What ISO 9001 Is and Who Uses It

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent international body that publishes standards agreed by experts from many countries. ISO 9001 is its standard for quality management systems. A quality management system is the set of policies, processes and records an organisation uses to deliver what its customers need, every time, and to improve.

ISO 9001 does not tell you how to make your product. It tells you what a well-run organisation must have in place: for example, understanding customer requirements, controlling its processes, using competent people and learning from problems.

Why organisations use it

• Customers ask for it. Many large customers buy only from certified suppliers.
• It reduces mistakes. Clear processes and checks mean fewer errors, less rework and fewer complaints.
• It gives a common language. People in different countries understand what an ISO 9001 system includes.

Example: a small printing company

A printing company kept getting complaints about wrong colours. It used ISO 9001 to set up a simple process: confirm colour codes with the customer in writing, check the first print against the approved sample, and record the check. Complaints about colour fell sharply.

Example: a training centre

A training centre used the standard to make sure every course had a qualified trainer, up-to-date materials and feedback from learners. A large client then chose it over competitors because it could show these controls.