ISO 9001 Certification

ISO 9001 certification: The key to successful quality management

Sustainable quality management in accordance with ISO 9001 ensures the consistently high quality of products and services. This applies to organizations regardless of size, sector and strategy. With ISO 9001 certification, you can prove the effectiveness of your processes and benefit in the global competitive environment. In Germany, for example, more than 45,000 organizations are currently certified according to the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard. The first nationwide certificate was issued by DQS back in 1986.

Improved customer satisfaction

Optimized corporate processes

Increased efficiency and reduced costs

Systematic handling of corporate know-how

What is the ISO 9001 standard?

The ISO 9001 standard defines the requirements for a quality management system that companies must implement in order to meet the expectations of internal and external stakeholders. ISO 9001 is based on the seven principles of quality management (source: ISO 9000):

Customer focus and sustainable success
Management and leadership
Engagement of people
Process-oriented approach
Improvement
Evidence-based decision making
Relationship management

In 1986 DQS issued the first certificate for a quality management system according to ISO 9001 in Germany - at that time still on the basis of a draft version. Since then, the development of this successful quality standard and its contribution to value generation has been closely linked with the history of DQS. The current version of ISO 9001:2015 is available from the ISO website.

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Revision of ISO 9001 announced for 2025

In the summer of 2023, the ISO/TC 176 SC2 technical committee voted in favor of a revision of ISO 9001:2015. The timetable is now much more concrete and publication is scheduled for 2025. An article published on August 4, 2023 by the German Society for Quality (DGQ e.V.), which is closely associated with the committee, provides initial insights into how far-reaching the revision may be and which topics in quality management may apply or are to be added. "Adjustments to ISO 9001 are planned with regard to the aspects of resilience, supply chain management, change management, sustainability, dealing with risks [and] organizational knowledge". Find out in good time and learn all about the ISO 9001 revision in our blog.

Which organizations benefit from ISO 9001 certification

In use since 1987, the ISO 900X series has established itself as a proven management tool in industry and the service sector. As a general rule, certification is suitable for organizations of all sizes and sectors. ISO 9001 certification signals reliability and is an effective tool for managing quality processes in order to meet customer requirements. Certified organizations have decisive advantages when winning new customers and tenders.

Clear processes and clearly defined responsibilities make systematic quality management the central building block of successful organizations. An ongoing and comprehensive system is fundamental to the continuous improvement of performance and leads to greater efficiency and reliability.

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Loading... Benefits of implementing ISO 9001 in your organization

Effective and efficient quality management in accordance with ISO 9001 is characterized by clear objectives, measurable results, appropriate resources, structured processes and their continuous improvement. It enables your organization to gain valuable competitive advantages: Increasing customer satisfaction, opening new markets and improving processes. At the same time, it supports compliance with legal and regulatory agencies' requirements and reduces associated risks.

With the ISO 9001 standard, top management is strongly involved in the responsibility for the quality management system. In addition, there is an intensive consideration of risks and opportunities, behind which there is considerable potential for improvement in entrepeneurial practice. ISO 9001 follows the so-called "High Level Structure" (HLS). This basic structure is based on the uniform use of outlines, terminology and definitions in all modern ISO management system standards. This makes it easy to integrate further standards into an existing management system, for example ISO 27001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001 or ISO 45001.

Structured and targeted implementation of specific customer requirements
Access to new sales markets at home and abroad through proven quality capability
Entrepreneurial risk becomes more manageable; transparent processes support the implementation of laws and regulations
Involvement of employees through communication, information and training
Easier integration of other standards and management systems

How long is an ISO 9001 audit?

Audits can last anywhere from one day to several weeks, depending on many factors. DQS auditors, based on their industry knowledge, interact competently and at eye level with your organization, your goals, the defined processes, and your management system. To ensure successful certification, we tailor each audit to your company and plan it in a clear and transparent manner.

The basis for planning is the IAF (International Accreditation Forum) binding document for determining audit duration, IAF MD05. With our planning, you therefore always know what to expect, and when. As an expert, accredited certification body, we aim to convince through exceptional competence and innovative solutions. Please contact us for more information.

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How does ISO 9001 certification work?

Once all requirements of ISO 9001 have been implemented, you can have your management system certified. At DQS, you will then go through a multi-stage certification process. If a certified management system is already established in your company, the process can be shortened.

In the first step, you will discuss your company, your quality management system and the goals of your ISO 9001 certification with us. On this basis, you will promptly receive a detailed and transparent offer, tailored to your individual needs.

The certification audit starts with a system analysis (audit stage 1) and the evaluation of your documentation, objectives, results of your management review and internal audits. This determines whether your management system is sufficiently developed and ready for certification. In the next step (system audit stage 2), your auditor assesses the effectiveness of all management processes on site, applying the ISO 9001 standard. The audit result is presented at a final meeting. If necessary, action plans are agreed upon.

After the certification audit, the results are evaluated by the independent certification board of DQS. You will receive an audit report documenting the audit results. If all standard requirements are met, you will receive the ISO 9001 certificate.

With a view to continuous improvement and the ongoing effectiveness of your quality management system, on-site audits of key components of your system are conducted at least once a year to identify potential for improvement.

An ISO 9001 certificate is valid for a maximum of three years. Recertification is carried out well in advance of expiry to ensure continued compliance with the applicable standard requirements. Upon compliance, a new certificate is issued.

How much does ISO 9001 certification cost?

The cost of ISO 9001 certification depends on a number of factors. For example, the existence of an already certified management system. In addition, the size of your company and the complexity of the quality management system have an influence on the duration of the audits and the price. For these reasons, the costs for certification according to ISO 9001 cannot be given as a lump sum. We will be happy to make you an individual offer for your company, organization or agency.

Why DQS?

More than 35 years of experience in ISO 9001 certification
Audits that provide value-adding insights about your organization
Auditors with practical experience and a high level of industry competence
Accredited certificates with international acceptance
Expertise and approvals for all relevant standards
Personal, smooth support from our specialists - regionally, nationally and internationally
Individual offers with flexible contract periods without hidden costs

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We will be happy to provide you with a tailor-made offer for ISO 9001 certification.

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Quality Management System - How to achieve an efficient QMS with ISO 9001

If you want to make "quality" the core of your efforts towards the market, customers and stakeholders, you should read this informative blog post by one of our premier experts, auditors and trainers for ISO 9001, Ute Droege.

To the DQS blog post

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ISO 9001 Certification