ISO 9000 Quality Management and Quality Assurance Series International Standards
ISO 9000 is a family of quality management and quality assurance standards developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They are used primarily to certify an organization’s capability to produce products and services that are consistently of a high quality, and to ensure customer satisfaction. The ISO 9000 series of standards typically outlines the specific quality management tools and processes that an organization should implement.
The ISO 9000 family currently consists of over 25 standards. The best known of these standards is ISO 9001, which is a requirement for quality management systems. Other standards in the family are focused on various aspects of quality assurance systems, such as ISO 9004 which deals with quality management in general, and ISO 19011 which outlines the audit requirements for quality assurance.
The ISO 9000 standards are based on the concept of process control. This means that the processes that an organization uses to produce and deliver its products and services are systematically examined, and continuous improvement is encouraged. The ISO 9000 standards focus on four main principles: customer focus, continual improvement, continual improvement of processes, and preventative action.
The ISO 9000 certification process is designed to ensure that an organization meets all of the ISO 9001 requirements. The process involves detailed audits of an organization’s procedures and processes, to ensure that it meets the criteria laid out in the standard. The audits are conducted by external auditors who are typically affiliated with an accredited certification body.
The certification process typically involves several stages. First, a plan is developed that outlines the organization’s needs and goals. This includes defining the scope and objectives of the quality management system and developing processes and procedures. A certification audit is then conducted to ensure that the organization’s system meets all of the requirements laid out in the standard. The auditor may also provide feedback and recommendations on how the system can be improved. Finally, the certification is granted if the system is found to be in compliance with the standard.
The ISO 9000 series provides organizations with a rigorous set of standards for quality management and quality assurance. The certification process provides assurance that an organization is capable of consistently producing products and services that meet its customer’s requirements. It also emphasizes continuous improvement, and encourages organizations to strive for a higher level of quality in their products and services.
