ISO 9001:2000 is the International Quality Management Standard

In its broadest sense, quality is a degree of excellence: the extent to which something (Product or service) is ‘fit for its purpose’ In the narrow sense, product or service quality is defined as conformance with requirement, freedom from defects or contamination, or simply a degree of customer satisfaction. In quality management, quality is defined as the totality of characteristics of a product or service that bears on its ability to satisfy stated and implied needs.

Benefits gained from adopting a quality management system that meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2000:

• A requirement for suppliers to some companies and organisations
• Improved productivity and efficiency, leading to cost reductions
• Higher customer satisfaction levels through improved consistency of service/product performance
• Improved customer perception of the organisation's image, culture and performance
• An understanding by staff of what is expected of them and each other through improved communication, morale and job satisfaction
• Competitive advantage and the potential for increased marketing and sales opportunities