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Question 1: Does ISO 9001 involve too much paper work?
Answer 1: ISO 9001 involves the setting up of systems that make the working of your organization more systematic and streamlined. During the initial stages of setting up your systems it does involve documenting relevant processes of your operation. This short-term pain will ultimately lead to a long-term gain. Once you go through the initial process of setting up and documenting your systems, it will enable you to put your organization on a virtual 'auto-pilot'.
Question 2: Is certification an expensive affair?
Answer 2: It depends on whether you are looking at the expense involved in certification or the value that certification will add to your processes. The expense involved in certification should be looked at as an "investment" and not as an "expense". Many companies have found that because they have got certified they were better able to concentrate in developing their business, since their day-to-day affairs were well oraganised. The value of certification is not always tangible.
Question 3: As a Small Scale Industry (SSI), do i get subsidy from the government to get certified?
Answer 3: If you are a registered SSI, you will get a subsidy of Rs. 75,000/- or 75% of the cost of certification (whichever is lower), from the Ministry of SSI. Government of India.
Question 4: Is certification a marketing gimmick?
Answer 4: Certification will add a lot of value to the image of your organization and add tangibly to your marketing strengths, if you do not treat it merely as a marketing gimmick but as a genuine tool to boost the image of your organization. It is also important to be certified by the right certification body. Back up from a certification organization in terms of training programmes and advice is important. Certification from an unrecognized certification body or one whose reputation is not sound may actually tarnish your image.
Question 5: Are the surveillance audits too frequent and will it takes too much time and energy of my staff?
Answer 5: The surveillance audits are like a preventive health check-up. Surveillance audits are carried out to ensure that the procedures that were set up are being maintained and implemented. Auditors can provide invaluable inputs on best management practices and help in improving the operational efficiency of your organization.
Question 6: If for some reason the certification is withdrawn, will it damage our reputation?
Answer 6: If the certificate is withdrawn it will be for a specific reason and you will be provided a written explanation for the same. Before the certification is withdrawn you will be given the opportunity to close any major non-conformation (NC). However if after all the opportunities for closing the NC's are over and they are not done the certification body will have no alternative but to withdraw the certificate.
Question 7: What is the smallest size of a company that can be certified?
Answer 7: Companies of any size can be certified. There is no lower limit on the number of employees or the turnover.
Question 8: What are the criteria for certification?
Answer 8: ISO does not lay out any criteria for certification. You could be in any type of industry or in any field of operation, whether manufacturing or service, whether your turnover is in hundreds of crores or only a few lakhs. Any company, any size, any business qualify for certification.
Question 9: What is the validity period of the certificate?
Answer 9: The ISO certificate is valid for a period of three years, provided the Quality Management System is operated satisfactorily during this period. After this period you will need to go for re-certification.
Question 10: What is the importance of training programmes in the certification process?
Answer 10: Training is as important as getting certified. Pre-certification training programmes help you get familiar with the concept of quality set up quality systems in place and be prepared for certification. Post-certification programmes help equip yourself internally, to keep the quality process going in the organisation.
Training can be taken from any good training provider company, consultant or certification agency who are authorised to offer such training services.
Question 11: What happens in the event of the standards being changed or upgraded? Do I need to undergo the entire process of certification again?
Answer 11: If the standards change, sufficient time will be given for certifying to the new standard. Certifying to the new standard does not mean overhauling your current systems and procedures, but changing only those parts of the system that have been upgraded in the new standard. This changeover to the new standard can also be done during surveillance audits.
Question 12: Do I need accreditation from more than one accreditation body?
Answer 12: The choice is really yours. Normally accreditation from one accreditation body is sufficient, but if business compulsions require that accreditation from more than one accreditation body is required, it is possible to get this at a nominal extra cost.
Question 13: Is it necessary to appoint a consultant for getting certified?
Answer 13: It is not mandatory to appoint a consultant for ISO 9001. You may develop the expertise in-house by getting someone in your organization certified as an Internal Auditor or as a Lead Auditor. Once they are well versed in all aspects of ISO 9001 & is requirements, they can drive the certification process in your organization, and lead your organization to certification.
On the other hand appointing a consultant will provide you with a person who is already well versed in all the ISO Clauses and can lead your organization to certification. However what is important to note that while the consultant can only provide the expertise, the ownership of the process of certification is with the organization. The consultant's role is only advisory in nature.
Question 14: Can I change my certification body?
Answer 14: Yes. This is possible. The certificate issued by the new certification body can be either for the balance validity period of the old certificate or a fresh one can be issued valid for a period of three years. |
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