Learning about ISO 9001 for small businesses from a guide that simply explains the step by step path to a certified quality system is not enough. It's just as important to know the exact benefits as well as the hassles and costs that need to be borne. It's a fact that certain types of operations will find it more beneficial than others, but every business has to do its own analysis to come up with a cost-benefit ratio.
Depending on where it is located, a small business can have between 1-500 employees. Let's look at how the certification process works for the smallest firms with less than ten employees. That should provide small businesses of all sizes with a fair idea about how to proceed.
The process is divided into three parts, starting with the pre-certification audit. This is followed by the management making the changes recommended to bring itself into compliance, and then the actual certification audit. A small business will be able to complete the whole thing within a few weeks at most.
The first audit that gets the ball rolling is handled by a single auditor who spends a day looking at the operations and records. The report with recommendations is prepared another day or so, and the management can then start implementing these changes recommended. Both these stages are best handled under the guidance and supervision of a consultant.
The audit that follows afterwards will take a day or two at most. One more day may be needed to write up the audit report, and it's all done. The certificate will be sent over in less than a month.
The compliancy needs of each business are unique. However, the Quality Management Framework documentation provided by ISO provides an understanding of the nature and scope of the changes. The disruption is acceptable as long as the whole process is handled in a professional manner and goes through smoothly. The costs involved, even for a small business, are significant enough to require careful consideration.
The two aforementioned audits require an auditing fee which varies based on the size of the firm, numbers of employees and the location. If a consultant is hired, then a consulting fee will have to be paid. There is an annual fee for maintaining the certification, and also further auditing fees once in three years.
Before actually undertaking any of these steps, talk to a consultant and the auditing firm and get quotes that clarify all the costs involved. It must be balanced against the expected benefits. For example, a business that expects to gain contracts limited to ISO-certified companies is obviously in line for tangible returns on the investment.
Otherwise, ISO 9001 for small businesses is about creating a perception that makes it easier for the business to grow and acquire more customers. Customers, vendors and other business partners are able to trust the firm and the quality of its products and services. Not to mention the fact that the efficiency of the operations will actually be enhanced.
Depending on where it is located, a small business can have between 1-500 employees. Let's look at how the certification process works for the smallest firms with less than ten employees. That should provide small businesses of all sizes with a fair idea about how to proceed.
The process is divided into three parts, starting with the pre-certification audit. This is followed by the management making the changes recommended to bring itself into compliance, and then the actual certification audit. A small business will be able to complete the whole thing within a few weeks at most.
The first audit that gets the ball rolling is handled by a single auditor who spends a day looking at the operations and records. The report with recommendations is prepared another day or so, and the management can then start implementing these changes recommended. Both these stages are best handled under the guidance and supervision of a consultant.
The audit that follows afterwards will take a day or two at most. One more day may be needed to write up the audit report, and it's all done. The certificate will be sent over in less than a month.
The compliancy needs of each business are unique. However, the Quality Management Framework documentation provided by ISO provides an understanding of the nature and scope of the changes. The disruption is acceptable as long as the whole process is handled in a professional manner and goes through smoothly. The costs involved, even for a small business, are significant enough to require careful consideration.
The two aforementioned audits require an auditing fee which varies based on the size of the firm, numbers of employees and the location. If a consultant is hired, then a consulting fee will have to be paid. There is an annual fee for maintaining the certification, and also further auditing fees once in three years.
Before actually undertaking any of these steps, talk to a consultant and the auditing firm and get quotes that clarify all the costs involved. It must be balanced against the expected benefits. For example, a business that expects to gain contracts limited to ISO-certified companies is obviously in line for tangible returns on the investment.
Otherwise, ISO 9001 for small businesses is about creating a perception that makes it easier for the business to grow and acquire more customers. Customers, vendors and other business partners are able to trust the firm and the quality of its products and services. Not to mention the fact that the efficiency of the operations will actually be enhanced.
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