Introduction
quality assurance certification is a process of certifying that a product or service meets certain European standards. In every industry, companies are expected to meet the requirements set by their clients, customers or even national and international regulations. A certification scheme can help companies demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products that meet these requirements. In this article, we will discuss the different aspects of quality assurance certification.
What is Quality Assurance Certification?
Quality assurance certification is a process that ensures companies meet the predetermined quality standards, allowing them to produce certified products or services. The certification process usually involves a third-party audit of the company’s quality management system. Once a company has passed the audit, they are certified and can use the certification mark on their products or marketing materials.
Why is Quality Assurance Certification Important?
Quality assurance certification is important because it gives customers the assurance that companies have robust quality management systems in place. It also ensures that companies are complying with national and international regulations. Certifications such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 can also help companies win contracts and tenders. It gives companies an edge over non-certified competitors, says the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Types of Quality Assurance Certification
There are different types of quality assurance certification that companies can achieve. Some of the common certifications include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, and ISO 27001. ISO 9001 is a quality management standard, ISO 14001 is an environmental management standard, OHSAS 18001 is a health and safety management standard, and ISO 27001 is an information security management standard. A company selects the certification that is most relevant to its business and industry.
Benefits of Quality Assurance Certification
Quality assurance certification can bring numerous benefits to companies, including:
- Increased customer satisfaction
- Better decision-making
- Improved efficiency and productivity
- Better risk management
- Reduced costs
- Higher credibility and reputation
How to Get Certified
The first step to getting certified is to select the certification that is most relevant to your business. Certification bodies can provide information on the certification schemes they offer and the process involved. Companies can then apply for certification by filling out an application form and undergoing a pre-audit. After the pre-audit, the company will undergo the actual certification audit. If the audit is successful, the certification body will issue the company with the certification.
Costs of Quality Assurance Certification
The cost of quality assurance certification varies depending on the type of certification and the certification body being used. The certification body will have a fee for the actual certification audit, and there may also be additional costs for consultancy and pre-audit services. However, the benefits of certification can often outweigh the costs in the long term.
Maintaining Certification
Maintaining certification involves regular surveillance audits to ensure that the company is maintaining its quality management system. The frequency of the surveillance audits will depend on the certification scheme selected. Companies are also required to rectify any non-conformances identified during the surveillance audits. Failure to rectify non-conformances can result in a loss of certification.
Risks of Non-Certification
Companies that choose not to get certified may risk losing business to competitors who are certified. This is particularly true for companies in highly regulated industries where certification is a requirement. Non-certified companies may also lack the credibility and reputation that comes with certification.
Conclusion
Quality assurance certification is an important process that can help companies demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products or services that meet the requirements set by their clients, customers or national and international regulations. Certification provides numerous benefits, including increased customer satisfaction, improved efficiency, and reduced costs. Companies can select the certification that is most relevant to their business and industry and should aim to maintain their certification through regular surveillance audits.