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Questions and Answers on Quality

Management according to ISO 9001
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1 . W H AT A R E T H E G O A L S O F A Q U A L I T Y M A N A G E M E N T S Y S T E M ?
With a quality management system (QM system), the management of a
company strives to achieve the following goals through systematic action in all
areas of the company:
··The ability of the product and services to meet customer expectations can be
understood and evaluated on a continual basis
··The effectiveness of systematic action can be measured on a regular basis.
··The quality of the products or services related to customer needs can be
continuously improved.

2 . W H AT VA L U E D O E S A Q M S Y S T E M A D D ?
A QM system aims at improving quality. The primary objective is to improve
product and service quality as well as customer satisfaction. A quality
management system ultimately influences the maintenance and expansion of the
customer base and thus the financial performance of the company. With the ISO
9001 standard you can establish processes that define how your organization is
going to operate and address a dynamic business environment.

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3 . C A N A C O M PA N Y A C T U A L LY B E C O M E E F F I C I E N T U S I N G I S O 9 0 0 1
C E R T I F I C AT I O N ?
ISO 9001 Certification is the confirmation by an independent third party that a
functional QM system is being used. In theory, an increase in efficiency cannot
be achieved by just an examination and subsequent confirmation. In practice this
is quite different. The system is often more conscientiously and more stringently
applied and adhered to than it would be the case without the regular verifications
of certification.

4 . W H AT A R E T H E G O A L S O F A Q U A L I T Y M A N A G E M E N T S Y S T E M ?
The positive effects that are valued by a certified QM system according to ISO
9001 are usually:
··Clear responsibilities.
··Better-understood processes that are generally better implemented.
··Greater confidence in management.
··Better relationships with suppliers.
··Better understanding of customers’ needs.
··Improved starting position vis-a-vis banks and insurance companies.
··Advantage when orders are awarded, e.g. in the case of public tenders.

5 . W H AT A R E T H E R E Q U I R E M E N T S F O R I M P L E M E N T I N G A Q M S Y S T E M
A N D T O H AV E I T C E R T I F I E D ?
Prerequisites for implementing a QM system are:
··The will to systematically act.
··The will to lead transparently.

Prerequisites for the certification of an ISO 9001 quality management

system are:
··Understanding of ISO 9001.
··The willingness to explain (especially to document) the system.
··The willingness to explain (especially to document) activities.

6 . C A N T H E I S O 9 0 0 1 C E R T I F I C AT I O N B E C O M B I N E D W I T H O T H E R
C E R T I F I C AT I O N S ?
ISO 9001 is a sector-neutral standard and therefore suitable for the certification
of quality management systems of all companies. Audits according to ISO 9001
can be combined with other industry-specific audits for quality management
systems as well as other management systems. Take advantage of a combined
certification!

Combined certifications of ISO 9001 are usually combined with the following
certifications (a selection):
Quality standard ISO / TS 16949 for the automotive industry, the standards
EMAS and ISO 14001 for environmental management and the ISO 50001 for
energy management. Furthermore, a combination with an AZAV certification is
also conceivable for institutions concerned with training and further education.
An ISO 29990 certified quality management system for learning service
providers can also benefit from an ISO 9001 certification.

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7. W H AT E X A C T LY I S T H E C E R T I F I C AT I O N P R O C E S S I N A C C O R D A N C E
W I T H I S O 9 0 0 1?
1. Preliminary audit (optional)
The auditors conduct a preliminary assessment. In doing so, they determine
which requirements of the ISO 9001 standard, if any, have already been
implemented in your company.
2. Gap analysis (optional)
A Gap analysis is recommended for companies certified according to ISO
9001:2008 in order for them to convert to ISO 9001:2015. The analysis helps
you to confirm the conformity of already implemented procedures as well as
to recognize systems, processes and documentations that need improvement.
3. Certification audit
The certification process occurs in two stages. The audit team checks, among
other things, whether your quality management system already meets the
requirements of the ISO 9001 standard. Then you have to demonstrate the
practical application and effectiveness of your quality management system.
4. Issuing the certificate
After successful certification, your company will receive the certificate for
a quality management system that complies with ISO 9001. It certifies
compliance with the standard(s) and commitment to the adherence with
the requirements. In addition, your company will be entered into our online
certificate database, Certipedia, and you can advertise the certification of your
quality management system with the TÜV Rheinland seal. More information in
“Advertise with TÜV Rheinland”.
5. Surveillance audits
Within the framework of annual surveillance audits, we will check the
continuous optimization of the processes and ascertain whether your
company has maintained its compliance with the standard.
6. Recertification
By recertifying before the end of three years, you will be able to drive forward
with your process of continuous improvement as well as document your
commitment to partners and customers.

1 P R E L I M I N A RY
AU D I T ( o p t i o n a l ) 2 G A P A N A LY S I S
(optional) 3 C E RT I F I C AT I O N
AU D I T

Initial assessment by the A Gap analysis supports Checking the implementation

auditors to ascertain the
current level of
implementation of the
requirements of the
standard.
you in successfully of the quality management
converting from ISO system. Demonstration of
9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015. practical application and
examination of effectiveness.

6 R E C E RT I F I C AT I O N 5 S U RV E I L L A N C E
AUDITS 4 ISSUING THE
C E RT I F I C AT E

Recertification audits take Annual audit of process It certifies compliance with

place before the end of three
years. Recertification audits
will look for evidence of the
continual improvement of
the process.
optimization and compliance
with the standards.
the standard(s) and
commitment to the adherence
with the requirements. Entry
into the online certification
database Certipedia.

C O N T I N U A L P R O C E S S O F I M P R OV E M E N T

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8 . W H AT A R E T H E A D VA N TA G E S O F T H E R E V I S E D I S O 9 0 0 1 : 2 0 1 5 ?
The new version of ISO 9001 was released on September 15, 2015 and brings a
lot of improvements in quality management systems. Compared to the standard
version of 2008, the new version from 2015 provides a uniform structure,
simplifies implementation in the company and improves the understanding of
terminology. For more information about ISO 9001:2015, which will replace ISO
9001:2008 in September 2018, please refer to our white paper: Basic principles
of the new ISO 9001 and changes vis-a-vis ISO 9001:2008.

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