ISO 9001: What is it and why is it so important to ASSET InterTech?

You may be asking yourself, what is ISO 9001 and why is it so important to ASSET InterTech?

ISO 9001 is a globally recognized Quality Management System (QMS) standard, and the only standard within the ISO 9001 series that requires certification. This standard, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), aims at overcoming obstacles to international trade, while improving company performance and productivity. This is done through the development of a framework that is based on seven quality management principles.

The seven quality management principles include:

1 โ€“ Customer focus
2 โ€“ Leadership
3 โ€“ Engagement of people
4 โ€“ Process approach
5 โ€“ Improvement
6 โ€“ Evidence-based decision making
7 โ€“ Relationship management

The principles are not in any order of priority. The relative importance of each principle varies from organization to organization and may change over time. However, each principle contributes to ASSET ensuring that it provides quality products and services to its customers and associated stakeholders.

ISO 9001 is also focused on using a plan-do-check-act methodology. ASSET has implemented this methodology through a proactive and process-oriented approach for reviewing its QMS structure and related documentation. ASSETโ€™s own QMS-002 System Manual includes specific sections that support the clauses identified in the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems โ€“ Requirements manual.

These sections cover:

  • Documenting information, planning, and determining process interactions
  • Responsibilities of top management
  • Management of resources, work environment and training
  • Product development and quality
  • Product fulfillment, including the steps from design to delivery
  • Measurement, analysis, and improvement of the QMS through conductingย internal auditsย and monitoring and implementing corrective and preventive actions

 

As the focus on supply chain quality management continues to increase, so does the emphasis on compliance with the ever-changing regulatory environment. That is why having a quality management system in place is critical to continued company success. This type of system helps to ensure that key supply chain stakeholders leverage opportunities by creating an up-flow and down-flow of requirements and information that focus on creating value and achieving customer satisfaction. ASSET is pleased toย announceย that it has implemented such a quality focused system.

Heidi Richards