What is ISO (continue)

The ISO 9000 Quality Manual
The standard requires companies to write an ISO 9000 quality manual that defines how each requirement of the rather broad ISO 9001:2000 standard is applied at the company. In a sense, the ISO 9000 quality manual is a company specific version of the standard.

While writing the quality manual represents a big hurdle for most companies, the ISO 9001:2000 standard requires further details in form of ISO 9000 quality procedures, a quality policy and quality objectives. Most companies make the mistake of creating various different documents to meet these requirements; however, this usually is the beginning of a cumbersome and bureaucratic ISO 9000 quality system.

► Tip: Combine the different documentation requirements (i.e., quality manual, procedures, corporate policy and objectives) as much as possible into one comprehensive manual. This reduces repetition and bureaucracy, and it saves time implementing the quality system. See our Product Collection section for your consideration.

Templates for Quality Manuals and Forms
Using templates for ISO 9001 quality manuals, procedures and forms can have huge benefits for an organization. Templates are usually in the form of existing and proven manuals, procedures and forms. Follow the link for more information on the use of.

► Tip: The ISO 9000 quality manual and the ISO 9000 quality procedures are a vital part of any ISO 9001 quality system. You can get a huge head start by purchasing a good template quality manual (a sample quality manual that you can use as a good example and that you can modify to make it your own quality manual). See our Product Collection section for suggestions and reviews.

What is ISO 9001 Certification?
ISO 9001 certification is also known as ISO 9001 registration, ISO 9000 certification (if one is less precise), ISO 9000 registration, ISO 9001:2000 certification (if one specifically refers to the latest version of the ISO 9001 standard), or ISO 9001:2000 registration. All of these refer to an independent certification body attesting that your company’s ISO 9001 quality management system meets all requirements of the ISO 9001 2000 standard. Typically, the certification company sends one or more auditors to perform an initial audit of the quality management system. If no significant gaps to the ISO 9000 requirements are discovered, a certificate is issued. The certificate is typically valid for three years provided that period audits (usually every 6 - 12 months) continue to show compliance.

► Tip: Evaluate your registrar carefully with the goal of finding a registrar whose auditors are flexible (because there are countless ways of fulfilling the ISO 9000 requirements and some may fit better for an individual business) and whose auditors don't mind sharing their experiences (auditors are not allowed to consult but they are allowed to share what they have seen to work for other companies).

to be continue...
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