What Does ISO 9001:2008 Certified Mean?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international, non-governmental organization dedicated to developing “voluntary, consensus-based market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.”

In short, the ISO says, International Standards “make things work.” Certified businesses must meet rigorous standards for quality, safety, and efficiency. With members from 162 countries, and a team of highly-trained technical experts, ISO has developed over 20,500 standards. Among these is the “ISO 9000 family.”

The ISO 9000 set of standards deal with quality management. They provide organizations with the tools and support they need to meet market expectations and continually improve quality.

What is ISO 9001:2008 (Recently updated to 9001:2015)?

This International Standard explains the requirements for quality management systems. To earn certification, businesses must, among other

• Demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products that meet customer requirements – as well as applicable regulatory requirements.
• Enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system. They must have a system for continual improvement of the system, as well as a system for assurance that their products conform to customer and regulatory requirements.

Further, ISO 9001:2008 guides every step of a manufacturer’s process, from employee training and production to documentation and internal audits. The emphasis is on quality and ongoing improvement. To that end, businesses must have a process that enables them to continually document, review, assess, and improve each aspect of each process. The end result: a higher level of quality and assurance to customers.

These standards are designed to apply to all organizations, regardless of what they produce or how large they are. 

Why Does This Matter To OEMs?

As mentioned, it is not only assembly that manufacturers entrust to contract assembly providers. It is their names and reputations. When they opt to partner with an assembly contractor that is ISO 9001:2008 certified, they have assurance that they are hiring a quality-conscious organization.

In addition to the highest quality products/processes, benefits include:

• Superior customer service.
• Timely order fulfillment.
• An emphasis on quality improvement, which ensures the OEM’s reputation remains strong.
• Consistent results.
• Reduced waste – which means greater cost savings.

When organizations need to outsource their assembly needs, they should look for a contractor that treats their reputation as if it is their own. ISO 9001:2008 certification is a major indication that they stand for quality, efficiency, and service.