We have reached an important milestone regarding our quality management system by implementing ISO 9001:2015 to our organization this year. Our goal with this advancement is to enhance our customers’ – in other words: your- satisfaction consistently. Beside meeting all statutory requirements, our system now includes a process targeted at constant improvement. The new standard uses new terminology, requires the restructuring of information and increased risk management.
What’s new?
The most noticeable difference compared to the previously used standard is a new 10 clause structure instead of 8 clauses. ISO 9001:2008 named customers only as key stakeholders. In ISO 9001:2015, suppliers, personnel, shareholders, legislative bodies and society play a significant role, as well. We find this change crucial as we thrive to make all our business partners equally important. However, the biggest impact of the new standard is brought about by the significant increase in the amount of risk management.
Why manage risk?
Our new system is built on risk-based thinking, which builds preventive action into our processes. Have you noticed that the most successful companies tend to take a risk-based approach intuitively? The reason for this is proactivity. Even though risk is mainly associated with negativity, this approach helps to identify both opportunities and hazards. Should either of them happen, our organization is ready to address it due to the integrated risk management process, whose effectiveness will be later evaluated, as well, to assure continuous improvement.
What do processes have to do with risk management?
The goal of thinking in a process is to increase effectiveness and efficiency. By keeping a risk register across different stages of the manufacturing process, we can create a bridge and overcome possible boundaries. The new standard requires the management to review the effectiveness of actions taken to address risks and opportunities, ensuring that the company uses every chance for continual improvement. It is the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) system that ensures the smooth flow of risk management process within the company’s own processes. Even the new clauses of ISO 9001:2015 have been arranged according to the PDCA cycle.
It is not the certificate that we want to show you but rather demonstrate the result of our improved quality management. Having the new standard applied, we hope to identify many opportunities and avoid many risks together with our highly appreciated partners.
