Ensuring the quality of products, services, and processes is one of the objectives of companies to position themselves as leaders, convey trust and security, and achieve competitive advantages.
Currently, one of the priorities for any business is to offer quality products or services to users, so that they choose to consume yours over those of the competition. Achieving a certificate that attests that this production is not only of quality, but also that it has been obtained following procedures and systems in accordance with regulation, is what is achieved with ISO 9000.
This is a a set of standards that set out the guidelines that companies must follow to achieve quality management systems. Therefore, they affect not only their products or services, but also the processes involved in obtaining them, the internal organisation of the company, and any activity that allows for their standardisation to improve quality.
Origin and evolution of ISO
The ISO originated after the First World War, due to the need to standardise production to ensure the rapid supply and repair of equipment. Thus, the International Federation of the National Standardizing Associations (ISA) was created.
This organisation paved the way, in 1947, for the current International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which created ISO 9000 in 1987 (which was subsequently updated). The creation of these standards was carried out to address a common issue: what conditions must my organisation meet to have a good quality management system?
In this way, sThe various existing requirements in different countries are unified and standards are created that can be followed by companies from anywhere in the world and from any productive sector. This contributes to generating stability and security in those companies that achieve the quality certificate.
ISO 9000 Family
Several standards make up the ISO 9000 family. They are interrelated and are benchmarks for quality management systems.
- ISO 9000:2015 This standard is called “Quality management systems – Fundamentals and vocabulary”. It covers the general principles that a quality management system should have and defines the terms used in this context.
- ISO 9001:2015 “Quality management systems – Requirements. This standard is the starting point for implementing a quality management system that allows for certification, as it explains the requirements that must be met. It is of particular importance because it is the only standard in the ISO 9000 family that can be certified for. This is done by an accredited independent entity through an audit that guarantees compliance with the requirements.
- ISO 9004:2018“Quality Management — A Quality of an Organisation — Guidance for Achieving Sustained Success”. This standard focuses on the continuous and sustained improvement of the performance and results of a quality management system over time.
Benefits of ISO 9000
The implementation of ISO 9000 regulations offers numerous competitive advantages. It will be easier for organisations to increase their efficiency, performance, and productivity, and achieve higher quality products and services, thereby improving their corporate image and customer satisfaction.
- Systematisation of activities and processes Standardisation allows for better control of all procedures, ensuring their quality and detecting repetitive activities or errors to take corrective action. Furthermore, activities can be compared, identifying those that provide a greater return for the company.
- Simplification of data analysisRelated to the previous benefit, standardisation also allows data to be collected and evaluated more quickly and easily. Furthermore, this promotes decision-making, as the measures to be implemented for improvement are chosen based on proven facts that reflect the data.
- Yield increaseand productivity: weaknesses or deficiencies in a company can be identified, detecting areas where costs can be reduced without losing quality. Conversely, it is also possible to find opportunities for improvement that increase profitability and guarantee the correct use of resources.
- International recognition Obtaining ISO 9000 certification means fulfilling requirements that guarantee a company's prestige globally, as the standards are similar for all companies worldwide. Furthermore, it is also important that an independent entity recognises the effectiveness and quality of internal management systems and processes. The image the company projects externally generates trust and credibility, both with customers and other stakeholders related to its economic activity, such as suppliers, employees, etc.
- Increase in user satisfaction: The consumer approach is key in any company; it sits at the heart of their objectives and aims to foster loyalty. Identifying their needs to offer them higher quality products and services will result in a loyal customer who trusts the company.
Finally, it should be noted that it is understood that Any company that obtains an ISO 9000 quality certificate has a reliable supply chain. Because production, storage, marketing and distribution are carried out following a globally recognised quality system.
