Heavy emphasis on documentation-The ISO 9000 certification process relies heavily on documentation of internal operating procedures in many areas, and as Meyer stated, "many say ISO's exacting documentation requirements gobble up time.
Indeed, according to a 1996 Quality Systems Update survey, the average cost of ISO certification for small firms (those registering less than $11 million in annual sales) was $71,000. Funding for establishing the quality system is inadequate-Critics of ISO 9000 contend that achieving certification can be a very costly process, especially for smaller firms.Owners and managers do not have an adequate understanding of the ISO 9000 certification process or of the quality standards themselves-Some business owners have been known to direct their company's resources toward ISO 9000 registration, only to find that their incomplete understanding of the process and its requirements results in wasted time and effort.Attractiveness to investors-Business consultants and small business owners alike agree that ISO-9000 certification can be a potent tool in securing funding from venture capital firms.Reduction of product-liability risks-Many business experts contend that companies that achieve ISO 9000 certification are less likely to be hit with product liability lawsuits, etc., because of the quality of their processes.It also helps heighten awareness of quality issues among employees.
Improved customer service-The process of securing ISO 9000 registration often serves to refocus company priorities on pleasing their customers in all respects, including customer service areas.Improved internal communication-The ISO 9000 certification process's emphasis on self-analysis and operations management issues encourages various internal areas or departments of companies to interact with one another in hopes of gaining a more complete understanding of the needs and desires of their internal customers.In addition, by seeking and securing ISO 9000 certification, companies can provide their clients with the opportunity to tout their suppliers' dedication to quality in their own business dealings.