What is ISO 9001:2008?

The term ISO 9001:2008 (International Organization for Standardization) refers to the latest publication of the standard that institutes the requirements for a quality management system. Organizations can leverage the ISO 9001:2008 certification by conforming to the standard and have an independent auditor verify the certification.

Benefits of ISO 9001

ISO 9001 provides a framework and systematic approach to managing business processes to produce a product/service that conforms to customer expectations. For customers, the certification of suppliers to ISO standards means that they can be assured that the development of their products and services are compliant to reference documents that are globally accepted. This, of course, means that customers and suppliers are able to compete in markets around the world.

The benefits of becoming certified are numerous:

• To improve business processes and save money. Most companies implementing ISO 9001 certification report increases in business process efficiencies, reductions in waste, and improved product quality.
• To qualify for new customers. Many corporations see ISO 9001 Certification as an essential requirement for conducting business with a new vendor.
• To enter global markets. ISO 9001 standards are required in many countries.
  

How APS can help?

APS has a well-designed methodology in place to help the organization adapt and benefit from ISO 9001 standards.

Initiate Process Improvement

An APS Lead Assessor will kick-start the process improvement initiative in the client's organization by understanding and aligning the process improvement objectives with their business objectives.

Perform Adequacy Audit

APS will conduct an Adequacy Audit to gain an understanding of current processes and will produce a detailed report highlighting the degree to which the organization exhibits ISO practices. This exercise will lead to a very precise estimate of what needs to be done to improve the client's processes to attain ISO certification.

Developing the Quality Manual

APS will assist the client's organization in developing a quality manual in line with the quality policy. This document aids in implementing a Quality Management System and communicates policy, procedures and guidelines for implementation.

Writing Procedures

APS will assist the client's organization in developing processes, procedures, guidelines, and work instructions which will be used for implementation of the Quality Management System.

Implementing Procedures

Implementing processes within an organization involves cultural changes. APS team members are experienced 'Change Agents' who have successfully implemented defined processes in projects of various sizes and complexity in different domains and knowledge areas.

APS change agents train, educate, and mentor the Client's project team members and help the Client's organization to implement the processes.

Provide Role Based-Training

APS will provide role-based training to the project team to increase proficiency of the team and contribute to the project success. Please refer to APS Training offerings.

Conducting Internal Audits

APS will mentor the trained internal auditors to conduct internal audits in line with ISO 9001:2008 and requirements of the defined Quality Management System.

Implementing Corrective/Preventive Action

APS consultants will guide the Client's organization to do a root cause analysis and identify effective corrective and preventive actions to eliminate non- conformances identified during internal audits.

Prepare for Formal Certification

APS will assist the client's organization in identifying the third party auditor. APS will coordinate with the third party auditor and facilitate the client's organization achieving the desired certification.