What Are the Differences Between the TL 9000 and The ISO 9001 and Are the Certification Processes Similar?

What is the difference between the TL 9000 and the ISO 9001? This is a common question these days. The ISO 9001 is an internationally recognize standard for quality management. The TL9000 belongs is in the genre. However, it serves a different industry. The TL9000 stands for quality management within the telecommunication industry. Therefore, there are certain differences in the mode of operations, purposes, and improvement. The common misunderstanding is that getting the ISO 9001 is enough for every sector. It is quite the opposite. There are separate ISO quality standards for each industry. The ISO 13485 is for the medical device sector while the ISO 17025 is for laboratories. Besides, there are quality standards for the aviation, food chain, and IT service industries too.

If you know the differences, you can easily implement the right standard and achieve compliance. Implement the ISO 9001 for the telecommunication industry might not cover every requirement. Therefore, that is why the TL9000 was designed. The following blog will list the differences between the two standards. It will also shed light on whether the certification process is the same for both or not.

The blog starts with listing the differences.

What is the difference between the TL 9000 and the ISO 9001?

1.Focus on the industry

The ISO 9001 applies to any organization, regardless of its size, type, or industry. It focuses on ensuring that organizations can consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements and enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of a QMS.

The TL9000 applies only to the telecommunication industry. Developed as a standard of quality excellence for suppliers with the telecommunications forum, this standard has a specific set of requirements and performance metrics. The ISO 9001 clauses are not competent enough to cover specific needs within the telecommunication sector. These customers are different, their expectation differs, and the supply chain management differs as well.

2.The requirements

The ISO 9001 lists the requirements for a basic quality management system. There are clauses for risk management, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. All these apply to various sectors. The framework can be adapted to the quality needs of different organizations.

The TL9000 alongside the requirements listed by the ISO 9001, the TL9000 adds a specific list of requirements. These determine the reliability factor, product life cycle, and on-time delivery of the services. The standard sets the metrics for report, resolution, and service quality.

3.Purposes

The ISO 9001 standard aims to help companies ensure that the service quality consistently meets the customers’ expectations. Thus, the standard applies to every sector.

The TL9000 purpose is to provide a QMS tailored to the unique needs of the telecommunications industry, with an emphasis on product life cycle, reliability, and industry-wide performance benchmarking.

Are these certification processes the same?

The certification procedures of these two standards are almost the same. However, the only difference is that at the time of the audit, the TL9000 focuses on accurate reporting of the metrics and other telecom criteria. The ISO 9001 concentrates on continuous improvement through readiness analysis.

What are the common steps for certifications?

• The process starts with educating the stakeholders. Generating awareness through campaigns and workshops is the first step. Companies must ensure that the workers are aware of their individual responsibilities and performance metrics.

• The second step is conducting a gap analysis to determine the difference between the system and the expectations/objectives.

• Next, the management must check on the gap and enforce corrective measures. They will help in modifying the system.

• After the systematic improvement is completed, it is time to conduct an internal audit. Through the audit assessments, companies will understand how much is left to be done for compliance.

• Readiness review is the last step before registering the management system. With the help of a questionnaire, the entire management system and its performance are reviewed.

Final words

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

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