Mistakes to avoid when going for ISO-9001-certification
You should be pretty clear why you want ISO 9001
Adapting the standard needs to be a strategic decision made by top officials. If you don’t know the reasons why you want ISO 9001 certification and your purpose for why you need this, it will be far more difficult to successfully implement and well organize your existing processes. So in order to get certified assure that the system is adapted to suit your organization.
Make sure that the system is adapted as per your organization’s requirements
Don’t just let a system be forced on your organization, as has happened in the past – this is the reason to cause frustration and failure. Know why you do change and the positive implications of the changes – assure it works for your business.
Keep the ISO 9001 system simple
Don’t make it complicated, tough to operate or hard to maintain. It will make employees hate working with the processes which are responsible for failure eventually. Ask questions such as; Will this step help us reach our objectives for ISO 9001; Does it help us keep a check on costs or improve our profits? How will this work in practice? Does it help us simplify our processes? Does it help us to give better service? If not then why not?
Get your staff involved.
One of the biggest causes of failure is not getting your staff involved in all aspects of the ISO 9001 project. It is a mistake imposing changes on people; you need to ensure they are on board and fully engaged from the beginning. They are generally the people who are working the existing systems, so they know it best. They will have an idea of what will work and what won’t work. Don’t make them follow a process they don’t believe in. Let them take the responsibility and contribute.
Know what ‘quality’ implies within your organization
Generally, the term quality is used very casually, for example, we are committed to quality etc. It is necessary to define it accurately so anyone in your company knows how they are adding to overall ‘quality commitment.’ Does it mean that 98% of products work? Does it imply 98% delivery on time? Does it imply that your service meets specific criteria all the time? All staff should know what part they plan as well as understand how they contribute and that if the if it’s not accomplished, then who is responsible. This leads to more motivated staff and more productivity within your organization.
Keep records and assure staff involved knows why this is critical
Auditors need records – they want to see files, data, and documents that indicate the answers to the auditor’s top questions-‘Can you show me?’ They need to know that your system works so you must be able to show the workings of your companies’ system, through your records.
Your business must have an ISO 9001 system in place that people enjoy working with, one that is practical and simple and one your staffs are proud of. We would love to hear from you concerning the above. Contact us today for a free consultation.
