capability to deliver consistent and improved services and products, thereby increasing value to customers and all other stakeholders.

Will everything have to be monitored and measured?

Processes do have to be monitored and measured to ensure that they are performing as designed, however, the standard allows a company to consider the impact that a process has on product/service conformity and the effectiveness of the Quality Management System (QMS) when determining what to monitor or measure and the method to be adopted.  A good QMS will help with monitoring performance and driving improvement.

Is ISO 9001 the sole responsibility of the quality manager or department?

This couldn’t be farther from the truth, since the requirements cover every aspect of the business – from planning through delivery and post-delivery of your product or service.

Doesn’t ISO 9001 cost a lot to implement?

The question of cost will depend on the size and complexity of the organization and the competency of the personnel. Basic implementation pricing should be competitive and reasonable, depending if the work is done internally or through an external consulting service. The overall outcome of these activities should be to reduce costs through improvements and increase revenues through satisfied customers. Your return on investment should be well above the costs. Note that ISO certification through a Certification Body is a separate additional cost.

SimpleQue can customize ISO consulting for your organization and provide ISO 9001 training and simple solutions while clearing up any misconceptions about ISO 9001 and how it can benefit your organization. Contact us today to find out more information and how simpleQuE can help!