In all the years I’ve been working with clients to gain accreditation in ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems I’ve never come across an instance where external forces, such as customer pressure or competitors, haven’t played some part in the decision.
Either a client has lost business through not having ISO 9001, or is threatened with losing business from a key customer in the near future if they don’t gain then accreditation in the next few months or so.
One of our long-term clients lost 50% of his business as his biggest customer’s buying department decided they wouldn’t deal with any supplier who wasn’t accredited to ISO 9001. They were told their prices were better, their service was better and their quality was better than their competitors but, they didn’t have ISO9001, so we can’t deal with you anymore. A tough decision that was quickly reversed once we got them certified a couple of months later.
Another client of ours has ISO9001 simply to remain on approved suppliers lists for their major customers.
It’s also important to pay attention to trends in your industry sector and changing customer requirements. If quality standards (not just ISO 9001) are becoming the decisive factor in selecting a quotation or tender, it’s important that you continue to remain competitive.
Finally, remember gaining ISO9001 may not be the end of it. Large customers may have their own quality requirements, over and above those in the standard. Once you become a supplier you may find you’re constantly asked to improve your quality performance if you want to continue to do business in the future.
We can help you gain certification to ISO9001:2015 Quality Management, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management, BS and ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management or undertake a transition/migration to the new standard(s).
Please contact Independent Advice for Business on 01536 560594 or email Peter Jones at peter@ia4b.co.ukfor more information or to arrange a visit to discuss your requirements.
