What is ISO 9001:2000?

ISO 9001:2000 is the most accepted and held management system standard in the world.

Why? Because it controls quality. It saves money. Customers expect it. Competitors have it!   Regardless of your company size, effective management systems are critical for maintaining and improving business performance. With over 900,000 global registrations in many industries this standard has proven itself to be a measurable success. It is not specific to a particular product or service, but applies to the processes that create them. As a generic set of standards, manufacturing and service industries around the world are using it.

ISO 9001:2000, Quality Management System Requirements defines the system creating a comprehensive and user-friendly application. The process-based structure of the standard provides real value, in that it recognizes that every company and process is different. Therefore, it is flexible enough to allow differences by offering the option of omitting inapplicable requirements.

The term ISO 9000 refers to a set of quality management standards . ISO 9000 currently includes three quality standards: ISO 9000:2000, ISO 9001:2000, and ISO 9004:2000. ISO 9001:2000 presents requirements , while ISO 9000:2000 and ISO 9004:2000 present guidelines. All of these are process standards (not product standards).

ISO 9001 is much more than a quality systems standard.
The intention of ISO 9001 is to establish, document, and maintain a system for ensuring the output of a process. This takes place through the process of defining, documenting, and establishing the organization's operational and quality system with the requirements of the standard. When understood and put to practice, these clauses and elements define sound business principles. When implemented correctly, it will guide your organization to build quality into your products and/or services, and help you to avoid costly inspections, warranty costs and rework. First released in 1987, with a limited revision in 1994, the standard has undertaken a new look under a revision released in December 2000.

ISO 9001:2000 provides a competitive advantage.
Companies that operate under this standard focus on continuous review of operations, prevention rather than detection, corrective actions and accurate outcomes, communication within processes, company personnel, suppliers, and customers. A high level of management commitment and involvement that supports a customer-focused environment is essential. Many companies also find benefits in their non-manufacturing functions, which tend to be absent in quality control standards.

These attributes lead to predictable process inputs and outputs, control of business costs, and increased productivity, and reduced waste. It provides the potential of reducing time-consuming supplier and customer audits, and is a powerful marketing tool in today's highly competitive global marketplace.

A company that is ISO 9001:2000 registered has an improved competitive advantage at home and abroad over its competitors. The standard has become a virtual requirement in many overseas countries, and is increasingly becoming a supplier quality assurance program requirement for U.S. companies, including acquiring work from the U.S. Government and Military Contracts. Registered organizations are authorized to display a special mark or logo, and companies throughout the world understand the significance behind it.

READ MORE: What is the Business Impact?

Implementing ISO 9001:2000
Adopting the most widely acceptable business management system in the world can be frustrating and costly if not done properly. Interpretation and application of the ISO 9001:2000 Standard requires knowledge and a comprehensive approach for system and process documentation.

Using our methodology turns your ISO certification process into a strategic resource. Besides ensuring that your documented business system meets the requirements of the ISO 9001:2000 Standard, we continuously look for and identify ways to improve your operations through suggestions that can increase efficiency and effectiveness, reduce overall costs, and increase time to market. We have successfully designed, implemented and improved manufacturing and service industry business management systems around the world.

We are RABQSA registered auditors and have years of experience as third party auditors and management representatives. We know what it takes for your business to pass your registration audit the first time!

Sustaining Edge Solutions has proven experience implementing and managing this business system standard. Contact us to discuss your specific needs and requirements.

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