ISO 9001 is important because of its orientation. While
the content itself is useful and important, the content
alone does not account for its widespread appeal.
ISO 9001 is important because of its international orientation.
Currently, ISO 9001 is supported by national standards bodies
from more than 150 countries. This makes it the logical choice
for any organization that does business internationally or that
serves customers who demand an international standard
of excellence.
ISO 9001 is also important because of its systemic orientation.
We think this is crucial. Many people wrongly emphasize
motivational and attitudinal factors. The assumption is that
quality can only be created if workers are motivated and have
the right attitude. This is fine, but it doesn't go far enough.
Unless you institutionalize the right attitude by supporting
it with the right policies, procedures, records, technologies,
resources, and structures, you will never achieve the standards
of quality that other organizations seem to be able to achieve.
Unless you establish a quality attitude by creating a quality
management system, you will never achieve a world-class
standard of quality.
Simply put, if you want to have a quality attitude you must
have a quality system. This is what ISO recognizes, and
this is why ISO 9001 is important.