A number of businesses within various industries use ISO certification as a recognised method of producing and delivering control of quality products and services and customer service. ISO accreditation not only provides improvements and quality to processes and methods but is often recognised as a mark of uniformity of both products and services across countries, languages and cultures. Therefore, by a business obtaining ISO certification, it is seen as a huge positive in terms of reputation and image, as well as in terms of practicality. Some businesses, however, may benefit more than others from the implementation of ISO practices, such as manufacturing companies.
How ISO Certification Helps Manufacturing Companies
Specific clauses within ISO certifications, such as ISO 9001, outline guidelines and processes on the way a business should carry out certain practices. These help manufacturing companies to improve crucial areas of their business, such as;
- Standard of Product - As mentioned, ISO certification addresses the issue of product quality. By implementing specific processes, product definition can be accurately prescribed to ensure that each product is consistently manufactured to a consistent level of standard.
- Corrective Action Processes – Section 10.2 of ISO 9001 concerns itself with ‘nonconformity and corrective action.’ To prevent nonconformity is of utmost importance, but if an incident was ever to occur then displaying corrective measures and ensuring that it doesn’t get repeated is vital to any quality management system, as well as an exceptional way to develop trust between business and customer.
- Quality Tollgates – An integral part of many sections of ISO 9001, there are many instances where the application of evaluation and measurement is necessary to create a ‘tollgate’ on product quality. The enables manufacturing companies to gain data and knowledge to be able to drive continuous improvement needed by all organisations.
- Knowledgeable and Motivated Employees – With the implementation of ISO practices, issues such as ‘awareness’, ‘competence’ and ‘organisational knowledge’ are covered which enable members of staff within a manufacturing company to perform to a high standard in producing products and services. As well as being highly competent, with ISO certification, manufacturing businesses will put into place strict and clear training processes, roles and the ability to show accountability of management. All of which will lead to a more satisfied and motivated workforce.
These are just a few of many elements that enable manufacturing companies to perform more effectively with ISO certification. If you require advice on ISO accreditation, please do not hesitate to contact NPT Management Systems today.
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A Quality Management System (QMS) is the foundation of a high-quality organisation. Despite many firms not possessing significant resources to be able to build a QMS that other businesses can create, it can still be done in an effective way. An influential QMS takes time and effort to perfect, but when done properly, they are able to enhance the quality and economic value of both services and products. They carry with them a number of benefits but are put in place to mainly increase customer experience, which is crucial for some organisations, especially smaller ones where customer retention is vital.
Benefits of a Quality Management System
Improved Employee Morale
In order to perform well, members of staff need to be both satisfied and motivated. Clear and identifiable roles, established training processes, accountability of management, as well as staff being transparent with how their duties impact the success and quality of business operations are all part of creating an effective employee/employer relationship. When employees have higher levels of motivation and satisfaction, the rate of staff turnover is reduced which eliminates the processes of re-hiring and re-training which can burden smaller businesses especially.
Enhanced Efficiency
By acquiring the ISO 9001 QMS certification, businesses aim to maximise the quality and efficiency of all their processes. As part of achieving the certification, guidelines and systems will be created for all members of staff to abide by. The results in transactions, training and trouble-shooting issues being dealt with in a clearer and smoother manner, resulting in less money and time being spent on outdated and ineffective practices.
Improved Credibility & Image
ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard. As a result, it has become the foundation for creating a QMS all around the world, taking the place of many previous requirements. When businesses deal with other businesses, they often look for an ISO 9001 accreditation before considering any sort of partnership. This is particularly the case when companies compete for public sector jobs in a number of countries. The marketing power of attaining ISO 9001 certification should never be underestimated.
Increase Evidence for Decision Making
The need to use evidence-based decision making is an important element of a QMS. By deciding outcomes based on evidence, rather than ‘gut feeling’, resources can be better used to tackle areas of improvement where increases in efficiency and cost-savings can be made. An added benefit is that by constantly monitoring the processes that are being improved, you will be able to tell how much improvement has been made based on data.
If you need advice on a Quality Management System then please do not hesitate to contact NPT Management Systems today.
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