Enhancing Quality Management for Ongoing Success

In today’s dynamic global markets, it’s crucial for businesses to maintain an efficient quality management system aligned with the ISO 9001 family of standards. Over a million companies worldwide, including 30,000 in the United States and Canada, have achieved certification in accordance with this internationally recognized standard.

Streamlined corporate processes

Cost reduction and increased efficiency

Improved customer satisfaction

Knowledge management

Beschreibung Standard/Regelwerk
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What is the ISO 9001 standard?

ISO 9001, an internationally recognized standard, outlines the criteria for a quality management system adopted by companies to meet the expectations of both internal and external stakeholders. It is built upon seven essential quality management principles, as defined in ISO 9000:

  • Customer focus and sustainable success
  • Management and leadership
  • Engagement of people
  • Process-oriented approach
  • Improvement
  • Evidence-based decision making
  • Relationship management

This standard’s development and its contribution to value generation are closely linked to the history of DQS in the United States. DQS Inc. emerged as a strategic collaboration between Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and DQS, Germany’s first certification body. To access the current version of ISO 9001, visit the ISO website.

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Zielgruppe
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Revision of ISO 9001 announced for 2025

In the summer of 2023, the ISO/TC 176 SC2 technical committee voted in favor of a revision of ISO 9001:2015. The timetable is now much more concrete and publication is scheduled for 2025. An article published on August 4, 2023 by the German Society for Quality (DGQ e.V.), which is closely associated with the committee, provides initial insights into how far-reaching the revision may be and which topics in quality management may apply or are to be added. "Adjustments to ISO 9001 are planned with regard to the aspects of resilience, supply chain management, change management, sustainability, dealing with risks [and] organizational knowledge". Find out in good time and learn all about the ISO 9001 revision in our blog.

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Who Benefits from ISO 9001 Certification?

Since its introduction in 1987, the ISO 9000 series has proven itself as a valuable management tool across various industries and service sectors. ISO 9001 certification is suitable for companies and organizations of all sizes and operating in all industries. It demonstrates reliability and serves as a powerful instrument for overseeing quality processes to meet customer demands. Companies who get certified to ISO 9001 also gain a competitive edge when attracting new clients.

Clear processes and defined responsibilities make systematic quality management (QM) the cornerstone of successful companies in the United States as well as around the world. An effective and comprehensive QM system is fundamental for continuous performance improvement and leads to more efficiency and reliability.

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Wer darf zertifizieren
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Why effective quality management matters for your organization?

Effective quality management is characterized by clear objectives, measurable results, sufficient resources, structured processes, and continuous improvement. It offers numerous advantages to your organization, including increased customer satisfaction, access to new markets, and enhanced operational efficiency. Moreover, a robust management system ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, thereby mitigating associated risks.

ISO 9001 places a strong emphasis on top management’s involvement in your quality management system, with a focus on the environment of your company. It also involves a thorough examination of risks and opportunities, revealing substantial potential for improvement in your business practices. ISO 9001 adheres to the “High-Level-Structure ” (HLS), which means it uses consistent outlines, terminology, and definitions found in modern ISO management system standards. The standardization simplifies the integration of additional standards into your existing management system, such as ISO 27001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, or ISO 45001. By embracing ISO 9001, your organization can adopt a process-oriented approach, enhance performance evaluation, and implement corrective actions while adhering to international quality management principles.

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Prozessorientierung
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Why ISO 9001 Quality Management Matters To Your Organization?

Implementing a quality management system (QMS) in line with ISO 9001 principles is a crucial foundation for comprehensive management. A robust QMS forms the backbone of an organization that strives for continuous improvement and growth, paving the way for future success.

  • Meet Customer Requirements: Efficiently meet specific customer requirements with structured processes.
  • Expanding Market Reach: Prove your quality capabilities to access new markets domestically and internationally.
  • Risk Management: Enhance transparency in processes to effectively address legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Employee Involvement: Engage employees through effective communication, information sharing, and training.
  • Seamless Integration: Easily incorporate other standards and management systems such as ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001 or ISO/IEC 27001 into your existing framework.
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How long is an ISO 9001 audit?

The duration of your audit can vary from one day to several weeks, depending on several factors. DQS auditors are equipped with vast industry expertise and will collaborate effectively with your organization to understand your objectives, defined processes, and management system. Our audits are customized to your specific company, ensuring a seamless certification process in a planned and transparent method.

Our planning adheres to the International Accreditation Forum’s (IAF) binding document for determining audit duration, IAF MD05. This means that you know what to expect and when. As an accredited certification body, we strive to deliver exceptional competence and innovative solutions. For further details, please contact us.

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How to get ISO 9001 certification

To begin your journey towards ISO 9001 certification, you must first implement all the necessary ISO 9001 requirements within your organization. If you already have a certified management system in place, this process can be expedited. 

Your initial interaction with DQS Inc. in the United States will involve discussing your company, quality management system, and the objectives you aim to achieve with your ISO 9001 certification. Once we learn more about your organization, we will create a customized quote that meets your unique needs. 

 

For larger projects, project planning can be beneficial to establish schedules and outline the audit procedures for different sites or departments. Additionally, an optional gap assessment allows you to identify strengths and areas that have opportunity for improvement within your quality management system before formal certification.

The ISO 9001 audit begins with a preliminary system analysis, known as the stage 1 audit. During this stage, your documentation, objectives, results of management reviews, and internal audits are assessed. The goal is to determine whether your management system is adequately developed and ready for certification.

In the next stage, the stage 2 system audit, an auditor evaluates the effectiveness of all management processes on-site, using the ISO 9001 standard as a benchmark. The results of the audit will be discussed in a final meeting, where any necessary corrective actions and actions plans will be addressed. 

After the certification audit, the results are evaluated by the independent certification board of DQS. You will receive an audit report documenting the audit results. If all standard requirements are met, you will receive the ISO 9001 certificate.

To ensure continuous improvement and the ongoing effectiveness of your quality management system, periodic on-site audits of key system components occur at least once a year. These recurring audits will help you to identify any additional areas of improvement.

An ISO 9001 certificate is valid for a maximum of three years. To maintain compliance with the applicable standard requirements, recertification is performed well before the certification expires by DQS. If your organization continues to meet the necessary requirements, a new certification will be issued.

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How much does ISO 9001 certification cost?

The cost associated with ISO 9001 certification varies on several factors, including the presence of an existing certified management system, your company’s size, and the complexity of your quality management system. These factors will also influence the duration of the audits and therefore the price. Because each company has unique factors, there isn’t a one size fits all cost for and ISO 9001 certification. We are happy to create a customized quote for your company, organization, or agency to meet your specific needs.

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Why DQS?

  • Over 35 years of  ISO 9001 certification experience
  • Audits that provide value-adding insights about your organization
  • Auditors with practical experience and a high level of industry competence
  • Accredited certificates with international acceptance
  • Personal, smooth seamless support from our local US based specialists with international support
  • Individual offers with flexible contract periods without hidden costs
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We will be happy to provide you with a tailor-made quote for ISO 9001 certification.

Quality Management System - How to achieve an efficient QMS with ISO 9001

If you want to make "quality" the core of your efforts towards the market, customers and stakeholders, you should read this informative blog post by one of our premier experts, auditors and trainers for ISO 9001, Ute Droege. 

To the DQS blog post