UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 certification with SIDEIUS
SIDEIUS has obtained UNI EN ISO IEC 17021 accreditation and can now certify companies for 9001:2015, through the VALOR brand
By obtaining UNI CEI EN ISO IEC 17021 accreditation from ACCREDIA, the SIDEIUS Certification Body, through the VALOR brand, has the opportunity to certify quality management systems under UNI EN ISO 9001:2015, one of the most globally recognized standards that enables companies to implement effective processes and continuously improve the quality of their products and services. We interviewed the head of the SIDEIUS Certification Body, Daniela Lucà, who explained the advantages of obtaining this important Certification.
SIDEIUS has achieved accreditation 17021. What does this achievement concretely mean for the company and your customers?
Gaining 17021 accreditation from ACCREDIA is an important recognition for us. It means that we can operate as an accredited Certification Body and certify companies’ Quality Management Systems according to the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standard. For our clients, this translates into the possibility of obtaining a certification issued by a qualified body, with an approach based on competence, transparency and concreteness.
Why should a company certify to ISO 9001? What are the concrete benefits?
ISO 9001 certification is an international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS); it defines the requirements that a company must meet to demonstrate its ability to provide products and services that consistently meet current regulations. However, having ISO 9001 certification is not just a formal requirement, but a real tool for business growth. Among the main benefits are:
- Improved quality and operational efficiency through more structured and controlled processes;
- Increased customer satisfaction because it ensures products and services meet high standards;
- Access to new markets, as certification is often a requirement by customers and suppliers;
- Operational efficiency, in that a well-designed and implemented QMS can improve operational efficiency by reducing waste and optimizing resources;
- Reputation and credibility, demonstrating the company’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
What are the steps to obtain ISO 9001 certification? How long does the process take?
The ISO 9001 certification process consists of the set of activities required to assess the suitability of the Quality Management System implemented by the organization seeking certification. The certification process follows several stages:
- Submission of certification application: the company applying for ISO 9001 certification to our ODC receives the certification application to be filled out to start the process.
- Stage 1 Audit – Document Review: the company applying for certification provides all documentation on its Quality System, which will then be carefully reviewed by the designated auditor.
- Stage 2 audit: in this second stage, compliance with all requirements of the regulatory scheme being certified is examined.
- Issue of certification: if both audits are passed, the Certification Body issues ISO 9001 certification, which has a duration of 3 years
- Surveillance and Renewal: every year from the date of first certification, Surveillance Audits must be carried out. At the third year the Certification expires and it is possible to renew it.
The timeframe varies depending on the level of readiness of the company: an already structured entity may achieve certification in a few months, while an organization that has yet to implement the system may take longer.
What happens if problems arise during the audit?
If very serious nonconformities occur during the audit, the requesting company has a few days to propose an action plan to deal with the issue that has arisen. The Certification Body may also issue Observations and/or Comments, which, on the other hand, do not require immediate treatment, but are still situations to be monitored.
Once certification is obtained, what must a company do to maintain it?
ISO 9001 Certification is not a final goal, but a path to continuous improvement. There are annual surveillance audits to verify that the company is maintaining the required standards and three-year renewal of the Certification. SIDEIUS, through the VALOR brand, also supports clients in managing any regulatory updates or company changes that may impact the management system.
Advice for a company considering ISO 9001 Certification?
ISO 9001 certification should not be seen as a bureaucratic obligation, but as an opportunity for growth. It may seem like a complex path, but with the right support it becomes an added value for the company. Our goal at VALOR is just that: to accompany companies clearly and effectively, making certification a concrete advantage for their competitiveness.