Quality management is what organisations practice to ensure that their procedures conform to the customer's requirements. Moving away from ad hoc processes gives you an overview that makes your internal processes easier to manage, measure, and improve. It is the first step on a journey toward continual business improvement.

Taking control of your processes
An implemented and documented Quality Management System enables you to control your different internal processes as defined by your scope:

• You will increase your efficiency and minimise the risk that obligations to customers are not met.
  
  
• You now have a foundation from which to gradually improve your internal processes and strengthen your organisation's ability to meet strategic objectives.
  
  

• You can measure your management system against various international and industry standards through third party certification.

Putting your customer first
A company working according to a Quality Management System is a more efficient and effective company. In addition, you will see that staff responsibility, motivation, and commitment will improve. A certified Quality Management System is also increasingly a condition of contract. The certificate proves to customers that you have the necessary systems in place to fulfil your obligations to them.

What standards can you be certified to?
To get on the road to certification, you should begin by reading about:

• The international ISO 9001:2000 quality management standard applicable to any manufacturing or service industry.
  
  
• The international ISO/TS 16949 quality management standard to relevant to automotive production and service part organisations only.
  
  
• The international AS/EN9100 quality system standard applicable to manufacturers, suppliers and service organisations in the aerospace industry.
  
  
• The food safety standard HACCP applicable to any company wishing to address food safety.