Whether they are medium-sized or small companies, they all benefit from 
aligning themselves with ISO 9001 quality management. With respect to today's 
cut-throat competition, quality is an important feature that enables companies 
to differentiate themselves from their competitors. A company that has a 
quality management system according to ISO 9001 also signals to partners and 
customers that the quality aspect plays an important role in its business 
processes. This creates trust and helps companies to achieve an advantage in 
invitations to tender and in planned cooperations - especially when they have 
an ISO 9001 certificate.

Quality management accompanies corporate strategy

However, the implementation and certification of a quality management system 
according to ISO 9001 not only have positive effects on the company's external 
image, but they also have an impact on the company itself. The management 
system supports the company's strategic orientation and the achievement of 
corporate goals. "ISO 9001:2015 requires more clearly than previous versions 
that the goals associated with quality management and the defined quality 
policy are in line with the strategic orientation of a company," explains 
Nikola Lerch, product manager for ISO 9001 at TUV Rheinland. Therefore, the 
quality management system should not be understood as a separate system, but as 
a tool that helps companies to adhere to their strategic focus and achieve the 
desired results. 

Structured knowledge building and advanced adaptability

Many medium-sized companies have special know-how and are even market leaders 
in product manufacturing or in service delivery. The provision and safeguarding 
of knowledge and its development plays an important role here. ISO 9001 
requires a quality management system that structures this know-how and makes it 
available to employees. "In companies knowledge is often based on experience 
and learning from mistakes or it is part of employees' expert knowledge. A 
company that carries out some form of knowledge management secures this 
know-how for itself. Thus making the company more flexible to changes," 
explains Nikola Lerch.

If important employees and know-how carriers leave the company it will not 
affect the company that much if knowledge is identified, structured and 
documented. A company can also react more quickly to future developments and 
market changes. It has a better overview and knows where knowledge is missing 
and can systematically close the gap with the help of internal or external 
sources. "I recommend companies to deal with the requirements of ISO 9001. 
Processes can be controlled more efficiently and goals can be achieved more 
easily. The company is also better equipped for future challenges," explains 
Nikola Lerch. 

SOURCE: TUV Rheinland