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EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Achieving Excellence Through ISO 9001 Certification

Expected Outcomes for Accredited ISO 9001

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) support the following concise statement of outcomes that are to be expected as a result of accredited certification to ISO 9001. The intent is to promote a common focus throughout the entire conformity assessment chain in order to achieve these expected outcomes and thereby enhance the value and relevance of accredited certification.

Important: ISO 9001 certification is used across private and public sectors to enhance confidence in products and services, facilitate business relationships, and support procurement processes.

Customer Perspective

"For the defined certification scope, an organization with a certified quality management system consistently provides products that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and aims to enhance customer satisfaction."

ISO 9001 Certification Outcomes

Key Notes

  • Terminology: "Products" also includes "services" in the context of ISO 9001 certification.
  • Customer Requirements: These may be explicitly stated (e.g., in contracts or specifications) or implicitly understood (e.g., through promotional materials or industry standards).
  • Scope: Requirements may encompass delivery and post-delivery activities as part of the product offering.

Expected Organizational Implementation

For organizations seeking or maintaining ISO 9001 certification, the following implementations are expected:

  • Quality Management System: Establishment of a QMS that is appropriate for the organization's products, processes, and certification scope.
  • Customer Focus: Analysis and understanding of customer needs, expectations, and relevant statutory/regulatory requirements.
  • Product Specifications: Clear definition of product characteristics to ensure they meet all customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Process Management: Identification and management of processes necessary to achieve desired outcomes, including conforming products and enhanced customer satisfaction.
  • Resource Allocation: Ensuring the availability of necessary resources to support and monitor all relevant processes.
  • Quality Control: Implementation of monitoring and control measures for defined product characteristics.
  • Continuous Improvement: Systematic processes for preventing nonconformities and implementing improvements, including:
    • Correction of nonconformities, including those detected after delivery
    • Root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent recurrence
    • Effective handling and resolution of customer complaints
  • Internal Review: Implementation of robust internal audit and management review processes.
  • Performance Monitoring: Continuous monitoring, measurement, and improvement of the QMS effectiveness.

Note: These expectations form the foundation for achieving and maintaining ISO 9001 certification, demonstrating an organization's commitment to quality and continuous improvement.