So you have decided to do what it takes to go through with and achieve ISO9001 certification. Well guess what? Even if you change your mind about being certified these things that would have otherwise done are all sound business practices.
That’s right! They are policies, procedures and methodologies that any business can use to get ahead and if you aren’t implementing them now then it could wind up costing you. So then what are some of these steps you should be taking towards your goal of certification?
Before you even get started, your employees need to be informed of your plans. Now some of the changes you undertake will be on the management end but just the same, there can be little doubt that the greater portion of the actual work will be done on the line or in the field by regular employees.
#1- Take the time to explain the benefits of certification in real terms so they can better deal with the possible added workload, and for sure tighter standards that the process brings. For instance, certification can and will make your company more competitive, open up new markets and bring with it higher wages, and opportunities for upward mobility. Now this early notification will also allow you the opportunity to identify and weed out employees who aren’t with the program before they can make themselves a real problem when you begin implementing real changes.
#2- A good measure of what it takes to achieve ISO 9001 certification revolves around inspections and record keeping. Now this is something that you can begin doing right now because in many case all it involves is a clip-board, and a set inspection schedule. Now the deal is that if you begin doing regular inspections and recording the results prior to ISO 9001 upgrades, needless say the results of these inspections may not always be good. Even so the fact is that inspections aren’t just for reporting good news and even flaws and faults in your systems must be identified, and duly documented.
#3- Set realistic, measurable objectives and goals. The fact is that there is just no way that you’re ready right now for ISO 9001 certification or you would have already applied for, and received it. Having made note of that fact, you need to approach any changes that have to be made with a healthy dose of realism. For instance it may take a substantial longer amount of time to actually achieve some of the changes that you have planned and it’s always better that you discover this now, rather than further down the road. Also in terms of finances, it may take more money than you may have anticipated achieving certification. Particularly if some of the changes are to be made to expensive machinery and equipment. In this case the person to turn to may be an ISO 9001 consultant who has real working knowledge, and experience with the certification system.
