ISO 9000:2000 key tutors and FAQs

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Q1
Does ISO 9001:2000 apply to small businesses?

Q2
Isn't ISO 9000 old hat now?

Q3
How long does it take to implement ISO 9001?

Q4
There are so many initiatives around. Why bother with ISO 9001?

Q5
ISO 9001 is all about engineering companies; so how can it apply to us, a public sector service organisation?

Answers
A1
Yes it does. Before it was written, many small businesses were consulted to ask what the problems with previous ISO 9000 standards were. They replied:
too much bureaucracy. Only 6 documented procedures are demanded now as a minimum.

A2
No. The revision in December 2000 really changed its status and demands top management address issues such as goals and targets, resources, improved customer relations and continuous improvement. This concentrates the mind on key issues compatible with such as Business Planning as never before.

A3
It depends on the size and complexity of business and the commitment of staff. It can be achieved comprehensively in less than six months, but may take twelve.

A4
ISO 9001:2000 was designed to be compatible with initiatives such as the Business Excellence Model, the UK's Investors in People and it's also compatible with many of the UK Local Authority initiatives such as Best Value. ISO 9001:2000 provides a framework of management controls to build on and helps to prevent duplication of effort to address the many different initiatives besetting businesses and organisations.

A5
Although originally applied in the world of manufacturing, there are today more than twice as many ISO 9000 registered (certified) organisations with a service sector bias as engineering bias.
When updated in December 2000, ISO 9001:2000 was specifically designed to address service sector organisations.