Description of ISO 9001:2008
ISO 9001:2008 is a standard used to outline the conditions or requirements that should be met by an organization in its quality strategy for ISO 9001:2008 certification (Cianfrani & West, 2014). Hoyle (2017) indicates that ISO 9001:2008 is the only ISO standard document that is usually certified. The ISO 9001:2008 was launched in 2008 to substitute the existing ISO 9001:2000. The requirements of this standard are usually broad and can be applied uniformly in a wide range of business organizations. Both large and small business firms can use the standard to meet the targeted requirements. Companies that might not apply the standard due to several circumstances are considered for omission (Hoyle, 2017).
The outstanding attribute of the ISO 9001:2008 is that it specifies the unique requirements for effective quality management within an organization. The targeted organization should demonstrate consistent and continuous ability to provide quality products and services that add value to the targeted customer. The firm should follow the existing regulatory and statutory requirements. ISO 9001:2008 promotes “the level of customer satisfaction through the efficient application of the framework” (Hoyle, 2017, p. 48). This means that the processes needed for continuous improvement should be taken seriously. The steps should conform to the emerging needs of targeted customers.
ISO 9001:2008 has supported the performance of many companies within the past eight years. It has become a powerful standard or benchmark for companies to control quality and deliver quality to targeted customers (Cianfrani & West, 2014). The continual improvement philosophy guides companies to manage their business models.
Benefits and Disadvantages of ISO 9001:2008
Benefits
ISO 9001:2008 is one of the certifications guided by several quality management attributes or principles. Companies that adopt the standard will find it easier to use the principles and eventually promote business performance. The standard has eight unique aspects that are usually aimed at promoting performance. These include leadership, process approach, people involvement, customer focus, systems approach to business management, fact-based decision-making, supplier relationships, and continual improvement (Autry, Goldsby, Bell, & Hill, 2013).
These aspects make it possible for companies to come up with adequate processes and activities that focus on the emerging needs of targeted customers. The concept of leadership provides adequate direction and purpose. The involvement of different employees and stakeholders will ensure the objectives of the organization are realized promptly (Tricker, 2014). The process approach makes it easier for targeted companies to manage resources and promote how different systems impact each other. This knowledge can be used to implement new processes that can improve performance.
A small business embracing the ISO 9001:2008 standard will engage in continuous improvement. The process will transform the culture and promote the best practices that can deliver quality services or products to the customers (Hoyle, 2017). Decisions will be made much faster based on the collected information or data. The small firm will manage its relationships with different stakeholders and suppliers efficiently. The process will create value and drive performance.
The top managers in the small organization will be involved throughout the quality management process. This strategy will present new concepts and practices that can meet the needs of the customers. The level of customer satisfaction improves continuously (Tricker, 2014). This is the case because the products are informed by the needs of the customers. Adequate support is provided in an attempt to fulfill such expectations.
A small company that embraces this certification standard will increase its efficiency and effectiveness. Services are improved continuously depending on the expectations and needs of the clients. The use of factual information makes it easier for the firm to become customer-focused (International Organization for Standardization, 2017). This process will eventually maximize the performance of the company and make it profitable.
Disadvantages
Although ISO 9000:2008 has numerous benefits for small business entities, the undeniable fact is that the standard presents various challenges. To begin with, small businesses might not have a clear understanding of the certification process (Singhal & Singhal, 2012). Consequently, such firms will direct their resources to the process without understanding its unique purpose. This issue explains why some companies are usually excluded from the certification process.
Small firms will incur unnecessary costs and expenses before getting the certification. This is the case because the actual cost of the certification is usually high (International Organization for Standardization, 2017). This reason explains why many small companies planning to become ISO 9001:2008 certified should begin by analyzing their financial strengths (Singhal & Singhal, 2012).
The certification process is characterized by rigorous documentation processes. The firms will be required to utilize their resources and assets. The firm will consume a lot of time writing down the tasks and needs of different employees (Singhal & Singhal, 2012). More often than not, small firms will mainly focus on how tasks are performed instead of improving performance. The certification process will usually take several months or even more. Small businesses involved in the process might find it hard to focus on the targeted goals.
References
Autry, C., Goldsby, T., Bell, J., & Hill, A. (2013). Managing the global supply chain. Morgantown, WV: FIT Press.
Cianfrani, C., & West, J. (2014). ISO 9001:2008 explained and expanded: Making your quality management system sustainable. Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press.
Hoyle, D. (2017). ISO 9000 quality systems handbook: Using the standards as a framework for business improvement. New York, NY: Routledge.
International Organization for Standardization. (2017). ISO 9001:2008. Web.
Singhal, D., & Singhal, K. (2012). Implementing ISO 9001:2008 quality management system: A reference guide. New York, NY: PHI Learning Private Limited.
Tricker, R. (2014). ISO 9001:2008 for small businesses. New York, NY: Routledge.