ISO 9001 Getting Started

Where to begin?

For most organizations new to ISO 9001, resources and experience are limited. As a result, outside consulting services are used to support the development and implementation of their Quality Management System.

Regardless of whether internal or external resources are used, becoming ISO compliant will take time, and likely a financial commitment, particularly if certification/registration is the desired outcome. The business owner should neither look for the cheapest nor fastest approach; but rather the approach that provides the most benefit (i.e., ROI) back to the business.

Ultimately, as both leadership and management commitment are heavily emphasized by ISO, your compliance efforts will have an affect on how the business is managed going forward. The cheapest route to ISO compliance may not be the best investment; the quickest solution may not be the most sustainable long-term.

The amount of time necessary to achieve ISO compliance will be influenced by a variety of different factors, but the most significant considerations are as follows:
  • the size of the organization;
  • the complexity of its operations; and
  • the scope of the proposed certification.

In contrast, preparation time will be inversely related to:
  • the knowledge level of personnel;
  • the degree of compliance that already exists within established systems; and
  • the resources made available to get the job done.

Most organizations will require between 4 to 12 months for the development and implementation of an effective system. This is a general guideline however, as it is really up to the organization, and their level of commitment to becoming ISO 9001 compliant.
ISO 9001 - Getting Certified