Implementing ISO 9001

How do you go about implementing ISO 9001: 2000? Here's our 20 step plan:

1) Find a person to lead the project who has the time to prepare the necessary paperwork and the authority to help and instruct others.

2) Get full management commitment to the project

3) Get a copy of the standard and read it 3 or 4 times.

4) Identify the processes in the business.

5) Identify the requirements of the standard for which you have no existing processes or systems.

5) Set out a time based plan for the project, showing the various tasks required and who is going to do what.

6) Agree a quality policy for the company as defined by the standard and communicate it to all personnel.

7) Prepare a quality manual.

8) Review and plan each of the identified processes. Ensure that there are sufficient checks and safeguards to make the process robust. ie the process output is what is expected. Implement any new processes and process changes.

9) Set objectives for quality system improvements and for improvements in customer satisfaction. Start working towards meeting these objectives.

10) Maintain records to show that processes have been successfully completed. Develop appropriate records and forms as required.

11) Identify the 6 clauses within the standard that require a documented procedure. These are the admin and management processes required to ensure the system works effectively.

12) Document these procedures and implement them.

13) Choose a small team of system auditors and provide appropriate internal audit training. Plan, schedule and implement an on-going programme of system audits.

14) Collect appropriate records to demonstrate that the processes are working effectively and the system is meeting customer expectations. Analyse these records and the performance against your improvement objectives.

15) Hold a top management review, including the input required by the standard. Implement recommendations and improvements identified by the management review activity.

16) Keep going

17) Choose an appropriate independent assessment body and apply for assessment

18) Provide 'guides' during the assessment audit. Address any shortcomings identified by the assessors.

19) Congratulate the team and hang the certificate in reception. Tell all your stakeholders what you have achieved.

20) Continue to maintain your management system and make improvements to the business. Use this as a springboard to obtain more work and make more profit.