What is the difference between ISO 17025 and ISO 9001? What do the consultants say?

Quality management is pivotal for business success. Customer satisfaction plays a key role in establishing brand image. If product quality is not met, the target segment will shift to other vendors. The ISO business management standards set out relevant clauses for companies to achieve success with business prospects. ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 are two of the most acknowledged standards for quality assurance. The former is the international quality management benchmark that provides general guidelines. It applies to all industries regardless of the type. However, with the increasing demand for quality improvement, the ISO committee has designed individual standards like ISO 17025. It is the service management certification for the calibration laboratories.

There is confusion regarding the role and clauses of these two standards. Many consider them to be the same. If you look at Google Analytics, there is a high search volume for the question – What is the difference between ISO 17025 and ISO 9001?

The ISO consultants help companies understand and achieve the standards. It is better to consult with them about these two. Before applying for the accreditation, one must comprehend the terminologies. The consultants help to resolve the doubts and achieve the chosen standard with compliance.

The following blog has discussed the difference between ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 from the point of view of consultants.

What is the ISO 17025 standard?

The ISO 17025 is specially designed for the testing/calibration houses. It helps the laboratories to provide valid results to the target audience. The focus of the standard is enhancing the overall competence of the laboratories. The standard’s assistance ensures the reliability and accuracy of the management.To operate skillfully and generate valid results, companies need the ISO 17025 certification.

What are the clauses of ISO 17025?

• The scope of the program

• The normative references

• Terms and definitions

• Structural requirements

• General requirements (impartiality and confidentiality)

• Resource requirements – personnel, equipment, metrological traceability, and external resources.

• Process requirements – technical records, sampling, review of tenders, reporting results, complaint handling etc.

• Management requirements – documentation, control of records, addressing risks and opportunities, corrective actions, and internal audits and management reviews.

What are the benefits of getting ISO 17025 accredited?

Recognition and reputation are achieved as ISO 17025 enhances credibility and competence. A company achieves a strong competitive edge that helps to beat the market competition. On the other hand, the quality and accuracy of the management system’s effectiveness are enhanced.  Companies enjoy improved customer satisfaction and enhanced customer confidence as they are constantly provided with premium services. Moreover, organizations find opportunities for international exposure and acceptance into the market. As the management accomplishes 100% compliance with the regulatory conditions, companies do not have to go through penalties hurling damages to the brand. The framework set by the standard gradually enhances the employee competence level. With proactive workers, the revenue margin stabilizes as companies establish a niche customer segment. Some of the advantages that are added to the account are – effective data management, legal protection against risks and brand loyalty. 

What is ISO 9001?

It is the general quality management standard accepted globally for providing the most realistic set of clauses. The focus of the standard is to help companies understand and meet customer demands. ISO 9001 supports companies by providing systematic guidance to manage quality. It does not precisely focus on technical competence as it covers a broader aspect. The standard helps to improve the quality of the management system. The main focus is to enhance customer satisfaction through continual improvement

What are the clauses of ISO 9001?

• Scope of the program

• The normative references

• Terminologies

• Understanding the organizational context

• Leadership (commitment and communication)

• Support of relevant resources

• Operations (planning, control, design, and development of products, and service provision)

• Performance evaluation (Monitoring, measurement, internal audit, and management reviews)

• Continual improvement (Corrective measurement)

What are the benefits of ISO 9001 certification?

Companies with ISO 9001 standards achieve an effective quality management framework, which enhances the overall proficiency level. With quality services being provided to the target customers, brand loyalty is strengthened. Customer satisfaction increases as process credibility is enhanced. Risk management is done periodically which helps to save resources and unwanted situations from occurring. The international standard for quality management allows the employees to share their inputs and take part in the decision-making process. Their production capacity increases, which opens more business opportunities. Also, the management establishes a better relationship with the suppliers, which helps with cost management. The quality framework promotes a positive work culture that encourages better decision-making among the stakeholders. With stakeholder confidence and proactive workers, companies achieve better sustainability.

Final words

To learn about the iso quality management consultancy costs get professional assistance in the USA. At ComplianceHelp Consulting LLC, find a plethora of services. Conduct internal audits, gap analysis, and readiness reviews. Besides having a comprehensive set of guidance, you have the opportunity to customize the package according to your needs. Your overall cost might come down to an unbelievable amount. Understand the criteria for iso 9001 certification with the help of our best professionals. Get professional support to accomplish 100% compliance.

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