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From increased operational efficiency to improved product quality, ISO 9001 certification has many benefits for both your business and its customers. Adhering to this standard shows your organisation has passed the rigorous quality management system (QMS) evaluation process, which can help you access international trade and compete on a global or regional scale.

ISO 9001 is a set of internationally-recognised industry certifications that are designed to standardise best practices and quality standards relating to products or services. It applies to all types of formal organisations – regardless of their size or industry – including private businesses (both profit and non-profit oriented) and government agencies.

As we explore in this article, being ISO 9001-certified can benefit your business or organisation in many different ways. We also explain why complying with the international QMS standard has positive implications for your customers or target clients too.

What are the business benefits of ISO 9001?

Organisations that want to achieve global recognition primarily apply for ISO 9001 certification because it can give them the competitive advantage they need to succeed in the international market. 3D illustration of a rubber stamp with the text ISO 9001

Seven of the top benefits to a business of holding ISO 9001 certification include the following:

  1. Increased operational efficiency

    Operational efficiency in an organisation – be it a business, government, or not-for-profit institution – refers to the speed at which products and services are delivered to clients or customers. Put simply, operational efficiency is about achieving more in the least possible amount of time, as well as cutting unnecessary steps to achieve the bottom line.

  2. Increased revenue and profit 

    Improving operational efficiency directly translates into increased revenue and profits for your business. Efficiency cuts costs and effort while at the same time increasing production, thereby boosting product movement or sales.

    Graph showing business success with increased profits and reduced costs

  3. Better management

    ISO 9001 standards improve business management through efficient operations and clear policies. ISO-certified businesses also have a greater sense of accountability as all major decisions must be well-documented and subject to auditing.

  4. Higher employee morale

    ISO 9001 standards require employees to have a clear understanding of the mission and vision of your organisation. This can help to increase employee engagement and morale because staff feel they’re important to the business and its future. Employees also experience greater satisfaction and job security when working in a well-managed organisation with high standards.

  5. International prestige and recognition

    The international ISO 9001 standards are agreed upon by different standardisation organisations from various countries and industries. Not all organisations that apply for certification are able to pass the rigorous inspections and evaluation process. Being ISO-certified is therefore a mark of quality that brings prestige and international recognition.

  6. Lower costs

    Adhering to quality management standards means becoming more efficient, which can significantly reduce the cost of your business operations. However, reducing costs doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing product quality; it could be a case of improving the supply chain by sourcing quality raw materials at a cheaper price.

  7. Empirically-based decision making

    Data plays a vital role in ISO 9001 compliance. By using facts and figures to inform decision-making, your organisation can better respond to changing market dynamics.

Benefits of ISO 9001 for your customers

Alongside the business benefits, ISO 9001 certification has many advantages for your customers or clients.

  1. Quality products and services

    As well as ensuring operations are smooth and efficient, the ISO 9001 standards guarantee they’re high quality too. Although there are specific ISO standards that apply to particular products and services, a better QMS means the production and quality of your goods and services is likely to be superior to those without ISO certification. IBCs being stored in ReAgent warehouse

  2. Fewer problems with products or services

    Customers are much less likely to experience problems because ISO’s quality assurance protocols ensure products or services are well-tested and of high quality. If a defect does occur during production, for example, there will be procedures in place to address and rectify the issue before the item reaches the customer.

  3. Excellent customer satisfaction

    Robust management systems translate into high-quality services and products, which in turn increases customer satisfaction. Crucially, happy customers are also more likely to use your products or services again in the future.

  4. Responsiveness and adaptability

    Businesses that utilise facts and measurable figures are in a better position to respond and adapt to customers’ needs and wants, as well as changing market conditions.

Summary 

Being ISO 9001 certified can benefit your organisation and customers in numerous ways. Some of the main advantages for your business include increased operational efficiency, international recognition, lower costs and higher revenue. At the same time, customers are more likely to benefit from high-quality products or services and a seamless customer experience.

ReAgent’s ISO certifications

ReAgent currently holds four ISO accreditations: ISO 9001 for quality management, the ISO 14001 environmental certification, ISO 13485 for quality management systems relating to medical devices, and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety.

If you’d like more information about our ISO certifications, please get in touch with a member of the team.

About the author

Graham Bayliss

Compliance and Regulatory Manager

Graham joined ReAgent in 1983 as a trainee laboratory technician combining work and study to achieve Chartered Chemist (MRSC CChem) status. He has held various positions within the company before taking on his current role of Compliance and Regulatory Manager. Graham is an outdoor enthusiast and keen wildlife photographer.

Disclaimer

All content published on the ReAgent.co.uk blog is for information only. The blog, its authors, and affiliates cannot be held responsible for any accident, injury or damage caused in part or directly from using the information provided. Additionally, we do not recommend using any chemical without reading the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which can be obtained from the manufacturer. You should also follow any safety advice and precautions listed on the product label. If you have health and safety related questions, visit HSE.gov.uk.