What is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Manufacturer, and Why Do You Need One?
When you are investing in something as important as point-of-sale (POS) technology for your business, you need some assurance that your hardware manufacturer is committed to excellence. Quality isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. You want reliable products, seamless delivery, and consistent support. For manufacturers, meeting these expectations requires a robust quality management system (QMS). ISO 9001:2015 certification represents the gold standard for QMS, offering manufacturers a framework to ensure quality at every level. Here’s what it involves, and why you should look for it.
ISO Certification Overview
ISO stands for the International Standardization Organization, a global entity that develops and publishes standards and requirements that are implemented worldwide, ensuring consistency and reliability across industries. Undergoing the rigorous process of achieving this certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to excellence and serves as a valuable addition to its credentials. ISO certification offers manufacturers numerous benefits, including improved operational efficiencies, assurance of compliance with international regulations and standards, and enhanced brand reputation and prestige.
Breaking Down ISO 9001:2015
What Does “9001” Mean?
The number 9001 signifies the standard for quality management systems. It establishes requirements for organizations to consistently meet customer and regulatory needs while enhancing customer satisfaction. These QMS guidelines are constructed around seven core principles: leadership, engagement, relationship management, improvements, approach to processes, client focus, and decisions based on evidence.
What Does “2015” Mean?
The ISO remains dedicated to refining and improving the standard as needed, ensuring it stays relevant to modern business practices. The latest revision of ISO 9001 was published in 2015 (and the next version is expected in 2026). Key updates in the 2015 revision include:
- The introduction of new terminology
- Restructuring of information for clarity
- Emphasis on risk-based thinking
- Enhanced leadership requirements
- Improved applicability for services
ISO 9001:2015 ensures that organizations can adapt to changing environments, implement quality principles, and maintain process-based approaches to quality management.
Ensuring Consistent Quality
ISO 9001:2015 certification focuses on standardizing processes to deliver consistent results. By adhering to these guidelines, hardware manufacturers can systematically reduce variability and defects in their operations.
The Manufacturer’s Role
Hardware manufacturers seeking ISO 9001:2015 certification must first set up their rules, establishing detailed procedures to maintain ISO standards. Then, they undergo rigorous auditing processes. Auditors play a critical role in ensuring compliance with ISO standards, verifying that all procedures are followed and processes are aligned with the certification requirements. Regular audits provide an opportunity to refine and improve operations further.
Internal auditor training is highly recommended. Organizations such as the British Standards Institution (BSI) provide training and support to help companies meet and sustain certification standards.
Quality Control and Procedures
ISO 9001:2015 emphasizes quality control and structured procedures in key areas such as customer satisfaction, warehouse operations, production floor procedures such as Electrostatic Discharge (ES) and Return Merchandise Authorizations (RMAs), and shipping practices.
Streamlining Operational Efficiency
ISO 9001:2015 doesn’t just focus on the quality of the end products or services; it also promotes efficiency. Identifying and eliminating process inefficiencies enables hardware manufacturers to reduce waste, save costs, and improve production timelines. These savings translate to better value for customers and more agile responses to market demands.
Driving Continual Improvement
Another important thing to remember about ISO 9001:2015 certification is that it is not a one-and-done achievement. The standard requires ongoing evaluation and improvement, pushing manufacturers to evolve and refine their processes. Maintaining it demonstrates a firm commitment to the active pursuit of excellence.
Building Trust and Credibility
Certification by ISO is globally recognized, signaling to partners, clients, and stakeholders that a company meets rigorous quality management standards. ISO 9001:2015 certification reflects a company’s dedication to maintaining the highest manufacturing standards, reinforcing confidence in its products. The certification also requires a strong client focus, fostering confidence that the company provides exceptional customer support.
Why ISO 9001:2015 Matters to Our Customers
For businesses relying on Touch Dynamic’s solutions, our ISO 9001:2015 certification offers peace of mind. It assures businesses that our products are manufactured under strict quality guidelines, ensuring reliability, durability, and performance. It also indicates our attention to customer service. When you’re looking for a hardware manufacturer, don’t settle for anything less.
Whether you’re integrating our All-In-One solutions, handheld tablets, or other POS devices, you can trust that every product is built to the highest standard. To learn more about how our solutions can be customized to meet the needs of your business and help it thrive, contact us today!