In February 2024, the ifse team celebrated a milestone in quality standards after becoming officially ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Read on to learn what an ISO 9001 certification is, how we became certified, and what this means for our company’s future!
What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is a globally recognized standard that essentially outlines the requirements for a Quality Management System (QMS). It is part of the ISO 9000 family of standards, developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – an independent, non-governmental international organization with members from over 160 countries.
Effectively the ISO 9001 certification sets out criteria for a QMS that helps organizations demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. To achieve ISO 9001 certification, an organization must implement and maintain a QMS that adheres to these standards.
What does it mean to be ISO 9001 certified?
According to the official ISO website, ‘implementing ISO 9001 means your organization has put in place effective processes and trained staff to deliver flawless products or services time after time’.
How did ifse become ISO 9001 certified?
In short, for our company to become ISO-certified, we had to:
- Understand the specific ISO standard we want to be certified against (in this case, ISO 9001).
- Develop and implement a QMS that meets the requirements of the standard.
- Conduct internal audits to assess the QMS’s effectiveness.
- Select an accredited certification body to perform the certification audit.
- Then, undertake the certification audit, involving a preliminary assessment (Stage 1) and a main audit (Stage 2).
- Address any non-conformities identified during the audit.
- Finally, receive ISO certification upon successful completion of the audit.
But it doesn’t stop there – in order to maintain our certification, we have to regularly undergo surveillance audits and continuous improvement of the QMS.
What are the benefits of becoming ISO 9001 certified?
For an interior design-and-build company like ifse, obtaining ISO 9001 certification offers a number benefits to us and our customers:
Enhanced Credibility – ISO 9001 certification demonstrates a commitment to quality management systems, enhancing our company’s credibility in the eyes of clients, partners, and stakeholders.
Improved Processes – Implementing ISO 9001 standards necessitates a thorough examination and documentation of processes, which effectively leads to improved efficiency, reduced errors, and streamlined operations.
Increased Customer Satisfaction – By focusing on quality management, ISO 9001 will help us to identify and meet customer requirements more effectively, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
Better Risk Management – ISO 9001 requires companies to identify, assess, and address risks to quality management. This proactive approach helps in mitigating risks, preventing quality issues, and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality services.
Market Access – This certification is often a requirement to participate in tenders and contracts, especially in sectors where quality standards are crucial, therefore expanding market opportunities for our company.
Cost Savings – By eliminating inefficiencies, reducing errors, and improving resource utilization, our new certification can lead to significant cost savings over time.
Employee Engagement and Motivation – Clear processes and standards outlined by ISO 9001 foster a sense of responsibility, accountability, and pride among our employees, which in turn can lead to higher morale, increased productivity, and better teamwork.
Continuous Improvement – ISO emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement through regular audits, reviews, and corrective actions. This culture of ongoing enhancement ensures we stay competitive and adaptable in a dynamic market.
Legal Compliance – Compliance with ISO 9001 standards ensures that we meet legal and regulatory requirements related to quality management, reducing the risk of penalties and legal issues.
Conclusion
To summarise, ISO 9001 certification not only signifies a commitment to quality but also serves as a strategic tool to drive efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and maintain a competitive edge in the interior design-and-build industry, ultimately helping to attract and satisfy new and existing companies.
