ISO 9001: The Three Major Misconceptions
ISO 9001 is frequently misunderstood. Learn how to avoid misconceptions surrounding the world’s most well-known and popular quality management system. Because: Through ISO 9001 certification, companies demonstrate a strong customer focus. However, there are numerous misconceptions surrounding ISO 9001. We clarify three of them here.
Misconception No. 1: ISO 9001 is only for large companies
False. ISO 9001 is a management system that any company can apply—regardless of industry or size. What’s more: It is not limited to companies. Associations, clubs, government agencies, individual locations, and even small teams within companies can also work according to ISO 9001. In a brochure created specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shows how this is possible. Click here for the brochure. At its core, it’s about aligning with the seven principles of quality management described in ISO 9000, an “explanatory standard.”
Misconception No. 2: ISO 9001 strips companies of their individuality
False. ISO 9001 is highly interpretable and adaptable. It is a kind of “universal standard” that can be applied to any individual situation. An auto repair shop can work according to ISO 9001 just as well as a dental practice. This is both the advantage and the disadvantage of the standard. As a result, when you read it in its original text, it appears abstract and difficult to understand. However, if you focus on the philosophy of the standard, it quickly becomes clear that it is a highly flexible management system.
Misconception No. 3: ISO 9001 is not suitable for innovative and creative companies
False. When thinking of ISO 9001, production processes inevitably come to mind. This is due to the language of the standard and its origins: It was originally developed as an industrial standard. However, advertising agencies, educational institutions, or companies in the field of engineering services can also use ISO 9001. For creative companies, the standard sets requirements for development, but does not prescribe a specific development system. Whether you operate agile development or work with requirements and specifications documents makes no difference. What matters is that you maintain certain structures. The standard also emphasizes in many places that continuous improvement and innovation should be promoted within the company.
Conclusion: ISO 9001 is much more flexible than many think
ISO 9001 helps companies, associations, organizations, departments, and teams professionalize their work and thereby become more successful in the long term. It is a management system designed for long-term customer focus, thus creating the foundation for sustainable success. As part of ISO certification, companies demonstrate that they meet the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
