Learning about ISO 9001 for small businesses from a guide that simply explains the step by step path to a certified quality system is not enough. It's just as important to know the exact benefits as well as the hassles and costs that need to be borne. It's a fact that certain types of operations will find it more beneficial than others, but every business has to do its own analysis to come up with a cost-benefit ratio.
A small business may have anywhere from one to 500 employees, depending on the location. Without getting too technical about it, let's just consider how this works for a business that has only one location and less than 10 employees. It should be enough to show what needs to done and whether it's worth the trouble.
The process is divided into three parts, starting with the pre-certification audit. This is followed by the management making the changes recommended to bring itself into compliance, and then the actual certification audit. A small business will be able to complete the whole thing within a few weeks at most.
The initial audit may be accomplished by one auditor going over the operations and records in a single day. The report should take no more than one more day to write up. After this, the management can begin working on the recommendations in the report. During both these stages, it is customary to bring in a consultant to guide the business.
Once the business seems fully compliant, the firm that is performing the certification audit is called in. They will need a couple of days to do another audit and write up a report. If everything is in order, the certification is awarded and sent over within a month.
It's possible to get a fair idea of what kind of changes will need to be made by taking a look at the ISO9001 Quality Management Framework documentation. It's not really all that much of a hassle, provided it's done in a planned manner without any hitches that call for more follow-up changes and repeat audits. Regardless, the cost is obviously not going to be insignificant.
The two aforementioned audits require an auditing fee which varies based on the size of the firm, numbers of employees and the location. If a consultant is hired, then a consulting fee will have to be paid. There is an annual fee for maintaining the certification, and also further auditing fees once in three years.
Talk to a consultant and the certifying body to get quotes from both before deciding to go for the certification. Balance the costs against the need. For instance, the benefits are tangible if there is a potential client that wants to deal only with vendors who are ISO9001 certified.
Otherwise, ISO 9001 for small businesses is about creating a perception that makes it easier for the business to grow and acquire more customers. Customers, vendors and other business partners are able to trust the firm and the quality of its products and services. Not to mention the fact that the efficiency of the operations will actually be enhanced.
A small business may have anywhere from one to 500 employees, depending on the location. Without getting too technical about it, let's just consider how this works for a business that has only one location and less than 10 employees. It should be enough to show what needs to done and whether it's worth the trouble.
The process is divided into three parts, starting with the pre-certification audit. This is followed by the management making the changes recommended to bring itself into compliance, and then the actual certification audit. A small business will be able to complete the whole thing within a few weeks at most.
The initial audit may be accomplished by one auditor going over the operations and records in a single day. The report should take no more than one more day to write up. After this, the management can begin working on the recommendations in the report. During both these stages, it is customary to bring in a consultant to guide the business.
Once the business seems fully compliant, the firm that is performing the certification audit is called in. They will need a couple of days to do another audit and write up a report. If everything is in order, the certification is awarded and sent over within a month.
It's possible to get a fair idea of what kind of changes will need to be made by taking a look at the ISO9001 Quality Management Framework documentation. It's not really all that much of a hassle, provided it's done in a planned manner without any hitches that call for more follow-up changes and repeat audits. Regardless, the cost is obviously not going to be insignificant.
The two aforementioned audits require an auditing fee which varies based on the size of the firm, numbers of employees and the location. If a consultant is hired, then a consulting fee will have to be paid. There is an annual fee for maintaining the certification, and also further auditing fees once in three years.
Talk to a consultant and the certifying body to get quotes from both before deciding to go for the certification. Balance the costs against the need. For instance, the benefits are tangible if there is a potential client that wants to deal only with vendors who are ISO9001 certified.
Otherwise, ISO 9001 for small businesses is about creating a perception that makes it easier for the business to grow and acquire more customers. Customers, vendors and other business partners are able to trust the firm and the quality of its products and services. Not to mention the fact that the efficiency of the operations will actually be enhanced.
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