We are often asked if it is possible to obtain ISO 9001 for small sole proprietorships and freelance jobs. The answer is yes. ISO 9001 is primarily a standard in which the complexity of the management system depends on the size of the company and the self-employment.
Requirements of ISO 9001 standard
All organizations use the same standard requirements for ISO 9001. For many things, you as an organization have to decide how useful documentary information, such as methods, is. It is often sufficient for a sole proprietorship to provide ISO 9001 certification through registration and a form. This means that it requires less organization and is mostly a matter of doing it. Therefore, small and individual businesses and independents can obtain and benefit from ISO 9001 and implement its benefits.
Benefits of obtaining ISO 9001 for small businesses (single) or self-employed
Implementing and implementing a management system properly does not only have the advantage that you can easily verify it and thereby show that you are thinking about sufficient confidence in the quality of your organization. The management system also helps you to think about your company annually. For example, by conducting a SWOT analysis, think about your organization’s risks and set your goals for the new year. ISO 9001 can be a great help to your structure, especially if your goal is growth.
What are the problems of implementing ISO 9001 for small (single) or self-employed businesses?
There are many problems when implementing ISO 9001 that can lead to deviation during external inspection or failure to obtain ISO certification . Here are some important ones:
Non-authentication using documented information
This standard requires provable implementation in different parts of the standard using documented information; Even if this documentary information is not directly needed and you can explain it orally, it is necessary to control this documentary information; Therefore, make sure that you have all the required documentary information.
Disagreement on the method of work
How to carry out activities is often described in detail. This process description is then very detailed. In practice, however, you always do things more efficiently or adjust processes quickly, regardless of the process described. That’s why it’s important to record as little detail as possible in the management system. As a sole proprietor or an independent individual, it is enough to describe the executive processes in short form, so as not to force yourself too much into some rules.
Limited use of version management
Sometimes, when implementing your management system, but also for your work, sometimes create new documents in a different format, without any version management. For ISO 9001, it is important to apply version management in a structured manner. This can be done with the help of fixed formats, in which the version number is set by default when changing a document.
No independent internal audit
Internal audit (internal audit) of the management system should be performed annually. One of the requirements is that this be done independently, that is, you do not conduct an internal audit of your own work; So you need someone else’s support. You can hire an outsider to do the final review or do it with the help of a colleague; Provided you are not an internal auditor.
Spoil things
As a self-employed person or self-employed person, you should have few complaints. Therefore, it is possible that no complaints or abnormalities will be found in a year. This is realistic! You do not have to file a complaint or anomaly even if it did not happen. Be realistic and record only what really happened.