Should Supplier Requirements Include an ISO Certification?
Selecting suppliers to support your development effort does not need to be a grueling process. Designating supplier requirements for preferred vendors can help expedite the selection process and lead you to a valuable, qualified partner. Required vendor criterion may vary from project to project. This video helps specify key requirements when searching for a software engineering supplier.
If you need software development related assistance, we can help. Please schedule a complementary consultation with one of our consultants.
How Do You Choose the Best Vendor for your Company?
Supplier vetting and selection can be a grueling process – especially if the company in question is fresh and new to your organization. Without a trusted referral or past performance to rely on, what measures can you take to ensure your suppliers meet your approval? Organizations focused on delivering high-reliability products and systems often seek suppliers that are experts in their field. This means vendor or supplier selection may require a high level of scrutiny. As you get into the supplier selection process, what supplier requirements can you implement to ensure your trusted suppliers have what it takes successfully deliver work product?
How do ISO Requirements Prove a Vendor Reliable?
Consider applicable certifications that may directly impact your organization and product or service. If quality is of high importance when vetting vendors, the International Organization for Standardization has numerous standards in which companies may become certified to. Many of the standards and associated certifications require organizations to develop a Quality Management System – or an organized system of documented business processes – to align with said ISO Standard requirements and controls. Strong Quality Management Systems required for the ISO 9001 certification must include elements focused on the organization’s continual improvement and attention to client satisfaction.
Would you agree that your satisfaction as a client should be a high priority for your supplier?
Jim Gossard, PSI’s Director of Quality Assurance, highlights a few important characteristics of an ISO 9001 certified supplier:
Interview with Jim 💬
ISO 9001 Suppliers Serving Clients
“Jim – can you share why ISO 9001 suppliers with a process-oriented approach may better serve their clients, especially as it relates to software development?”
Process-Oriented Approach
“A process-oriented approach provides consistency throughout the project lifecycle by making use of standard operating procedures which have been reviewed and approved many times – as continuous improvements are made to each standard operating procedure over time.
Also, a ISO 9001 certified company understands the importance of a process-based approaches which incorporates Plan-Do-Check-Act and risk-based thinking.”
Clear Communication
“In addition, clear communication between employees, management, and clients is a benefit of an ISO certified company. Standard operating procedures keep everyone on the same page.”
Competence
“An ISO certification also provides competence. Persons are competent based on appropriate education, training, or experience.
Evidence-based decision-making helps the company make well informed decisions about policies, programs, and projects.”
Minimizes Room for Error
“Withholding an ISO certification also minimizes room for error, so the client receives a product of higher quality.”
ISO 13485 Suppliers Serving Clients
“Thanks, Jim. Another excellent ISO standard that directly impacts medical device manufacturers is ISO 13485. This standard is focused on services relating to medical devices consistently meeting customer and applicable regulatory requirements.”
If you’re a medical device OEM – or involved in medical device product development in any way – would you prefer that your suppliers know the regulatory intricacies as it relates to their specific service? As a software engineering firm working on designing and developing medical device software systems, PSI has achieved ISO 13485:2016 certification so as to add an increased level of value to our clients.”
Benefits of Hiring ISO 13485 Supplier
“Jim – what are some of the value adds an organization can experience from hiring an ISO 13485 certified supplier?”
Ensure Quality Products
“Certification to 13485 shows our clients that Precision Systems, Inc. takes quality very seriously, and that we have a system in place to ensure it.
We have the practices and resources in place to assist our clients turn an idea into a successful product.”
Efficient, Effective, Compliant Processes
“Precision Systems, Inc. tried, and tested practices define our company’s quality control, so the client reaps the benefits of efficient, effective, and compliant processes.”
Analysis & Assessment
“With ongoing analysis and assessment, we can review our current processes and identify ways to reduce errors and minimize the consequences of problems.”
Reliability
The certification comes from an official body – that official body also needs to be audited itself.
Ensure Confidence in Client with High Standards
Can further ensure confidence in client or partner company since requirements processes are held to a very high standard.”
“Thanks to Jim for sharing this information and the benefits of ISO-certified suppliers. While there are many other ISO and industry standards that may be directly applicable to your business, we encourage you to explore which certifications may help vet or select valuable suppliers for your organization. “
If you’re seeking a software engineering firm with certifications to ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 13485:2016, PSI meets the criteria. We would be pleased to discuss how PSI can be of service to your organization.
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