ISO 9001 Certification Guide: Meaning, Implementation & Benefits for Your Business

Step 1 – Understand the ISO 9001 Standard

Start with reading the ISO 9001:2015 Standard. For most companies, the technical clauses are daunting, and this is where Popularcert can assist. We guide and train your team so that every requirement is covered, ensuring thorough comprehension.

Step 2 – Perform a Gap Analysis

Analyze your processes, documents, and controls with the requirements from the standard. A thorough gap analysis conducted by Popularcert will assist identifying your available gaps and non-conformities.

Step 3 – Develop or Update the QMS

• It is time to design or revise the quality management system once gaps are identified. This will include the following;
• Formulate the needed documents such as quality manual, policy and objectives
• Creating SOPs and work instructions
• Defining hierarchy with accountabilities, roles and responsibilities
• With the tailored QMS from Popularcert, your business will be compliant yet practical.

Step 4 – QMS Implementation

• Execution comes after the planning. Your organization must:
• Train staff
• Adhere to the documented processes
• Monitor performance and document results
• With practical hands-on guidance, Popularcert facilitates your execution phase.

Step 5 – Conduct Internal Audits

• These audits are critical to assess your internal readiness. This internal audit will help with the following:
• Finding non-conformities
• Assessment of the documentation
• Identify areas for improvement
• Popularcert’s audit specialists help your internal auditors through training or by conducting mock audits.

Step 6 – Do Management Review

• For top management, they need to examine audit results, performance tracking, and customer data for strategic decisions pertaining to the QMS in the system.
• Popularcert offers tools and templates to help in the management and tracking of the processes.

Step 7 – External Certification Audit

Select a certification body for the first and second stage audit:

• First Stage: Review the documents and evaluate the preparedness.
• Second Stage: Implementation assessment through on-site evaluation.

With every step, Popularcert prepares you for and aids in guaranteeing a flawless audit.

Step 8 – Certification Received, Improvement is Continual

The journey does not end once certification is achieved—a key principle of ISO 9001 is the perpetual pursuit of improvement. With support from Popularcert, you will be ready for audits at any time throughout the year and will be continually improving your QMS.