A quality manual is a document that describes the intent of an organisation's quality management system and how it operates.

There is a certain amount of debate surrounding quality manuals, what exactly they are, and whether a quality manual is required for ISO 9001 certification.

Many people confuse the term 'quality manual' with a quality management system (QMS). This is understandable, because in the past...

• The ISO 9001 standard talked about a quality manual
  
  
• Companies would often keep a large folder containing master copies of their quality procedures, policies, forms, etc. This was sometimes known as the 'quality manual'.

Today, some in the certification industry see quality manuals as unnecessary.

Does ISO 9001 require a quality manual?

The answer to this question varies on a case-to-case basis. If you are interested in obtaining ISO 9001 certification, whether or not you need a quality manual depends on the format and structure of your QMS.

Here at ISO Accelerator, we regularly help businesses to implement effective quality management systems. As part of each QMS, we do also provide clients with a digital quality manual.

However, this quality manual does not itself contain copies of quality procedures, policies, forms, and so on - instead, these are supplied as part of the complete quality management system. The quality manual is simply a document that describes the intent of the QMS and how it operates.

Developing a quality management system

ISO Accelerator offers a comprehensive ISO 9001 certification service. We will work with you remotely, helping you to develop a quality management system and put it into practice.

Once your QMS has been properly implemented, a remote audit will be conducted to confirm that you are meeting the requirements of your quality management system. You will then be awarded your ISO 9001 certificate.

As a bonus, you will be able to send clients and customers a digital copy of your quality manual to reassure them that you have processes in place to ensure a quality service.

How to Get Certified with ISO Accelerator >

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Globalisation has forever changed the way the world does business. Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic has made cross-border movement more difficult in recent months, but people are being vaccinated, the tide is beginning to turn, and in the meantime, the Internet allows us to continue collaborating with people all over the world.

With more and more businesses working with clients and suppliers in other countries, there is a real and pressing need for solutions that transcend international borders. That's why independent global accreditation for SMEs is a key goal for us here at ISO Accelerator - we want to make it easy for quality businesses to:

• Obtain independent ISO management system certification
• Maintain certifications online with remote audits
• Quickly and easily confirm the status of a company’s independent ISO management system certification

Our Scan and See© authentication system (launched last month) is just one of several initiatives that will bring us closer to our goal of independent global accreditation. We already offer online certification to businesses all over the world - see How Does It Work? to find out how you can get certified remotely with ISO Accelerator.

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Implementing a quality management system (QMS) and achieving ISO 9001 certification is a great way to make your business more appealing to potential customers. This applies to businesses of all sizes - even if it's just you!

Regardless of whether your company has one hundred employees or just one, an ISO-compliant QMS will help you to work more efficiently, deliver better results, and win new business.

Here at ISO Accelerator, we can help sole traders, freelancers and other individuals to get ISO 9001 certified quickly.

Who can get certified with ISO Accelerator?

We offer a comprehensive set of services for individuals who...

• Need a QMS and ISO 9001 certification
• Already have a QMS in place and just need to get certified
• Are already certified, but want to reduce their certification costs

Learn more: How to Get Certified with ISO Accelerator

Any Questions? Contact ISO Accelerator Now!

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ISO 9001 isn't just for big organisations with lots of different departments. Small businesses can also benefit from implementing a quality management system (QMS) and achieving ISO 9001 certification.

Related: What Is ISO 9001?

If you run a small business (i.e. one with fewer than 50 employees and a turnover under £10 million), ISO 9001 certification can benefit you and your company in a number of ways, such as...

Helping you to work more efficiently

A quality management system that meets ISO standards will help your business to achieve continuous improvement and reduce waste. Once your QMS has been implemented, it will help to ensure that all of your work has the maximum possible impact.

Making your customers happier

Better work means happier customers. Implementing and adhering to an ISO 9001-compliant QMS will help you to deliver a better service to the people who keep your business running.

Opening new doors

Some businesses only work with ISO 9001 certified suppliers, so depending on what sector you're in, achieving this certification can enable you to take on a whole host of new clients.

ISO Accelerator can help you to get certified quickly. Our remote ISO 9001 certification service is delivered entirely online, which means no time-consuming consultation sessions and no need for us to visit your premises. Call 02381 040269 to find out more.

Get Certified with ISO Accelerator

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ISO Accelerator recently became a member of the British Standards Institute (BSI).

We promised that BSI membership would enable us to pass on a variety of benefits to our customers, and we're pleased to announce that BSI are currently promoting a 20% discount on BS EN ISO 9001 - Quality Management Systems.

This discount is available until the end of July. Purchasing the ISO 9001:2015 standard is the first step to achieving ISO 9001 certification.

Read More: What is ISO 9001?

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