FAQ 4

Q  Is ISO9001 about making good products?

A  Contrary to popular belief, ISO 9001 is not concerned with how to make well-engineered products or supply a high-class service. It is solely concerned with meeting the customer's requirements (whether stated or unstated).

To do this you need a framework that enables you to monitor how well you meet your Customer's requirements and continually improve the ways in which you do it. This results in a "controlled environment" in which your products and services are more likely to be "correct". 

Examples of controlled conditions include::

  • ensuring that correct raw materials or support services are procured;
  • ensuring that inspection tasks are adequately defined and conducted by trained persons;
  • always using equipment which is up to the task;
    (whether manufacturing, testing or measuring)
  • ensuring that the information gained from rejects and other problems is properly analysed
    (so as to ensure that the mistakes are not repeated)
Although the requirements of ISO 9001 can be seen as rather demanding, the benefits from operating the system should far outweigh the extra work involved. It is, after all, a mark of excellence, and is not awarded lightly.
Remember, ISO9001 is solely concerned with how well your organisation's services/products meet the requirements and unstated expectations of its customers. 

Everything in the standard revolves around this!

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This page was last updated on Oct 15, 2011