Achieving ISO 9001 certification can be a significant milestone for Australian businesses. After all, the ISO 9001 standard is a globally recognised Quality Management System (QMS) certification demonstrating a company’s commitment to providing quality products and services to its customers. With it, businesses can improve overall performance and ensure a solid foundation for long-term success.

That said, to get certified for ISO 9001, there are some important steps that businesses must take:

1. Gap Analysis

The first step in the ISO 9001 certification process is to conduct a gap analysis. This involves reviewing your current QMS to identify areas where it may not meet the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard. The gap analysis will help you understand the scope of work needed to achieve compliance and develop a comprehensive action plan to address any shortcomings.

2. Documentation and Implementation

The second stage of the ISO 9001 certification process involves documenting your QMS and implementing the necessary changes to meet the standard’s requirements. This includes developing a quality policy, setting quality objectives, identifying processes, and creating documented information (such as procedures, forms, and records) to support your QMS.

3. Internal Audit

Once your QMS has been documented and implemented, the next stage is to conduct an internal audit. This involves a thorough review of your QMS to ensure that it functions effectively and meets the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard. That said, the internal audit should be conducted by a competent auditor who is familiar with the standard and your organisation’s processes.

4. Management Review

After the internal audit, a management review should be conducted. This involves top management reviewing the QMS’s performance and ensuring its ongoing effectiveness and suitability. The management review should consider the results of the internal audit, customer feedback, process performance, and any changes that may affect the QMS (such as new regulations or business objectives).

5. Certification Audit

Once your organisation is confident that its QMS meets the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard, it is time to schedule a certification audit with an accredited certification body. The certification audit is a two-stage process, consisting of a Stage 1 (Readiness Review) audit and a Stage 2 (Certification) audit.

During the Stage 1 audit, the auditor will review your QMS documentation and assess your organisation’s readiness for the Stage 2 audit. If any gaps are identified, they must be addressed before proceeding to the Stage 2 audit.

The Stage 2 audit involves a comprehensive assessment of your QMS, including interviews with personnel, observation of processes, and a review of records. If the auditor is satisfied that your QMS meets the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard, they will recommend your organisation for certification.

6. Continual Improvement and Surveillance Audits

Achieving ISO 9001 certification is not the end of the journey; it is a commitment to continuous improvement. Your organisation must regularly review and improve its QMS to maintain compliance with the standard and enhance its performance. As part of the certification process, surveillance audits will be conducted by your certification body at least once a year to ensure ongoing compliance with the ISO 9001 standard. These audits also provide an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to quality.

Conclusion

Achieving ISO 9001 certification can be a challenging but rewarding process for Australian businesses. By following the six steps outlined above, your organisation can demonstrate its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace, and improve overall efficiency and performance!

The ISO Council is a specialised consulting company based in Australia, which consists of a group of experts with experience in top industry associations. We offer comprehensive ISO certification solutions, focusing on creating, executing, and sustaining standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, among others. If you are looking for ISO 9001 certification, work with us today!