ISO 9001 certification

Introducing a QMS in accordance with ISO 9001 offers many advantages. For example, it enables companies to:

• increase transparency of their processes
• improve customer satisfaction sustainably
• significantly reduce errors, risks and associated costs

However, the true significance of ISO 9001 certification goes further. Many clients or business partners require proof of systematic quality management – clear processes, quality and customer focus – from their suppliers or service providers. ISO 9001 certificates are recognised worldwide and serve as such proof.
Customers and employees also respond positively to a certificate issued by a reputable organisation. It communicates immediately that the company works to international standards with a clear customer focus and continuously improves its processes.

1. Customer focus: Understanding customer needs and striving to exceed expectations
2. Leadership: Aligning the organisation with market expectations and creating an environment where employees contribute to achieving objectives
3. Relationship management: Building strong relationships with stakeholders such as suppliers to ensure sustainable success
4. Involvement of people: Recognising and enabling employees at all levels so they can contribute their strengths
5. Improvement: Continuously analysing and improving overall performance
6. Process-oriented approach: Ensuring all activities and resources interact efficiently
7. Evidence-based decision making: Using data and analysis to understand cause–effect relationships and implement effective measures

• Context of the organisation (Chapter 4)
• Leadership (Chapter 5)
• Planning (Chapter 6)
• Support (Chapter 7)
• Operation (Chapter 8)
• Performance evaluation (Chapter 9)
• Improvement (Chapter 10)

Once all requirements are fulfilled, the ISO 9001 quality management system is implemented, all documents and evidence are available, internal audits and management reviews are completed, a certification by TÜV SÜD is possible.

Important: a certification body may not audit itself.

• Stage 1 Audit: Review of documentation, completeness of QMS information and evaluation of readiness for Stage 2.
• Stage 2 Audit: Review of the effective implementation of the QMS in practice, including employee interviews, visits to the site and process reviews such as order processing, supplier management and error and complaint handling.

Afterwards, the company receives the audit report and, if successful, the certificate. Any major non-conformities must be corrected before certification can be granted.

• Strong commitment from leadership
• Establishment of a project team
• Emphasis on risk-based thinking, customer and process focus, and continuous improvement
• Availability of documents and evidence during the audit (e.g. objectives, internal audit results, management review)

ISO 9001 is about establishing a QMS that is genuinely implemented within the organisation. The staff must be familiar with the processes, as well as their responsibilities and the quality targets, and be able to implement them in their day-to-day work.

Costs depend on multiple factors, such as:

• Company size (number of staff and locations)
• Scope of certification
• Applicable or excluded requirements
• Existing certifications that may influence audit time