5/22/2015
There have been many questions circulating from our manufacturers regarding ISO 9001 certification. One of the most prevalent questions was whether a company should register to ISO 9001:2008 now, or wait until ISO 9001:2015 is released. Although it may sound counter intuitive, the best option may be to register to ISO 9001:2008 now and then plan to transition to the 2015 version at a later time. REMEMBER: If you are certified to the current standard, ISO 9001:2008, you’ll have three years before you have to upgrade to the ISO 9001:2015 standard, which should be AFTER JANUARY 2016. There are several SIGNIFICANT reasons to register now for ISO 9001:2008.
Wait Out the Confusion
Anytime you have a newly revised standard, there is always an adjustment period following its rollout. There will be questions revolving around what is meant and how things will be interpreted. By delaying registration, you can miss a lot of the pain and confusion that accompanies a change in standards.
Delaying Certification is Dangerous
Maintaining an ISO 9001 certification benefits both large and small businesses. By delaying certification, your company risks losing accreditation along with customers. Certifying or recertifying to the current ISO 9001:2008 standards helps businesses avoid letting their certification lapse, maintain quality business practices, reduce waste, and improve productivity, Why compromise your reputation? Build and maintain your credibility as a quality organization now.
Become Familiar with ISO 9001:2015 at a Distance
There are quite a few requirements of ISO 9001:2008, which you are already familiar with, that can be found in ISO 9001:2015. Also, by getting certified now, you will have a “head’s up” in meeting the new standard and reducing the learning and implementation curve that comes with the 2015 revision. Once again remember: Companies will have three years before they have to upgrade to the ISO 9001:2015 standard!
Certification Costs-They’re Not What You Think
Over the long run, the cost of getting certified now versus next year is not very different. Your registration to ISO 9001:2008 will be valid for three years following the adoption of the new standard. By the time you are ready to transition, it would be time for recertification anyway. The cost to register now for ISO 9001:2008 may even be lower than what it would cost to wait to initially register to ISO 9001:2015 followed by recertification fee for 2015 three years later.
The Bottom Line
If you’re considering getting certified, it may be in your best interest to start soon and get it done before the transition begins. If you want to learn what’s involved in preparing for ISO 9001:2008 or ISO 9001:2015 contact the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center at 888.414.6682 or click here.
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EXPLORE: Transition With Confidence (FREE)
July 14, 2015 | 8-10am
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Since 1991, MMTC has assisted Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses compete and grow. Through personalized services fitted to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Find us at www.mmtc.org.
Categories: Quality Management