So we are now over a year and a half since ISO 9001 was updated with the release of ISO 9001:2015.

We all still refer to it as new, and probably will until after the September 2018 deadline when any company currently certified to ISO 9001:2008 must transition over to the new standard, or lose their certification.   So, is it better for business and has it helped to lessen the cry of “overly administrative” and “tick box exercise” !! I would love to know your thoughts if you have implemented it already or are working towards it currently.

My view is that it is better. Having worked at senior management level in organisations for many years, I believe if implemented properly and in the right spirit, it can bring big company thinking to any size or type of company and give very positive benefits.

Would any company benefit from:

• having a clear strategic direction;
• an understanding of all the positive and negative factors that could have an impact on them achieving their goals;
• an understanding and action plan in place to manage all the risks and opportunities relevant to them;
• a clear view of their customers’ requirements and satisfaction levels;
• a good handle on how their outsourced or subcontracted activities are performing

…YES …..this is what ISO 9001:2015 helps to achieve. It is in the “how “you do all of this that determines if the management system is good for you and your business.

You get what you put in

Like any system, what you get out of it depends on what you put into it. A ‘copy and paste’ management system that is just as applicable to the company next door will not give you the potential benefits of a management system that is developed bespoke to your organisation. Your management system should be developed so that it is fundamentally how you and your organisation work, so aligned that you cannot distinguish the “quality management system” from the “business management system”. It is just how you do things around here !! Yes it takes some effort and maintenance, but so does running a business and this should provide the framework for that business.
I would love some feedback, where do others see the strengths of the new standard and the benefits over the 2008 version. Have you seen benefits if you have already implemented it?
Our company name Bambus is derived from the word Bamboo, symbolising structure, versatility & growth. Your management system should be the same, provide structure and a framework for growth. If you would like further information, please contact us at info@bambussolutions.ie.