When you are trying to compete in the hyper-competitive 21st-century business world, you need to make sure that you are doing everything you can to take care of your clients and customers. A business relationship such as one between producer and client is just like any other relationship; it is built on trust and mutual needs. When you are producing something your client needs, the relationship benefits. However, customers need to know that they can trust you. This where ISO 9000 and 9001 come in.
ISO 9000
ISO 9000 is a family of standards for quality management systems that allow organizations to make sure they are providing for their customers as well as everyone else who holds a stake in the company. That means the company meets certain regulatory and statutory mandates related to a product. The first part of the family, ISO 9001, refers to a set of requirements that an organization must meet to fulfill ISO standards.
These standards are certified by third-party certification organizations which provide independent analysis of an organization and its product. These organizations are independent so that they can remain impartial in their analysis of companies. Some feel that the standards are not always useful or are even wasteful; however, they are the most widely used set of standards in the world, so it is best for your business to know how to navigate and adhere to them.
Many potential clients will look at the ISO standing of a business as an indication of its quality. Over one million organizations around the world are ISO-certified. Do you want to be the one business that isn’t? How do you accomplish this?
Independent Firms
ISO 9001 certification consultants can help your business navigate the sometimes murky requirements of certification. Many have criticized the standards as unnecessary, partially because they are difficult to effectively navigate. That can definitely be true for a business, but they are not quite so difficult for skilled, professional ISO 9001 certification consultants. Since your organization will be reviewed by an independent certification board, it is a good idea to get an independent consultant organization to help you comply with the standards. That way, you will know how your organization appears to an outside group.
Building trust with your clients is absolutely essential, especially in an age when they have so many other options. That?s why it?s important to figure out the ISO standards and adhere to them. They are essentially a shorthand way to tell your clients you are trustworthy. Building that bond of trust can create long-lasting business partnerships that are mutually beneficial. However, if you don?t want to spend a lot of your time worrying about it, hiring outside consultants can streamline the process for you.
