The ISO 9001 is a global standard for a quality management system. The standard is used by any organization to demonstrate its capability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements and to demonstrate constant improvement. It is used by any organization of any size or industry. As a global standard, it is known as the basis for any company to create a system to confirm customer satisfaction and improvement. Having ISO 9001 certification can provide the customer’s reassurance that organization has established a Quality Management System based on the seven quality management principles of ISO 9001. Here are the most common mistakes made by organizations when handling an ISO 9001 system:
- Top management is not dedicated to the ISO 9001 system. Many times, ISO 9001 cannot be sustained over time if top management is not active in quality and does not give the resources and mechanisms to plan, control, and improve their goods, services, and processes. Top management must take the lead in demonstrating the importance of quality, improvement, and customer satisfaction.
- Incomplete knowledge of ISO 9001 with staff members. Organizations need to train key personnel about ISO 9001, Also have proper knowledge about what ISO 9001 is and what are the requirements.
- Not all employees are properly trained. Everyone must be trained on the key quality parts of the activities and processes in which they participate. Everyone must comprehend the significance of quality and how to attain it. The ISO 9001 certified training must be relevant for their roles and responsibilities.
- Increasing the complexity of the system. If the organization is struggling to keep the system alive, it is a sign that it is overcomplicated, and all the time spent filling out forms and documenting processes is not bringing value to the organization. The system must be simple and clear and practical, with a priority on outcomes and improvements rather than documentation.
- Corrective action was not being used properly. Organizations must spend time and resources on investigating their problems and including the appropriate individuals in the process. Because most issues reoccur, following the corrective action process will help to reduce or eliminate them.
- Sometimes, customers do not know what they want. One of the purposes of ISO 9001 is to expand or raise customer satisfaction, and if organizations do not take the time to listen to their customers, they will not be able to reach this goal.
- Rushing into the execution development. Making a solid ISO 9001 management system takes effort and time. Organizations need to take the needed time to plan, do, check and act to implement a system that will expand their products, services, and processes.
- Not having an internal auditor who is well-trained and experienced. Internal auditors frequently lack the appropriate expertise and experience to identify minor details from major problems in the QMS. Auditors should concentrate on problems that will assist firms in improving their procedures and the system.
- Believing that what works for one organization will also work for them. Every company is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. To construct and grow their management system around it, organizations must focus on their environment.
- Assigning responsibility for the QMS to an individual. ISO 9001 is a project that requires the participation of the entire organization. It will not function until individuals take ownership of the QMS. Quality must be incorporated into people’s work and activities, and an outsider will not be able to do so. Although guidance and training are required, if the quality is not maintained regularly in all processes, the system will never offer value to the firm.