ISO 9001 is a globally recognised quality management system standard that outlines the requirements for a company’s quality management system. Companies must obtain an ISO 9001 certification to demonstrate their capability to provide consistent and high-quality products and services to their customers.

However, companies often face a dilemma when implementing the standard – should they use a template or go for a customised approach?

Here, we’ll explore this debate between template and customisation and provide insights from an ISO certificate consultant:

What Is a Template Approach?

A template approach involves using pre-designed templates that can be customised to fit the company’s specific needs. 

Templates are often used to save time and money during implementation. The templates are designed to cover all the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard. They can be customised to fit the particular needs of the organisation. This approach is suitable for small and medium-sized companies that may not have the resources to develop a customised approach.

What Is a Customised Approach?

A customised approach involves developing a quality management system that is unique to the specific needs of the company. This approach is suitable for larger companies with complex processes and systems that require a more tailored approach. A customised approach allows companies to focus on their unique requirements rather than trying to fit into a pre-designed template.

Pros and Cons of Using a Template Approach

Pros:

  • Saves Time: Using a template approach can save significant time during the implementation process. Since the templates are pre-designed, the company does not have to spend time developing a customised approach from scratch.
  • Cost-effective: Using a template approach is often more cost-effective than developing a customised approach. The templates are designed to cover all the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard, saving the company from having to hire consultants to develop a unique quality management system.
  • Easy to Use: Templates are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for the company to implement the standard without having to spend a lot of time and resources.

Cons:

  • Generic: Templates are designed to fit a broad range of companies, which means they may not be specific to the company’s unique needs. This can result in a lack of clarity and understanding of the standard’s requirements.
  • Limitations: Templates can be limiting, as they may not cover all the requirements of the company’s quality management system. This can lead to gaps in the implementation process, affecting the company’s ability to obtain the ISO 9001 certification.
  • Lack of Flexibility: A template approach may not be flexible enough to accommodate company processes and systems changes. This can lead to the need to constantly update the template, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Pros and Cons of Using a Customised Approach

Pros:

  • Tailored to Specific Needs: A customised approach is created to fit the specific needs of the company, which ensures that all the requirements of the quality management system are met.
  • Comprehensive: A customised approach ensures that all aspects of the quality management system are covered, including the company’s unique processes and systems.
  • Increased Flexibility: A customised approach allows for more flexibility in the implementation process, as changes can be made to the quality management system as the company’s processes and systems evolve.

Cons:

  • Time-consuming: Developing a customised approach can be time-consuming, as it requires a thorough understanding of the ISO 9001 standard and the company’s unique needs.
  • Costly: A customised approach can be more costly than using a template approach, as it may require the company to hire consultants to develop a unique quality management system.
  • Complex: A customised approach can be more complex than a template approach, as it requires a deep understanding of the company’s processes and systems.

Conclusion

The decision to use a template or a customised approach to implement the ISO 9001 standard depends on the specific needs of the company. A template approach can be more cost-effective and time-efficient, while a customised approach can provide a more comprehensive and tailored solution. It is important to note that the implementation process should be led by an experienced ISO certificate consultant who can guide the company through the process and ensure that all the standard requirements are met.

The ISO Council is a specialised consulting agency based in Australia, consisting of a team of experts with extensive experience in various industry sectors. We offer comprehensive ISO certification solutions, focusing on the creation, execution, and upkeep of ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, and other relevant industry standards. Contact an ISO certificate consultant from our team to learn more about ISO 9001!