When ISO 9000 is implemented in an organization:

• Well defined and documented procedures improve the consistency of output
• Quality is constantly measured
• Procedures ensure corrective action is taken whenever defects occur
• Defect rates decrease
• Defects are caught earlier and are corrected at a lower cost
• Defining procedures identifies current practices that are obsolete or inefficient
• Documented procedures are easier for new employees to follow
• Organizations retain or increase market share, increasing sales or revenues

ISO 9000 forces an organization to focus on "how they do business". Each procedure and work instruction must be documented and thus, becomes the springboard for Continuous Improvement.

Documented processes are the basis for repetition and help eliminate variation within the process. As variation is eliminated, efficiency improves. As efficiency improves, the cost of quality is reduced.

With the development of solid Corrective and Preventative measures, permanent, company-wide solutions to quality problems are found.

ISO 9000:

• Increase access to international markets
• Maintain consistently dependable processes
• Guarantee less wasted time, materials, and efforts

For any company, ISO 9000 is a major undertaking in time, commitment, and money. The only way to be sure you are proceeding in a prudent manner is to arm yourself with knowledge about the process.