A step-by-step guide on ISO 9001 for small businesses must go beyond explaining the basic process of getting certification for a quality system. It must also teach the business how to weigh the benefits against the costs and hassles. There's no denying the fact that some types of businesses stand to benefit more than others. Even so, each one still has to perform its own analysis and come up with a viable cost-benefit ratio.
A small business, as per government definitions in various jurisdictions, may have up to 500 employees. But for the purposes of this article, let's stick with how it works for firms that have less than 10 workers. The process described below will provide larger firms with a clear idea of what needs to be done.
Generally speaking, ISO certification is a three-stage process that begins with a precertification audit. The management then has to implement the changes suggested, and the final stage is the actual audit that leads to certification. All of this won't take more than a few weeks for a small business.
The pre-certification audit typically involves a single auditor spending a day examining the business processes and documents, and another day to write up the report. How much time the management takes to make the required changes is up to them. This stage usually involves a consultant who helps the business do what's required.
When the consultant is satisfied, the auditing firm is called in. Another auditor spends a day doing the same audit all over again, and writes up another report. If the quality systems have been properly implemented, the business will receive the certificate within a month at most.
The things that need to be done to become compliant are obviously different for each business. However, it's possible to understand the scope and nature of the changes involved by taking a look at the ISO-provided resource documents that lay out the Quality Management Framework. As long as it is handled professionally and achieved without any stumbles, the disruptions and hassle factor is not really a big issue. The same can't be said about the cost, which is not insignificant.
An auditing fee must be paid for each of the two audits. This fee differs depending on the number of employees and the firm's size and location. The consultant will need to be paid a consulting fee separately. Annual fees are necessary to maintain the certification, in addition to the costs of new audits after every three years.
It's imperative to get quotes for all this before taking any concrete steps. Figure out the expected benefits and match them up against the costs and disruptions. In some cases there's a clear advantage. This can happen if the firm stands to gain a new client who insists that the order will go only to an ISO9001 certified firm.
Even if there are no specific returns on the table, ISO 9001 for small businesses is still helpful in fueling growth by making it easier to get new customers. People who see the ISO label don't need to be convinced about the quality of the company's products and services. It's not all just about product quality and perception, because the changes implemented also make the business operations more efficient.
A small business, as per government definitions in various jurisdictions, may have up to 500 employees. But for the purposes of this article, let's stick with how it works for firms that have less than 10 workers. The process described below will provide larger firms with a clear idea of what needs to be done.
Generally speaking, ISO certification is a three-stage process that begins with a precertification audit. The management then has to implement the changes suggested, and the final stage is the actual audit that leads to certification. All of this won't take more than a few weeks for a small business.
The pre-certification audit typically involves a single auditor spending a day examining the business processes and documents, and another day to write up the report. How much time the management takes to make the required changes is up to them. This stage usually involves a consultant who helps the business do what's required.
When the consultant is satisfied, the auditing firm is called in. Another auditor spends a day doing the same audit all over again, and writes up another report. If the quality systems have been properly implemented, the business will receive the certificate within a month at most.
The things that need to be done to become compliant are obviously different for each business. However, it's possible to understand the scope and nature of the changes involved by taking a look at the ISO-provided resource documents that lay out the Quality Management Framework. As long as it is handled professionally and achieved without any stumbles, the disruptions and hassle factor is not really a big issue. The same can't be said about the cost, which is not insignificant.
An auditing fee must be paid for each of the two audits. This fee differs depending on the number of employees and the firm's size and location. The consultant will need to be paid a consulting fee separately. Annual fees are necessary to maintain the certification, in addition to the costs of new audits after every three years.
It's imperative to get quotes for all this before taking any concrete steps. Figure out the expected benefits and match them up against the costs and disruptions. In some cases there's a clear advantage. This can happen if the firm stands to gain a new client who insists that the order will go only to an ISO9001 certified firm.
Even if there are no specific returns on the table, ISO 9001 for small businesses is still helpful in fueling growth by making it easier to get new customers. People who see the ISO label don't need to be convinced about the quality of the company's products and services. It's not all just about product quality and perception, because the changes implemented also make the business operations more efficient.
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