Yes, ISO 9001 can be implemented without the assistance of a consultant. While consultants can offer expertise and guidance, it is not a mandatory requirement to hire a consultant for ISO 9001 implementation.
Here are some of the key DIY steps required to implement an ISO 9001 based QMS.
ü Gain the full commitment, support and involvement from leadership for quality.
ü Read ISO 9001 carefully, gain a working understanding of each of the requirements set out in the various clauses.
ü Identify what your organization provides to customers and document a formal QMS scope.
ü Create a formal Quality Policy statement providing a quality statement of intent from leadership.
ü Document your key processes and other supporting documented information.
ü Train your team to ensure understand and apply individual team requirements as stated in the QMS.
ü Conduct Internal Audits to ensure that the organization complies with the quality management system requirements.
ü Create and document meaningful quality objectives and the plans to achieve them.
ü Periodically conduct a formal management review
ü Establish a process to fix problems (corrective actions) and put preventive measures in place.
ü When ready, hire a UKAS accredited external certification body.
ü Complete stage 1 and 2 ISO 9001 certification assessments successfully achieving a recommendation for ISO 9001 certification.
Applying past experience, proven competence and the points above you will be able to establish an effective QMS based on ISO 9001.
If you determine that a DIY approach to your QMS is not for you or that you require the assurance of right first time success, then using one of our experienced consultants will be a more beneficial.
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