Discover how quality management systems, built on ISO standards, help businesses uplift their performance and set the foundation for success. Find out more.
In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance their operations, improve efficiency, and ensure customer satisfaction.
An effective approach that helps organizations gain traction to uplift their performance is the implementation of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) management systems.
Management systems built on internationally recognized ISO standards provide a framework for organizations to streamline processes, mitigate risks and drive continuous improvement.
In 1987, ISO published the first ISO 9000 series of quality management standards (QMS). Since then, more than one million organizations in 178 countries have achieved ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems certification.
Scientific studies have found a correlation between implementing the standard and enhanced financial performance, particularly for organizations who are genuinely aiming at making real internal quality improvements, rather than using ISO 9001 as a quick fix.
What is a management system?
A management system is a defined set of processes and responsibilities that makes organizations run to achieve their objectives.
According to ISO, there are three different types of management systems:
- Management Systems Standards, like ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems, set requirements or guidance to help organizations manage their policies and processes to achieve specific objectives.
- Sector-specific management system standards, such as ISO 13485 Medical Devices Quality Management Systems.
- Standards that provide further guidance on specific aspects of an organization’s management system, such as ISO 45001 Certification – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
One of the benefits of implementing an ISO management system is that all the standards can work together in harmony.
Organizations already using a management system in one part of their business will find it intuitive to implement additional ones in another area.
Popular management system standards
Some of the most popular management systems standards include;
- ISO 9001 Certification – Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001 Certification – Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 13485 Certification – Medical Devices Quality Management Systems
- ISO/IEC 27001 Certification – Information Security, Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection
- ISO 45001 Certification – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- ISO 50001 Certification – Energy Management Systems
How does a quality management system enhance businesses?
A quality management system, like ISO 9001, can bring a multitude of benefits to organizations of any size or sector.
Implementing a quality management system enables businesses to:
- Enhance efficiency and reduce costs: establishing clear processes and performance indicators eliminates redundancies, reduces error and optimizes resource allocation, resulting in higher productivity and lower costs
- Ensure compliance with regulations: certification helps businesses stay aligned with evolving standards, demonstrating legal and ethical compliance to reduce the risk of penalties and legal issues
- Access new markets: ISO certifications serve as market differentiators and are often required for tenders, showcasing a commitment to quality and best practices, enabling market expansion Identify and mitigate risks: a structured approach to risk assessment across quality, safety and security ensures proactive threat management and business continuity, building stakeholder confidence
- Boost customer satisfaction: by focusing on customer needs, ISO management systems help businesses consistently meet or exceed customer expectations, fostering loyalty
- Drive continuous improvement: systematic performance monitoring and analysis enable businesses to pinpoint areas for enhancement, fostering innovation and agility in a dynamic market
A foundation to thrive
Embracing ISO management systems is a strategic imperative for businesses looking to thrive in today's challenging business environment. By implementing ISO management systems standards, organizations can unlock their full potential, drive growth and build a strong foundation for long-term success.
How SGS can help
As the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, with decades of experience, we can help you along the path to certification with an ISO management systems audit against a number of different standards, like ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems.
Your audit can include a gap assessment and benchmarking.
We will determine your level of quality management and provide advice on how to achieve ongoing improvement.
We also have a range of complementary services, including ISO management systems training and integrated management systems certification.
For further information, please contact:
Steven Guyatt
National Business Development Manager
t: +61457008717
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.
