What is a quality management system?

The quality management system is a system aimed at managing the quality of manufactured products or provided services and maintaining this quality at a specified level. This system in accordance with the standards specified in ISO 9001 is intended to guarantee that customers’ requirements are met and to ensure continuous improvement in the quality of services provided or products manufactured.

Steps of implementing a quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001

The process of implementing a quality management system consists of 5 basic stages: initial audit, system design, system implementation, internal audit and certification audit.

Initial audit

The initial stage of quality management system implementation is the preliminary audit. It is an integral stage of ISO system implementation. Experts recommend conducting a preliminary audit before other activities related to designing a quality management system are started. During the preliminary audit, various areas of the organization are verified for compliance with the requirements of ISO 9001. The result of the audit is a report prepared by the auditor, in which non-conformities are described. The pre-audit report is not extremely helpful in determining and planning corrective actions and correcting deficiencies.

System design

The next stage is system design. At this stage, first of all, the organization focuses on developing appropriate system documentation. At that time, system procedures (supervision of documentation, supervision of records, internal audits, supervision of nonconforming product, corrective actions and preventive actions), quality book, quality policy, etc. are developed.

Many organizations at this stage use specialized consultants to implement management systems.

System implementation

Proper implementation of a quality management system involves the implementation of standards that are written in the procedures developed in the previous stage. The implementation of standards is the responsibility of management, which is usually supported by an external consultant. The consultant’s task is to supervise the activities carried out and provide substantive assistance in the operation of quality management systems.

Internal audit

Internal audits are necessary after the implementation of a quality management system. An internal audit can be carried out by a quality officer, ISO Supervisor or other person designated by management. It is important that the person who conducts the internal audit has adequate knowledge of the requirements of ISO 9001, as well as familiarity with the organization’s standards. Tax-wise, the internal auditor should have the right qualities, such as objectivity, integrity, professionalism, an evidence-based approach and high-level interpersonal skills.

Management may also entrust an external consultant to conduct an internal audit.

Certification audit

The final stage in the implementation of a quality management system is a certification audit. A request for it should be made to the appropriate certification body. If the result of the audit confirms that the implemented system complies with the requirements of ISO 9001, then an appropriate certificate will be awarded to the audited organization, confirming the compliance of the system with international standards in quality management.

Why do companies choose to implement quality management systems that comply with ISO 9001 requirements?

Obtaining ISO 9001 quality management certification:

1. Raises the prestige of the organization and benefits the image of the company in the eyes of customers and business partners.
2. Facilitates gaining a competitive advantage.
3. Makes the company identified with a high level quality of services or products offered.
4. Instills confidence among stakeholders in the company.
5. Improves the “organization” in the company in the broadest sense (organizes processes and related documentation, improves information flow, and makes up for deficiencies).
6. Raises awareness among employees and instills a sense of responsibility for the quality of their work.
7. Can be decisive when seeking funding for business development from public entities.