The aim of any company is undoubtedly to grow its business. No matter what sector it operates in. To achieve this, a number of factors need to be taken into account. However, it is particularly important to constantly seek better solutions to improve performance. To guide you in this direction, you can refer to the Quality Management System (QMS). The main aim of this approach is to maintain a certain level of excellence in all tasks performed.

It’s also a way of ensuring that every process carried out, every method applied and every skill used is always consistent and delivers the best possible results. This practice applies to all aspects of company management. Marketing, communications, human resources, logistics… nothing can be left to chance. As a general rule, it is based on 7 fundamental principles, based on the ISO 9001:2015 standard. (There were 8 for the 2008 edition).

A few words on quality management

The development of an organization, whatever its size, lies in its ability to attract new customers. Quality Management System (QMS) is there to help you achieve this goal. In fact, this very specific management and control technique ensures that every interaction with the customer is accompanied by quality services and offerings. But the truth is, this process begins long before that. That is, from the planning of the steps to be taken right up to the first exchange with the customer. That’s why it’s often said that quality management plays a fundamental role in achieving objectives.

It would be a shame not to make the most of every decision you make. After all, the cost of resolving problems and errors will be higher than the cost of avoiding them altogether. By ensuring quality right from the outset of your strategy, you can be sure of minimizing unnecessary expenditure that you could well do without. Once again, it’s the ISO 9000 series of standards that provides all the requirements for a quality management system.

It describes in very precise terms the keys to successful and comprehensive management. It is a kind of guideline that will show you the right path to follow. Of course, its main advantage is that it can be applied to any business sector. No matter where in the world you’re located. What’s more, your company can receive ISO 9001 certification as proof of its effective quality management system. Needless to say, this (internationally applicable) recognition is far more likely to boost your sales.

The benefits of QMS

There are many advantages to implementing a QMS within your company. Of course, it’s the easiest way to ensure that your organization’s objectives are met. But it’s also an alternative that will make project management much easier. You’ll be better able to coordinate the actions of every employee and every department. It’s also a not inconsiderable solution for regulating quality processes in a coherent and effective way. From the manufacture of a high-value-added product to the targeted sales process.

This is where quality management will enable you to offer services that your customers really need. You’ll be able to meet their expectations. Which means you’ll be able to ensure a return on investment. What’s more, you’ll considerably reduce the risk of errors. For one thing, you already know the steps to follow. All you have to do is apply them to your business. Your customers will get top-quality products and services. And that, in turn, will create new opportunities.

All the conditions are in place for you to achieve your goals. Thanks to the quality management system. In addition, other benefits of a well-established quality culture can include, among others:

Greater efficiency and better resource management;
Increased productivity in the workplace;
Better understanding of customer needs;
Successful regulation of work practices;
Better risk management;
Reduced risk of demotivation in the workplace;
Better internal and external communication;
Increased profits;
Reduced costly errors;
And faster business expansion.

The seven principles of quality management

Today, over a million companies in nearly 170 countries around the world hold ISO 9001 certification. Don’t worry, it’s not compulsory. In fact, it’s an independent body (Dekra Certification) that issues the accreditation. However, obtaining this recognition could prove extremely beneficial to your organization. It would be the start of a virtuous circle that could make a real difference. But enough of this blather, let’s get down to the 7 fundamental principles that make up the QMS.

CUSTOMER ORIENTATION
The first characteristic to be taken into account in quality management is customer satisfaction. “It’s not the employer who pays the wages, but the customer”. This quote from Henry Ford says it all. Indeed, without customers, your company simply cannot be viable. So it’s crucial to always deliver what customers want. In this process, you need to be proactive. You need to define your customers’ and prospects’ needs in advance.

You must devote your energy to finding the best solutions to ensure customer satisfaction. This is the first step in quality management, since profitability depends on it. Only then can you design offers and services that meet consumer expectations. Your brand image is at stake. So it’s also important to learn how to delegate. Entrust this task to an expert, if need be.

MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT
Leadership development is just as important in ensuring a strong quality culture. And this responsibility falls to the manager. In fact, he or she will act as a guide to show his or her team the right way. The commitment of the hierarchy is therefore very important in quality management. It goes without saying that the manager’s main role is to succeed in uniting all team members around the same goal. In doing so, everyone works towards the company’s objectives. It also ensures greater cohesion within the organization.

The same applies to the definition and consolidation of corporate values. It’s vital that all employees share the same vision, as this is the very reason for your existence. And you need to guide them to do so. Hence the importance of hierarchy in the quality management system. That’s why you also need to emphasize your ability to federate as a manager, in addition to knowing how to delegate. In any case, always apply positive management to increase your efficiency.

EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
To be more effective, you need to focus not only on your responsibilities as a manager. It’s also essential to consider the satisfaction of your employees. Each of them plays a major role. And it’s how they work together that keeps the company moving forward. So consider this too, for successful quality management.

Make sure you create a professional environment where they can develop their potential. Trust them. Learn to delegate. This will encourage them to become actively involved. They’ll be more likely to contribute to your organization’s success. After all, “A company cannot demand loyalty from its employees: it must earn it. “(Charles Handy.) You can use positive manipulation to help, if necessary.

THE PROCESS APPROACH
The process approach emphasizes the effectiveness and efficiency of a company’s actions. This fourth principle of quality management focuses on harmonized implementation. All team members know what they have to do. And they can anticipate risks to avoid them. This not only makes problem-solving easier, it also makes them less likely to occur.

This approach also makes it possible to complete each assignment in a shorter timeframe. Costs are also reduced, and losses minimized. Of course, knowing how to delegate is an essential key in this respect. But developing your listening skills is just as important for quality management. This is what will enable you to satisfy your employees’ needs so that they are always more productive.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Continuous improvement must be one of the main concerns of any organization. This means being able to create opportunities in every situation, or seizing them at the right moment. We need to reinforce our ability to adapt to a new market or any context. This goal of excellence also applies to every detail of management. Improving the offer, improving customer satisfaction, improving the working environment, improving the process… All the previous elements of quality management must be taken into account. Once again, it’s vital to learn how to delegate, so that each employee can contribute his or her talents effectively.

FACT-BASED DECISION-MAKING
Applying a fact-based approach to decision-making is another major element of the QMS. In fact, it’s vitally important to always base your actions on proven, accurate facts. You need to conduct objective studies and analyses to gain a deeper understanding of your field of intervention. This is a key stage in quality management. Indeed, it is this increased understanding that will provide you with the opportunity to identify obstacles and work around them.

It will also make it easier for you to identify opportunities. In other words, you’ll simply be able to organize your work more effectively. You’ll be able to think strategically, which will pay off every time. Uncertainties will no longer make you doubt your decisions. On the contrary, you’ll be able to draw on past experience to anticipate future events.

UTILIZING SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS
Quality management must also take into account the company’s relationships with all its stakeholders. These include suppliers, partners and even financial institutions. Their involvement can play an important role in building a profitable organization. That’s why you need to maintain a relationship with them that can be mutually beneficial. A good understanding is the key to successful collaboration. You’ll be better able to achieve the financial goals you’ve set yourself. This in turn will strengthen your brand image with consumers. And the virtuous circle will naturally repeat itself.

Quality management, the secret of a successful strategy

In order to set up a comprehensive and effective QMS, it’s important to regularly audit your company’s performance. This is how you’ll be able to identify weak points to improve or strong points to maintain. By doing so, it will probably be easier to ensure the development of your business. It also simplifies management and quality control. And this applies both to your offers and services and to the satisfaction of your employees.

In any case, a successful quality management system requires the ability to delegate. Work on this to improve your performance. Another essential quality of a good manager is unfailing self-confidence. This will enable you to move forward with conviction, assurance and certainty. It’s the secret to leading your team to success.